Should the baby shower be a surprise?
One very important factor in planning any kind of party is making the decision about whether or not the party should be a surprise. This is as true for baby showers as any other kind of party. There are a few simple questions to ask yourself; and the answers will make it easy for you to make the decision!
You can think about whether you feel that the mom-to-be should be included in the baby shower plans. There are a number of reasons that this could be the best method. For example, if she is one of the expectant-mothers who has been having a difficult pregnancy, it would certainly be in the best interests of her health if she were to be able to have some input on the such factors as the timing of the shower, the location, and how many guests she would feel comfortable with.
Another example would be if you and the other guests really need her input regarding appropriate gifts. If you have no idea what she and the baby actually need, and want her to be showered with the kinds of gifts she can use and appreciate the most, involving her in the party-planning is an excellent way to obtain the necessary information.
Including the new mom in the party-planning will also be helpful if she has an unusual daily schedule, such as work or other obligations. After all, you want to be sure the timing of the party does not conflict with the obligations of her everyday life– the baby shower is meant to be a celebration, not an inconvenience which must be hurried through so that she can get back to her necessary routine.
One point which some people do not realize, and should play a part in your decision, is that while some people love surprises of all kinds, others do not. Some, in fact, find surprises to be both stressful and overwhelming– neither of these are a good basis for an occasion like a baby shower. If the mom-to-be is a reserved, quiet type of person who is generally uncomfortable in social settings, placing her as the center of attention at a surprise baby shower may not be the best choice. On the other hand, if she is the type of person who relishes fanfare and festivity, finding herself in the middle of a surprise baby shower will only add to her joy!
There are other instances in which a surprise baby shower may be the best method. If you are basically aware of her schedule and health, and if you and your guests already have some knowledge of the types of baby items she needs, giving a baby shower as a surprise can be a welcome delight!
The bottom line is there is no clear rule on whether a baby shower should be a surprise or whether the mom-to-be should be included in advance. Her own needs, as well as the preferences of the hostess and other guests, are the factors which will help you to decide.