Putting together guest list for my host

lann1068 · August 2012

Should I include siblings and close relatives on that list although I know that they will most likely not be able to attend (living on the other side of the country for example)? I want them to feel included and thought of but I don't want to appear gift grabby. TIA!

moonglow_84 · August 2012

I would still include them in the invite list, only because they are close relatives. I wouldn't do it if they were distant relatives or friends I haven't seen in a long time. Who knows, they may be happy to come and celebrate the new baby!

BLPL101 · August 2012

All of DH's family lives in Iowa and the shower is in CA. I'm not including them because I don't want to appear gift grabby.

chicagobridelibby · August 2012

It's hard to say, and depends on your family. I was not planning on sending an invite to my aunt in VA as we are in Chicago, and my mom was telling me that I really should, and I went through the whole not wanting to seem like I was asking for things-and finally, after a little talking she let me know that she was planning on coming here for it, so I had to invite her. Bottom line, you never know what people are planning on doing-so it is nice to invite them, and if they can't come, and don't send a gift, then that is ok too.

graciesmurf · August 2012

I've always heard that a baby shower should be viewed as a birthday party. Would you invite your sisters/relatives to a birthday party you know they won't be able to attend?

You can send your family birth announcements for them to feel included.

Tiger269 · August 2012

I had the same dliemma and, after talking to some of the family, decided it will just be best to invite everyone. I find it more rude to selectively exclude people (like invite some aunts but not others under the assumption that they won't come), so it may be better to just include everyone. But I guess it is up to how your family works. From reading several related posts on here it seems that many people get offended by being invited to a shower that they cannot attend. Everyone's family is different.Good luck!

lann1068 · August 2012

Thank you everyone for your input! I think that I will definitely send invites to my sisters, SIL and MIL. I think that they would all like to at least see the invitation since they all live so far away. SIL/brother may be flying out for the event.

1026pumpkin · August 2012

I don't think it's rude if it's immediate family that you see on a regular basis, as PPs mentioned, they may very well plan to combine your shower with a trip to visit. I wouldn't send them to extended family, friends, etc.- that's when it starts to look ridiculous.