When you get an RSVP for a baby shower, respond in a timely manner to allow the host to plan accordingly. If you need to change your response, contact the host and inform them as soon as possible. If you can’t attend, send a gift or a note of congratulations.
Table of Contents
1. Why RSVP?
Responding to a baby shower invitation on time is crucial. The host needs an accurate headcount to plan the event, including seating arrangements, food, and party favors.
Letting the host know whether or not you will attend is a basic courtesy. Ignoring the invitation or delaying your response can cause unnecessary stress and uncertainty for the host.
Parties have set a budget based on the number of guests attending, and failing to respond or responding late can lead to additional expenses, such as wasted food or unused party favors.
2. Don’t Miss The Deadline
Adhering to the deadline shows respect and consideration for the host’s event planning efforts. The host may have to rent a venue, hire staff, purchase supplies, and make other arrangements that depend on the guest list.
If guests fail to respond or miss the deadline, the host may have to estimate the number of attendees. This could lead to over or underestimation, resulting in a poorly executed event.
3. How To Respond
RSVP stands for “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” a French phrase that translates to “Please respond.” It’s a polite way of asking guests to let the host know if they will attend an event.
There are different ways to respond, and each has its advantages and disadvantages, such as:
- Email: With the prevalence of email today, this is a convenient way to respond. You can reply to the invitation email and let the host know whether or not you will be attending.
- Phone: You may prefer to call the host and tell them whether or not you will be attending. This can be a good option if you have any questions or concerns about the event.
- Mail: Although less common today, you may receive an invitation with a response card to mail back to the host.
Regardless of the method you choose, include the following information in your response:
- Your name: The host needs to know who is responding.
- The number of attendees: If you’re bringing a guest or your family, let the host know how many people will be attending.
- Additional information: If the host has requested additional information, such as dietary restrictions or song requests, make sure to include that as well.
4. Guest Etiquette
Conducting yourself respectfully and gracefully at a baby shower party shows your appreciation and support for the new parents-to-be. It helps to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for the other baby shower guests.
You can show respect by arriving on time a few minutes early and participating in the activities such as baby shower games. Before you leave, thank the host for the invitation and for hosting the baby shower. You can also send a thank-you note or message after the event. If you do, make sure to follow proper card-signing etiquette.
Never go to a baby shower empty-handed. Some popular baby shower gift ideas include baby clothes, diapers, toys, books, and blankets for the new baby. You can also ask the mom-to-be if they have a gift registry or any specific items they need.
5. Politely Decline The Invitation
You should inform the host if you cannot attend a baby shower. This allows the host to make necessary adjustments for catering, games, and other preparations and avoid any awkwardness or confusion on the day of the event.
If you need to decline a baby shower invitation, here are some tips to help you do so gracefully:
- Don’t wait until the last minute to decline the invitation. Respond as soon as possible, even if you’re unsure of your schedule.
- You don’t need to explain why you can’t attend, but you should be honest and polite in your response.
- Even if you can’t attend the baby shower, show your support and congratulations to the mother-to-be.
- If you can’t attend the baby shower, consider sending a gift or card to the parents-to-be.
6. Plus One Protocol
If the invitation does not mention anything about bringing a guest, it is best to assume that the invitation is only for the recipient. If the invitation allows guests or mentions that you can bring someone, it is acceptable to bring a plus one.
Let the shower host know you plan to bring a close friend or co-worker and ask if that is okay. Be prepared for the possibility that the host may be unable to accommodate additional guests due to space or budget constraints.
7. Confirming Your Attendance
Confirming your attendance at a baby shower party is important for several reasons.
- It helps the host to plan and prepare for the event accurately. If the host knows how many guests will be attending, they can ensure that there is enough food, drinks, and party favors for everyone.
- It shows the host that you appreciate their efforts and looking forward to attending their event.
Here are some tips on how to confirm your attendance and when to do it
- When you receive an invitation to a baby shower party, check your schedule and respond to the host as soon as possible.
- If the host requests that you respond through a particular method, such as email or phone call, make sure to use that method.
8. Changing Your RSVP
If you need to change your response to an invitation to a baby shower, let the host know as soon as possible.
Here are some tips on how to inform the host of the change:
- Be honest and straightforward when explaining the reason for the change.
- Let the host know as soon as possible that you cannot attend so they can make the necessary adjustments.
- Apologize for any inconvenience caused by your change in plans. Offer to help in any way you can.
9. Late RSVP
If you missed the response deadline for a baby shower, you should contact the host immediately. Apologize for your delay and ask if it is still possible for you to attend the baby shower.
If possible, explain the reason why you missed the deadline. For instance, you may have been out of town, swamped with work, or had a family emergency. Thank them for understanding and for including you in the celebration.
Confirm any details you missed, such as the date, time, location, and dress code. Ask for anything else you need to know or bring to the baby shower.
10. No RSVP
If you didn’t respond when you were invited to a baby shower, contact the host as soon as possible to let them know if you’ll attend.
Begin your message by apologizing for the delay in responding and any inconvenience it may have caused. If you’re unsure of your attendance, tell them you’re still considering it.
11. RSVPing For A Group
When RSVPing for a group, communicate with the host about the number of guests attending and their names.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Respond by the date requested: Make sure you respond to the invitation before the deadline so the host can plan accordingly.
- Specify the number of guests: This will help the host plan for seating, food, and other details.
- Provide the names of the guests: Names will help the host to prepare place cards or ensure there are enough party favors for everyone.
- Be gracious: Thank the host for inviting you to the baby shower.
How long should you give someone to RSVP for a baby shower?
The norm is a deadline of about 2-3 weeks before the baby shower date. This may vary depending on the event date and the number of planned guests.