How to Host a Virtual Baby or Wedding Shower
How to Host a Virtual Baby or Wedding Shower
Covid-19 has sure put a spanner in the party works! With springtime comes baby and wedding showers and all the fun that comes with gathering together.
Don't let this challenge that we're facing together put a damper on plans that have been in process for months.
Simply retool your plans to host a virtual baby or wedding shower.
There are so many tools at hand to make a party at a distance seem close, connected and memorable.
Spread the Word
The first step is to touch base with your guest of honor and let her know that you'd like to change the party format and ask her if she's up for the adjustment.
Assuming that she's game, next you'll need to alert your guests.
If you haven't send invitations yet, it's fun to create an online invitation that introduces this fun new concept in party going.
If you're sending paper invitations, simply invite guests to log on at a predetermined date and time to send their best wishes and celebrate with the guest of honor.
There are a number of methods to host an online party, but I recommend a Google Hangout or Zoom call. Both methods are explained in detail below.
You'll want to determine which method of online gathering you'll use before sending out invitations, if possible, to minimize confusion.
Party by Mail
If guests can manage it, ask that gifts be sent to the guest of honor in advance to have a gift opening session online.
As the hostess, send along a set of thank your cards that have been pre-addressed with guests' addresses. Go the extra mile for your girl and add a stamp too!
Next, send a box of decor to your guest of honor so she can set up a delightful backdrop at her shower.
Choose an on-theme color scheme and send a few essentials that include:
- Tissue paper streamer garland
- Center piece of tissue paper flowers or other centerpiece idea
- A roll or two of festive wrapping paper that's been taken off the roll and gently folded so your guest of honor can use in her backdrop (optional)
Whatever you send, attempt to create a 'plug and play' decor package that's easy for the guest of honor to open and set up in just 10 minutes or so.
If you're sending items to hang, be sure to send 3M hooks that don't damage painted walls!
Menu
If your location allows it, plan to send a little take-out meal to the guest of honor and her family on the day of the party.
Invite guests to enjoy a snack or a special treat at the party and have something on hand to toast with for the guest of honor. Champagne, rose or a festive mocktail is a great choice!
Game Time
Send all guests and guest of honor a link to a couple of fun party games.
Ideally, links to PDFs will be easy to print.
Make sure to remind guests to have a pen and any other supplies necessary for the game.
Have fun at your party filling out the game sheets, comparing answers and awarding a winner.
Send an electronic gift card or other to the game winners as a prize.
Here's a fun resource for gift cards to consider. Also consider sending gift cards to local shops that might need an extra cash influx during this season of social distancing.
Google Hangouts
If you're looking for a cheap and easy way to host your virtual shower, consider using Google Hangouts to connect.
You likely already have a gmail account and it's as easy as clicking on the Apps menus on Google (upper right of the screen, click the 3x3 dot menu and scoll to the bottom left where you'll see Google Hangouts). Screen shot below.
Zoom
Use this ubiquitous conference call website that has been invaluable during the Social Distancing mandate. The free version allows for 40 minute gatherings, but if you want to extend your party, naturally, you'll want to spring for the $14.99/month subscription that can be cancelled any time.
Chalk the $14.99 up to party expenses and call it good. Or remain a member and use Zoom weekly to connect with friends and family near and far.
Sign up for Zoom here. (I have no financial relationship with Zoom.)
Have Fun!
Enjoy trying this new format of social gathering and plan to meet up in person when all this passes.
If you're hosting a virtual baby shower, then make a meet and greet party another chance to connect.
If you're hosting a wedding shower, the big day will be a time to reconnect and share stories of the fun you had virtually!
Care to Mingle?
Let’s connect over social media. Follow the fun on Pinterest and Instagram. Tag #satsumasmiles to share your creativity and I'll share back.
Lovely photos courtesy of Unsplash.
HELLO THERE!
Today is a gift. Let's put a bow on it!
Find creative and sustainable ways to make family life a delight! Sharing modern etiquette that kids will enjoy.
💕 jennifer
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