You’re counting down to your baby’s birth, and you’re starting to think about how you’re going to share the wonderful news of their long-awaited arrival with your family and friends. But what’s the best way to do it? Digital or printed? With photos or without? What details to give?
There are of course no rules about how or when you announce your baby’s birth, and what you decide to do so is a very personal matter – though if you’re from the US you might find it tricky to source a stork to embellish your front lawn!
In Belgium, it’s very common to send a printed, personalised birth announcement card (“faire-part de naissance” in French; “geboortekaartje” in Dutch) by post. This typically includes your baby’s name, date of birth, and weight. If you’d like to have your own unique birth announcement card created, it’s a good idea to contact a designer/company at around 20 weeks of pregnancy. And even if you’re going for a semi-bespoke option, it’s still good to get this organised well before the birth – partly so you can get those envelopes addressed!
There are lots of Belgian-based businesses who can look after the whole process for you, whether you want a fully designed card, to have an existing design personalised, or to go full DIY. Here are a few we’ve heard good things about:
Color Impact
This local business, with a physical shop in Etterbeek, has been delighting families with beautiful birth announcement cards since 1986. Choose from self-service online or make an appointment for a more personalised service to create your bespoke card.
Rue de Linthout 238, 1040 Etterbeek
Website (in French) / Facebook / Instagam
Studio Ent
Designer Nele from Studio Ent specialises in unique designs, tailored to your style and wishes. She loves working with people from different backgrounds and speaking different languages so you’ll be well looked after at Studio Ent!
Website (in Dutch) / Facebook / Instagram
Elle et Moi
Design duo Pieter & Tinne started Elle et Moi after creating the birth announcement of their eldest son, Scout. Pieter is the artist and Tinne likes to develop concepts based on your personal input, so that your story is fully told. They regularly work with English-speakers so you’ll be able to put into words exactly what’s important to you.
Website (in Dutch) / Instagram
Studio Mustique
With Studio Mustique you can create your own design from scratch, or choose an existing design to personalise and make your own. Designer Sofie speaks English and would be delighted to help any parents-to-be with their birth announcements.
Website (in Dutch) / Instagram / Pinterest
Onzo
ONZO, founded in 2018 by Jana Onzo, offers an extensive collection of customisable birth announcements as well as all kinds of personalised birth favours and small gifts to celebrate the birth of your baby. While the Onzo website is in Dutch, non-Dutch speakers are most welcome to reach out by phone, social media or email.
Website (site in Dutch) / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
Studio Flo
Designer Jessy created Studio Flo when she couldn’t find the birth announcement she was looking for when she was pregnant with her youngest daughter. You can work with Jessy to develop your own unique design, or choose from her delightful collection.
She has a studio in Ramsel, and you can see Studio Flo samples in Monstertjes in Leuven or Ollie Conceptstore in Haacht.
Website (site in Dutch) / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
What if I want to create and order my birth announcement cards myself?
You can also do everything yourself online, on sites like:
- Carteland (site in French)
- Rosemood (site in French)
- Vistaprint (site in French/Dutch)
- AVA (site in French/Dutch)
It’s still worth getting your cards and envelopes ordered well in advance, as printing and sending times can vary.
And what about sending a little birth favour or gift?
Sending or handing our a special something with your birth announcement can be a nice extra touch, and a cute way to celebrate your baby’s birth. Maybe some sweets or coated almonds that match your theme, or small favours people can keep. Some of the companies mentioned above also do this (like Onzo and AVA), but others include:
Studio Blanche
Website (site in Dutch) / Instagram
Suiker en Bonen
Instagram / Facebook (communication in English via email)
TOP TIP: Don’t send your cards or favours too early after the birth, otherwise you risk being flooded with phone calls and visitors while you’re still adapting to the early days with your newborn!
