Putting registration info. on baby shower invites?

[GEM]

I am hosting a baby shower for a close friend and I was wondering if I should include on the invitations information about where she is registered. My mom says absolutely not, but I don't think there is anything wrong with it since a shower, by it's nature, is a gift-giving occasion. That's the whole point of a shower and everybody knows it. Now, don't get me wrong, I hate it when I see registration information included on wedding invitations, but I don't have a problem with it on shower invitations (bridal or baby). What do you think? Is it alright to include it, or not?

 

[Michelle]

I think it's FINE, it helps the gift givers immensely! Everyone coming is going to bring a gift, that's pretty much a given, so I don't think it's tacky in the least. I just got an invitation to my cousin's wife's baby shower and it had the stores where they are registered.

I agree, it does not belong on a WEDDING invitation but it's fine for showers.

 

[cinlee3]

I don't think it is tacky to include registration info on a shower invitation.

 

[Denine]

I think it is fine to include it in a baby shower invitation. Everyone asked me where we were registered. The only thing was that only a couple of people actaully got us something we registered for.

 

[caitycaity]

http://www.parents.com/articles/pregnancy/1105.jsp?page=3

In any case, there are two hard-and-fast rules about registering for gifts: never include the registry info on the invitation (put it on a separate slip of paper or let interested guests inquire with the host), and never insist that guests use the registry (they should always have the option of giving whatever they like).

 

[cgcw]

Most definately, include the information.

I know things have improved over the years, but when I was pregnant with DS8, I registered at Toys R Us for all sorts of baby items. The day of my shower, I was already in the hospital because of complications, so DH was the mother and father of the baby-to-be. Anyway, when he came to the hospital after the shower was over, he told me not only did I get almost everything on the registry, but I got 4 bouncy seats, 4 car seats, 3 high chairs, 2 swings, and many, many littlier items which were duplicates. It took DH, my step-daughter and MIL 2 carts each to make the returns at Toys R Us. I'm sure it was a sight to be seen!

 

[Dopey Sharon]

I would include it, too. It's so much easier, when you're buying a gift for a shower, to be able to get the list from the kiosk and get exactly what they want. I wish this was available back when I got married and had kids!

 

[Kermit]

It's not only fine to include it--it's highly appreciated when you do. I do think that inserts with the information add a certain touch to the invites, but I don't think that they're at all tacky when it's written directly on the invitation, either.

 

[Fire14]

the host of my bridal shower placed it on invites not that anybody used it including my own mother, but that's another story in itself. I personally prefer knowing I can't tell you how many showers i've been too and had no clue of where they were registered or a way to ask them or host.

 

[Mskanga]

I don't have a problem with the fact that people sign up in a registry , but I do have a problem that some people pick things not caring how much they are, I had a good example, one of my dh's cousin having the first baby, can you tell me why did they need a closed circuit TV in the nursery to watch the baby? that was in the registry list and it was over $200 bucks! For the most part people bought their own things , they all realized that the mother to be was asking for a little too much.

 

[mtemm]

I wish I had a closed circuit right now! Daniel wakes up if I dare to open his door and just look in, let alone walk in and get a good look into the crib.

I had some expensive things on my registry, but I had things from a variety of price-ranges...mostly more inexpensive stuff. Some relatives will give pricier things...they want to. But I certainly didn't expect others to do so!

I was lucky in that 90% of my gifts were from my registry. Our friends have all been starting families and they KNOW.

If your friend is registered at babies-r-us (or toys-r-us) make sure she enables in on-line. Its awesome to adjust! Plus, some people like to shope that way.

I don't think people really mind having registry info in shower invites. Mine weren't, but everyone called my mom, my mil, or my sister's for the info.

 

[nkjzmom]

Where do you put it if not on the invitation? Just slip in an extra piece of paper?

I appreciate registries because it gives me somewhere to start when looking for a gift....but I usually add a little something all my own and personal to the relationship. And I am big on small groups getting together to purchase some of those high cost items. I have never registered for any occasion myself....just always enjoyed surprises more!

 

[jrmasm]

Registries are fine (and very helpful) but putting the information in the invitation...NO WAY, that is unbelievably tacky for any occasion!!!

Everyone invited should be calling the host/hostess to RSVP. The pertinent information can be given then.

I thought that I had seen it all until about 2 years ago when DD received a birthday invitation complete with registry information (6th birthday).

 

[ennazus]

I don't think it's appropriate to put in the invitation. I DO think it is appropriate to tell people where she is registered when they RSVP and ask if we have any ideas as to what to get them.

 

[piratesmate]

The 1st time I saw this, I was a little appalled. Of course there was only one registry (Macy's) & everything was rather expensive.

That was a number of years ago & simply outside my experience. Now I am glad to find the registry info included with an invitation...especially when items can be viewed on-line. I don't feel obligated to purchase items on the registry, but it's nice to be able to view the kind of items the person might like. It helps with color schemes, general style, etc. JMHO

Deb

 

[snoopy]

I thought that I had seen it all until about 2 years ago when DD received a birthday invitation complete with registry information (6th birthday).

Unbelievably tacky. Last time we were in Toys-R-Us I saw that registry for birthdays and wondered how many spoiled kids would be using it.

I am not a fan of putting the registry in the invitation, but these days, it seems to be the thing to do.

 

[Dodie]

How is this tacky? If you're coming to the shower (baby or wedding), you're coming and you're going to bring a gift, right? Providing information on what is actually needed and desired (registry info) is a wonderful plus!

Putting this information on an actual wedding invitation is totally different - and tacky. Bringing a gift to a wedding is not the reason one attends.

 

[Shannon G]

I think it is fine to include the registry information on a shower invitation - be it a baby shower or a bridal shower. I do think that it is tacky to include it in a wedding invitation. The distinction I would make is that the shower invitation is coming from a friend or family member, who is in effect saying let's have a party and give gifts to so-and-so...in that case I think it's appropriate to give guests a bit of "help" in choosing the gift. A wedding invitation, on the other hand, comes from the individuals themselves, and it is inappropriate for them to ask their guests for gifts. To me, it's the difference between, for example, my mother and grandmother getting together and saying "Shannon's getting married/having a baby (whatever), let's get her X" and ME saying to them, "Hey, I'm getting married, why don't you go out and buy me X?"

 

[piratesmate]

Originally posted by Shannon G
. . . . . To me, it's the difference between, for example, my mother and grandmother getting together and saying "Shannon's getting married/having a baby (whatever), let's get her X" and ME saying to them, "Hey, I'm getting married, why don't you go out and buy me X?"

Exactly! Very tacky in the wedding invitation/announcement. (Which, now that I think about it, is how I 1st saw this.)

Deb

 

[jrmasm]

While gifts at showers are common and even expected would you refuse entry to someone that showed up without a gift? It's not all about the gift. It's also about gathering friends and family to celebrate.

No mention of gifts in any context should ever be found in an invitation for any event (unless related to fundraising).

If it's acceptable to put registry information in an invitation then would it be tacky for a slip of paper to be included with invitations that says "in lieu of gifts the bride and groom request cash". Of course!