Baby Shower Invitation RSVP

R.S.V.P. is the abbreviation for the French phrase respondez s'il vous plait, meaning "answer if it pleases you". In other words, let us know if you will be coming to the party or not.

Unfortunately, even when RSVP information is included on the invitation, some people forget to respond. You'll opften have to followup on your own by calling the invited guests you haven't heard from. It's better to do this than to plan for a small number of people and have more guests show up than expected.

When the guests RSVP, they often ask what the Mother of Honor needs for the baby. Some of the larger department stores have registries for baby gifts. It is up to the Mother of Honor to decide whether she wants to use these services. If she does, then you can tell the guests which store she is registered at. Otherwise, to avoid duplication of gifts, ask the Mother of Honor exactly what she needs for the baby. You can then convey the needed items to the guests as they RSVP. Some common necessities are receiving blankets, baby towels and washcloths, diapers, diaper bag, t-shirts, sleepers, bibs and bottles.

If there is a larger more expensive item the mother needs, such as a stroller or car seat, you can suggest two or three guests go in on the gift. Some more unusual gifts include film, a picture frame, a savings bond, a subscription to a parenting magazine, a gift certificate for a diaper service, or IOUs for baby sitting or house cleaning.