Gender reveal parties, where expectant parents announce whether their unborn baby will be a boy or a girl, have become a popular trend.
What started as a simple ceremony featuring a colored cake or the opening of an envelope has evolved to often include elaborate reveals that use pink and blue fireworks, paint-filled balloons, or even a gender reveal football.
Hosting a gender reveal party can be a fun opportunity for loved ones to get together and plan for their family’s new addition.
However, as with any trend, there are both pros and cons to consider.
If you’re wondering if you should embrace the idea of the gender reveal party or not, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind:
The Allure of Gender Reveal Parties
Having a baby is a life-changing moment for parents, so it’s only natural to want to celebrate the event as much as possible.
A gender reveal party offers parents the chance to get together with others that are excited about the future child, in a fun and casual way.
The party is about more than just about announcing if the baby will be a boy or a girl; it provides a reason to bring family and friends together in a shared moment of joy and anticipation.
And, unlike a baby shower, there’s no need for gifts or an elaborate itinerary. A gender reveal party is usually a much more casual get-together, that still builds excitement for upcoming arrival of the new addition.
Finally, a gender reveal party can be a great way to express some creativity in a fun way! Showcasing that big reveal in a unique manner can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved in the process.
The memories created during the party, especially if the parents themselves are the ones being surprised by the big reveal, are often ones that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Considering the Controversies
Gender reveal parties are not without their controversies, and have sparked plenty of debate in recent years.
The most well-know critique of the parties discusses the negative aspects of gender stereotypes, which are highlighted at gender reveal parties through the use of pink and blue.
This can potentially set the standard before a child is even born that there is a need to limit their identity to conventional gender roles.
An unrelated, but equally common complaint that arises from gender reveal parties has to do with safety and environmental responsibility.
While a simple cake-cutting or balloon popping is no issue, some parties have gone too far in their quest to make a dramatic reveal.
In fact, in recent years, gender reveal parties have been responsible for environmental damage, wildfires, and deadly explosions.
Finally, there’s the simple fact that planning a gender reveal party does put extra unnecessary pressure on expectant parents.
The desire to keep up with the Joneses can make some families feel obligated to host a gender reveal party, whether it’s something they personally care about or not.
Planning Your Celebration
For those leaning towards celebrating with a gender reveal party, thoughtful consideration can help ensure you don’t deal with any potential issues.
First, safety should always be a top priority. The last thing you want is to injure another person or cause damage to land or property with your reveal!
Luckily, there are plenty of fun ways to showcase your big reveal safely and respectfully. You can’t go wrong with colored cake, cupcakes, or cake pops!
Other safe and environmentally-friendly reveal options could include squirt guns filled with colored water, or a pinata filled with colored candy.
You may also want to break out of traditional gender norms by switching up your colors. Green and yellow could be a fun alternative color scheme.
Finally, try to ensure your celebration is respectful. If possible, find ways to consider the feelings of guests that may be struggling with gender identity or infertility.
Deciding whether to host a gender reveal party or not is something that’s purely up to the expectant parents. There’s no right or wrong decision!
If you do decide to move forward with a party, taking a bit of extra time to ensure your celebration is safe and inclusive is a great way to embrace the true spirit of welcoming a new family member.
After all, the heart of any celebration of your new baby is sharing your anticipation for your bundle of joy with the people you love!