As we are in the midst of "shower season" below are some guidelines for
creating a party that pays tribute to the future bride, mother-to-be,
etc. and shows consideration for all involved.
Send invitations 3-4 weeks in advance of the event.
A written invitation is preferred over a telephone call as it has a
more personal touch; (an email invitation is not appropriate);
also, guests can save the invitation as a memento, and they have the
information at their fingertips. Be sure to include an RSVP date.
Set up the registry at only one store.
This will reduce gift duplication and, thus, awkwardness on the
part of the guest-of-honor as well as disappointment for the guests
who shopped carefully for the "perfect gift".
RSVP:
Although this French phrase translates into "Respond, if you please"
it is wise for an invitee to consider it RP: "Respond promptly".
It is easy to set an invitation aside, intending to address it later.
But too often, "later' becomes "too late". (So many people neglected to
respond to a friend's wedding invitation that when the caterer requested
a final count, she had to call invitees and ask "Are you coming?")
Respond within a day or two, if possible. If that is not possible,
post a reminder to your Outlook calendar, on the refrigerator -
anywhere you will see it. Be mindful of the RSVP date.
Be prompt. I was once hired to perform at a baby shower.
The guests were told to arrive at 1:00. The hostess asked me to start at
1:15. Particularly as this was a surprise, she could not imagine guests
would arrive late! (And, she was right!)
Dress up. Attire sends a powerful message. As such,
dress in a way that respects both the host and the guest of honor.
A dress, skirt, or pair of dressy pants says that you consider the event
and the people involved important; it was worth the time and trouble to dress up
(unless the invitation states otherwise).
Go with the flow. Although a shower offers a plethora of opportunities to chat,
if the host has an agenda, it is the guests' responsibility to follow it. So,
if there is entertainment: games a storyteller, etc., direct your focus
towards that activity. Holding side conversations is a distraction for
other guests. Also, the hostess has planned entertainment
as a thoughtful gesture for her guests as well as the guest-of-honor.
The gracious guest understands this and acts considerately.
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Confident
