Remember all of those weddings you were in a couple years back? Well, if they haven't already popped one out, chances are that babies are in the near future. Hosting a baby shower is fun but if you don't have a child of your own, hosting your first shower might seem a little foreign. Here are a few basic tips for baby shower etiquette that you may not know:

Timing and Inviting

Showers are usually given four to six weeks before the baby's due date. Parents who receive gifts in advance of the birth have the advantage of knowing what additional items they'll need to buy or borrow.

Invitations are sent out three weeks before the shower. Gift information is never listed on the invitation itself, but it's fine to mention the nursery colors {or theme} or the gender of the baby. Traditionally, the host should be prepared to give gift suggestions and nowadays it's acceptable to include baby registry information on a separate enclosure.

Gifts

While registering for shower gifts at a store or online is practical and time-saving for the parents-to-be and guests alike, many people feel that a registry list robs a shower of its charm. Guests should always feel free to choose whatever gifts they think are best, and half the fun of giving and receiving presents is the element of surprise.

Thank you notes

Thank you notes should be written for baby shower gifts, and the wise expectant mother or father writes them as soon as possible. Even when the giver has been enthusiastically thanked in person and has told the new parent not to bother with a note, a note is still always appreciated, if not a must.

*Etiquette tips courtesy of Emily Post

*Photos courtesy of The Cake Blog; Laura Ashbrook Photography; Real Simple; Etsy