To Invite or not to Invite the Dad to the Shower?
Do you invite dad to the baby shower? As per the old tradition, the baby showers are "ladies only" celebrations and generally the dad did not attend them. However, he would arrive at the end of the baby shower to greet and thank all the baby shower guests and the hostess.
But these days, it's becoming more and more common to include men in the baby showers along with friends, spouses, and relatives. Again it is a personal choice. Only the hostess needs to decide whether you want a traditional "ladies only" shower with lots of "girly talks" and personal pregnancy stories. Or whether you're looking for a more non-traditional baby shower. Nothing is either wrong or right. But rather it is all about everyone enjoying themselves no matter what type of shower you want to host.
If you do plan on inviting the dad-to-be, it would be a good idea to know him better, his personality type, what food he likes, beverages, what his friends are like, availability etc. There are a few men who get pale by the mere thought of being around so many women. Especially knowing this is traditionally an all female event.
If you do decide to invite the father-to-be. Then it would be a kind gesture to also invite several of his male friends. You might also have some nice "manly" type food and beverages to make them more comfortable. After all, it takes a rather daring man to come to what is traditionally an all female event. It would also be a good idea to include some games that men and women both would enjoy.
For many reasons, the couple's shower (where men and women both are invited) is an appropriate way to celebrate a new baby.
First, the new daddy has as much reason to celebrate and to be congratulated as the mom-to-be. Second, daddy may enjoy opening the presents as much as mom, maybe more so. Thirdly, if the baby shower isn't held at their home, mommy will need dad to help load up the presents and drive her home. After all, she hasn't had the baby yet, and will probably be pretty tired by the end of the baby shower.
While this may be a new tradition, some men may actually enjoy the baby shower as much as the women. Although I doubt that most fathers-to-be would ever admit it to anyone, dad has to keep up that "macho" image after all.
It would be a nice touch to include gifts that are special for dad. Even though the gifts are usually gifts for the baby, and the occassional gift for the mom, dad wouldn't mind one or two for himself. Just don't let on that you know that. Let him keep his pride.
Generally, anyone who was invited to the wedding can be invited to the baby shower. Remember, this is a joyous celebration and you should spread joy, blessings and happiness to everyone that has an interest in the family.