Is 30 miles too far for a baby shower?

I offered to host a baby shower for a very close friend. The problem is, I live about 30 min away from her and most of the people on her guest list. She thinks I should hold the shower at her friends house, so it would be closer to everyone. I think that it would be very awkward to host a party at someones house that I do not know. Mind you, the owner of the house will have nothing to do with the party, except offering the house. I feel that if I offer to host the party, I should be able to do it at my house...it is not that far. When hosting a baby shower, does the host decide the location or does the mom-to-be get to decide?