Inviting Long Distance Friends And Family

by Rachel
(United States)

I am hosting, with two other friends, a baby shower for our dear friend who is expecting her first. We are not sure what to do about inviting guests we know are too far away to attend.

Is it rude to invite them - does it just seem like a none-too-clever request for another gift? Is it rude NOT to invite them? Should we just invite them and let them make their own decisions? Thanks for any help you can offer!

Our Answer:

Hi Rachel. Thanks for your etiquette question. It would be best to invite than to not invite and hurt feelings.

Giving guests the opportunity to show up if they would like is very considerate and most likely will not look like a money grab. I get invitations all the time from out of town baby showers. You would not be breaking any etiquette rules by doing so.

If the out of town guests have questions they can always contact you from the RSVP information.

Good Luck with planning the shower!