Formal Shower

• To allow party guests plenty of time to prepare for a formal baby shower, send out invitations six to eight weeks in advance of the shower. A formal baby shower will likely require guests to arrange childcare, select an appropriate outfit and purchase a gift. Guests will be grateful for the early notice.
  
  

Informal Shower

• If the baby shower will be casual, send the baby shower invitations out just two to four weeks before the party. With a more informal affair, guests likely will not need as much time for preparation. However, giving them several weeks of notice allows them to schedule it into their calendars.
  
  

Out of Town Guests

• If you are inviting any guests out of town or out of state, inform them of the baby shower date as soon as it is set. Although you do not need to send a formal invitation at this time, a simple telephone call or email allows them to plan for the occasion and make travel arrangements. Follow up with a formal invitation when you send them out to all.