Sunday, August 22, 2010

Announcement Tips

If you plan on sending traditional baby announcements to family and friends, here are a few tips:
  • Create a mailing list, and pick a design before the baby arrives.
  • If you are doing it yourself, get stamps and return address labels, maybe even address labels too.
  • If you can outsource the whole process, I highly recommend it as it can be time consuming and stressful.
  • If you are doing a lot of them yourself, ask friends over for an announcement assembly party.
  • Consider sending the announcement when he is around two months old so he can smile and show some personality. (Or just cover up the fact that it took you that long to get around to mailing them out.)

Getting the right photo is another big challenge:

  • Hire a professional or take the photo outside in indirect sunlight with a good camera
  • Dress him in a solid color that isn't white or yellow.
  • Avoid outfits with fancy necklines that will distract from the baby. He's the focus after all.
  • Have someone stand by you to make faces at the baby, or tickle him, or wipe up drool and spit up. An assistant and some patience are key.

And try your best to simplify. Shorten the mailing list, streamline the design, and wait until you are happy with it.

Moral of the story: Prepare the baby announcements in advance as much as you possibly can, and have someone help you with the photo.

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