Birth Announcement Etiquette

Trillium Paper, as Stork Grams, has printed over a million birth announcements! Let our experience assist you in creating a beautiful birth announcement to announce your special news.

We have gathered information and suggestions for you based on frequent questions from our clients throughout the years. We hope these will be of assistance to you as you plan and order your birth announcements. You will find helpful hints regarding when and to whom to send your birth announcements, what information to include in your announcement, text set up suggestions, and stationery etiquette. While etiquette expectations can be quite definite with wedding stationery for instance, birth announcements can be more flexible and incorporate your own personal touch on many different levels. Our custom text capability allows you much creativity and personalization when designing your birth announcements. These suggestions are here for your assistance as you choose how best to announce the wonderful arrival of your new baby. Review them, enter your custom text and choices on your order, and wait for the delivery of your keepsake birth announcements!

To whom should we send our birth announcement?

In planning your birth announcement, one of the first things you should consider is with whom you would like to share your news. Everyone is excited to hear of the arrival of a beloved little one, so we suggest you consider adding to your list family members, neighbors, friends, business associates, and if you are a family on the move, friends and colleagues in the towns in which you have lived. A birth announcement is a wonderful way to stay in touch and share the news of your growing family!

Should we send a photo of baby?

Many new parents enjoy sending a photo of their new baby, much to the delight of the announcement recipients. Trillium Paper offers many designer photo cards that incorporate your baby’s photo right in the announcement design allowing you to share both baby’s statistics and baby’s sweet face in one easy step! If you select one of our non-photo designs, it is very easy to slip one of your own prints in with the announcement. Our birth announcement designs are either 5” X 7” or 4 ½” X 6 ½”, so adding a 4” X 6” print of your new family to the envelope is a cinch.

When should we send our birth announcements? Can we receive our envelopes early?

Birth announcements are best sent as close as possible to baby’s birth, although any time up to six months is certainly acceptable. The first few weeks and months after a baby’s arrival are often hectic, so many parents find it helpful to receive their envelopes early before baby’s birth, and to also have their return address preprinted on the announcement envelopes. You can receive your envelopes early (and buy yourself some much needed time after baby comes!) by placing a preorder of your announcement. In this easy process, you choose your birth announcement, create as much of the announcement wording as you can, choose your quantity, and we do the rest! You will receive, via free ground shipping, your envelopes and a sample of your chosen announcement (photo announcements are not set up pre-birth, as there is not yet a photo of the baby, but your envelopes will be on their way). When baby comes, simply call or email us with your order ID number and baby’s statistics and your order will ship quickly, usually the next business day. Don’t feel pressured to know exactly every detail at preorder as many items – quantity, wording, even announcement choice – can be changed before we print your order. And, if your anticipated baby girl turns out to be a bouncing baby boy, it is no problem to simply choose a different birth announcement design. We are here to make it as easy as possible for you!

Is it necessary to write a personal note on each birth announcement?

Absolutely not! People, especially other parents, know how limited your time is in the period immediately after a baby’s birth. They will understand that you do not have the time (or the energy) to write a note on each birth announcement. Take a nap instead!

We have been blessed with adopting a child. Is it appropriate to send out announcements?

Of course! People are always delighted to hear of an addition to a family, regardless of whether baby grew under your heart or in it. Include baby’s name, birth date, adoption date, and the country or area from which baby was adopted. Even if “baby” is now an energetic toddler or preschooler, a joyful announcement of a family’s addition is always appropriate. Choose from any of our birth announcements and customize with your adoption announcement information!

Birth Announcement Wording Tips

The beauty of a custom printed birth announcement is that it can be personalized to reflect your personal style and taste. Please feel free to use these guidelines for general suggestions and add your own personal touch! All of our designs appear on our web site with sample text; if you are delighted with the sample, please refer to that set up when ordering your birth announcement and enter the text shown in your order text box, or choose your own wording for a more custom design.

What information should be included on a birth announcement?

Most people begin the text on their announcement with a short phrase, such as:

“We welcome with love”

“Pete and Mary are delighted to announce the arrival of”

“Someone special, Someone dear, Someone new to love is here!”

or a Bible verse:

“Every good and perfect gift comes from above . . . “

James 1:17

“From the fullness of his grace, we have received one blessing after another . . . ”

John 1:16

or a favorite sentiment:

“A baby fills a special place in your heart that you never knew was empty”

“Of all life’s miracles, the biggest ones come in the smallest packages”

“The most precious gifts are worth waiting for”

This is often followed by baby’s name, usually first and middle, or first, middle and last. Nicknames can also be added, and are usually listed in quotation marks on the line under baby’s formal name.

Important statistics to list on the birth announcement following baby’s name are:

• date of birth – use “Month day, year” format such as March 18, 2010
• time of birth – usually listed as 1:23 a.m. (or p.m.). If you prefer military time, simply enter that on your birth announcement order
• weight – usually listed as “7 pounds, 6 ounces”. Our raised print designs often suggest the use of “7 lbs., 6 oz.” If your baby’s weight is, for instance, 7 pounds even, we suggest the format of “7 pounds, 0 ounces”.
• length – list your baby’s length in inches. If baby’s length includes a fraction, you may list it as “19.5 inches” or “19 ½ inches”, whichever you prefer. (We can, of course, print whichever fraction accurately reports baby’s length – ¼, ½, ¾, etc. Just let us know!)

Baby’s information is followed by the names of the family announcing baby’s birth, such as

“John and Mary Williams,

and proud Big Brother Ethan”

or

“Bob, Sue, Travis, Cecelia, and Marty”

or may include a sign-off, such as

“The Proud Simpson Family,

Jeff, Emily, Tucker and Hannah”

In summary, a sample birth announcement might appear something like:

We welcome with love

John James

“Jack”

October 28, 2010

2:02 a.m.

8 pounds, 13 ounces

20 inches

John and Mary Kingsley

and proud Big Brother Ethan

-or-

Our home has grown by two feet!

Introducing

Hannah Elizabeth

April 9, 2009 at 5:12 a.m.

7 pounds, 0 ounces

19 ¾ inches

Welcomed with love by,

Sam and Julie Woltenberg

Should gifts be mentioned on our birth announcement?

Typically, gifts and registry information are not printed on birth announcements. If people choose to send a gift, they usually find out on their own the items you are still in need of. It is considered acceptable, however, to decline gifts. Simply include a statement at the bottom of your announcement, usually printed in a smaller font, such as “No gifts, please” or “Your good wishes are the only gifts we seek”.

How do I list baby’s name if he is a Junior, or a III?:

If baby has been named for his father “John Henry Cullman”, baby’s name will then be “John Henry Cullman, Jr.”. A comma always precedes the “Jr.”, which is abbreviated.

If baby’s father is a “Jr.” and baby is a III, his name will then be “John Henry Cullman III”. There is no comma between the last name and the Roman numeral.

An interesting note – a “Junior” always has the name of his father. A “II” is not named for his father, but for some other adult male relative – grandfather, uncle, etc. So, if grandpa is Richard Lee Cullman and dad, John Henry, names his baby Richard Lee Cullman, baby becomes “Richard Lee Cullman II”.

Please feel free to consider our wording suggestions to assist you in creating your keepsake announcement!

Addressing and Return Addressing the Envelopes

The address and return address placed on birth announcements does not need to be as formal as that placed on wedding invitations, although correct English punctuation is always expected. Allowances can be made in return addressing for space restrictions and personal style choice. Please consider the following suggestions, then enter your return addressing as you would like to have it printed.

Abbreviations should not be used, with the exception of “Mr.” and “Mrs.”

• All words should be spelled out – Street, Avenue, Drive, State name, etc.
• With the exception of the number 1, which should be spelled out as in “ One Cleveland Avenue” all house addresses, apartment numbers and suites are written in numerical form.
• The word “and” should be spelled out; an ampersand “&” should not be used.
• The return address is centered on the back flap of the envelope.
• When listing the family’s name on the return address, “The Smith Family”, “The Smiths”, or “Smith” are all correct options. Using “The Smith’s” is incorrect, as it is not plural, but possessive.
• When hand-addressing your envelopes, black or dark blue ink is considered to be most appropriate.

 Special Event Invitations

 It is great fun to shower a mom-to-be with well wishes and special presents, or to host the birthday party of a young child! Due to Trillium Paper’s custom text availability, most of our designs serve as wonderful invitations for your special Baby Shower or Birthday Party.

Baby Shower Invitations

A baby shower is a wonderful time to allow the mom-to-be to relax, visit with her friends, and delight in receiving presents for the soon-to-arrive baby. Everyone enjoys marveling over tiny sleepers and booties, speculating over baby’s arrival date, and seeing the nursery items. Let our baby shower invitations set the festive mood for your gathering!

 When should I plan to send invitations to the guests?

A baby shower is typically scheduled a month or two before baby’s anticipated arrival. It is generally recommended to mail invitations to your guests approximately 4-6 weeks before the actual baby shower. This allows guests plenty of time to reserve the date and purchase a

gift. It is important to include a RSVP date and phone number to allow you to plan for the final count of the guests attending. You will then be able to adequately plan for space, seating, refreshments, and favors.

Which baby shower invitation should I choose?

Often the baby shower invitation is the first hint the guests receive of the gender of the arriving baby (if known). Many of the baby shower invitations offered by Trillium Paper are gender specific so guests immediately know whether to think pink or think blue. If gender is not known, or if mom and dad wish to keep it a surprise, we also offer many gender-neutral invitations.

What information should I include on the baby shower invitation?

Usually invitations start with a short phrase such as “Join us for a baby shower honoring”, followed by the Honoree’s name. The date, time, and location are then listed, as well as the person(s) hosting the event. An RSVP line is typically included so that the guests may indicate to you whether or not they are able to attend. Most guests find it helpful for the hostess to list where the Guest of Honor is registered.

A sample Baby Shower Invitation might read:

Join us for a baby shower honoring

Catherine Parker

Saturday, May 19 th, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

At the home of Jennifer Whitmore

1234 Azalea Way , Matthews, North Carolina

Hosted by Jennifer Whitmore, Julie Smith and Lisa Morgan

RSVP by May 2nd (123) 456-7890

or to jenwhit@email.com

Catherine is registered at Babies R Us and Target

Birthday Party Invitations

A first birthday party is an exciting event for the whole family! Let Trillium Paper assist you in choosing your birthday party invitation and text to set the tone for your special event.

Whom should I invite to my child’s birthday party?

Who attends a birthday party is usually determined by the age of the child being celebrated. For a first birthday party, typically family and close friends are invited to mark this special day. They delight in watching the birthday boy or girl take a few steps, gleefully wear as much cake as they eat, and enjoy the birthday wrapping as much as the gift inside. Family and close friends are understanding of suddenly-shy toddlers and the need for a mid-party nap.

When should I plan to send the birthday party invitations to guests?

Birthday party invitations are usually sent out 3-4 weeks before the actual party date. A longer lead time is often not necessary, especially for a younger child.

What should I include on the party invitations?

The wording for a birthday party is similar to that of a baby shower invitation. A short introductory phrase inviting the guest to the party occurs immediately before the birthday child’s name. Pertinent details such as the date, time, location, and hosts are listed, as well as RSVP information.

A sample birthday party invitation might read:

Happy Birthday to Leigh, who’s now turning three!

Please join us for a birthday party for

Leigh Reynolds

Saturday, June 6, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Blue Lake Community Playground

Hosted by her Grandma and Grandpa Kelly

RSVP by May 22 (123) 456-7890

Baptism, Christening, and Baby Naming Invitations

Trillium Paper offers a wide variety of specially-designed Baptism and other Baby Naming invitations to enhance your family’s celebration. This occasion is typically more formal than a baby shower or birthday party, and the simple elegance of our designer cards and raised print stationery reflect the significance of the event.

Who should be invited to a Baptism/Christening?

This type of religious event is typically limited to family or very close friends of the family, although some communities have much larger guest lists. It is acceptable for you to invite guests who would be genuinely interested in witnessing your child welcomed into your church family.

 When should I plan to send out the Christening invitations?

As the place of worship often has to be reserved well in advance, it is usual that the invitations be sent to guests approximately a month before the event. This allows out-of-town family and friends the opportunity to secure travel plans to attend.

What should be included on the Baptism invitation?

Generally speaking, the invitation begins with a specially chosen phrase which shares with the recipient the event he is being invited to. The child’s name follows, and then details of the Baptism are listed – the place of worship, time, and address. It is typical for some sort of reception to be held at which the guests may gather and visit, and the name and location of this venue are also listed. Finally, the parents’ or hosts’ names are given, along with RSVP information.

A typical Christening invitation might read as follows:

God has blessed us with the miracle of a new life.

Please join us as we celebrate the Baptism of

Alexia Marie

Sunday, March 7, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.

Blessed Sacrament Church, Aurora, Colorado

Luncheon to follow at the Harvest Inn, Aurora

Ken and Patricia Roderick

RSVP by February 20 th to (123) 456-7890

Again, allow our experienced designers and customer service representatives help you choose and design the text for your special event! Our website has many Baptism/Christening/Baby Naming Ceremony cards available for your review!

Thank You Notes

A thank you note is a lovely way to thank someone for their specially chosen gift to you or your child. It is best to acknowledge the gift as promptly as possible. We offer designs for baby boys, baby girls and mulitples!

Do I need special stationery for my Thank You notes?

Not necessarily, but it is always lovely and considered in good taste to choose thank you notes that are fitting for the event. Trillium Paper offers many thank you notes that match our announcements and invitations, so that correspondence may be coordinated. Many customers choose to have “Thank You” or their baby’s name printed on the outside of the card as a personal touch.

When should thank you notes be sent?

It is appropriate to send a thank you note whenever a kindness is received from another – a gift received, a dinner prepared, or an event hosted. The note of appreciation should be sent within a week of receiving the gift or kindness, although a thank you note sent late is much better than a note sent not at all. People are generally understanding of the fact that new parents have limited time while adjusting to the demands of a new baby, and respect that thank you notes may be a bit tardy in coming.

What should be included in the thank you note?

First and foremost, the thank you should be handwritten. This is considered to be a personal note of appreciation, and no typed note conveys the same personal touch.

The structure of a thank you note generally includes four sections:

• The greeting
• Your appreciation
• A statement of how you will use the gift
• A sign off

A simple, heartfelt, handwritten note is always considered to be in good taste. A sample thank you is as follows:

Dear Maria,

Thank you so much for the lovely printed bear crib sheets. It was delightful to see you at the baby shower, and I know the baby will look so cute when she goes to sleep surrounded by happy bears. I am sure they will bring her many sweet dreams!

I am looking forward to seeing you again when you visit our new arrival.

Thank you again,

Sarah

Trillium Paper specializes in beautiful designer thank you notes and elegant, fine paper stationery with raised print. Either of these quality choices will allow your note to be as well-received as the gift itself!