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While you can, of course, get on phone and simply call everyone, or even e-mail invitations, it's probably best to mail out formal invitations. An attractive invitation may become a keepsake for those close to expectant mother.
While there are certainly a myriad number of local places to purchase pre-packaged greeting cards, such as Hallmark stores, Kmart, Wal-Mart and like, it may be difficult to find cards consistent with any theme you've chosen for baby shower.
If you or your helper is creative, however, you could write and design invitations yourself. Plenty of low cost greeting card software is available. Greeting Card Factory, at $29.95, for example, provides 5000 ready-made cards, 25,000 graphics to create your own customized card, 3400 already-prepared sentimental messages and more than 300 fonts. You can search online for greeting card software or make a quick trip to Office Max, Staples or similar suppliers and browse their many options.
Your invitations should include following:
[+] Who party is for (and don't forget to name dad too). [+] Your name as host, and your phone number for directions. [+] Your address. [+] The day, date and time of baby shower. [+] The theme of party. [+] RSVP card with self-addressed stamped envelope. [+] Do give guidance on dress - just a simple, "formal attire," "casual attire," "pool party," or "costumes welcome." [+] You might even make gift suggestions. If, however, you have a theme, you could just suggest that theme-related gifts would be fun and let your guests use their imagination.
Don't forget to mail those invitations out early - at least six weeks ahead of time is rule of thumb.
Anita Chaperon is the editor of My Free Baby Shower Games - a free website resource dedicated to providing information on tons of free baby shower party games, decorations, invitation, baby shower themes and much more.