You don't all have to be in one place to have fun! Hold a Virtual Bridal Shower or Hen Party at home!
Now that the majority of the country is practising social distancing, and we are all in the middle of Lockdown 2.0. The way we entertain ourselves has drastically changed. Musicians are streaming concerts on YouTube, comedians are performing live on Instagram, and people all over the world are using Zoom well after their work calls are over in order to spend time with loved ones. So if you still want to celebrate your nuptials during Covid-19, a virtual bridal shower or hen party is the best way to go!
Bridal showers and hen parties don't have to be thrown in-person. In fact, hosting a virtual event via group video calling using FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or any another platform - can be just as fun and will certainly help to keep your collective spirits up!
Sure, it is quite unconventional, but we think virtual bridal showers are very underrated right now (especially in an age of social distancing!). Do you have bridesmaids that live in different counties or countries? Or others who can't find childcare for their kids? Virtual showers solve all of these problems and allow your gang to get together no matter where they live or who they're with.
And no, a virtual hen party isn't just your closest friends hopping on a video call to chat for hours (hello every Friday night!) - they're an opportunity to do your favourite activities together, albeit remotely. For foodies, see who can get the most creative in their kitchens with a cook-off. For yoga fans, organise a virtual Zen session. For board-game lovers, host a game night with downloadable apps. The options are endless and definitely not hindered by a computer or phone screen! Possibly Wi-Fi signal…!
Ready to celebrate your virtual bridal shower or hen party? Get inspired by these 10 unique ideas below.
Order Brunch To-Go
Just because you aren't in the same place doesn't mean you can't enjoy the same food! If all of your guests live in the same geographical location, call upon your favourite local breakfast spot for delivery. Each of your guests can choose something off the menu and have it dropped off at their doorsteps.
Open Gifts From Afar
When it comes to gift-giving, you have two options via video call. First, have guests wrap their presents and take turns opening them on your behalf. Or second, ask guests to send their gifts in the mail so you can open on the call!
Talk a Walk Down Memory Lane
Consider this the bridal version of Show and Tell. Prior to the party, tell each of your guests to find an object that reminds them of a special memory with you. Then, have everyone take turns sharing their picks. We promise you'll enjoy reminiscing with your best friends all while you make new memories at the same time, depending on how much wine you’ve scavenged from the supermarket!
Host a Movie Night
Thanks to Netflix Party, a Google Chrome extension, you can now watch Netflix remotely with your friends. The extension synchronizes video playback and offers group messaging so you and your gang can have a movie night, even if you are miles apart. Don't let anyone forget their popcorn!
Create an At-Home Spa
We all deserve some relaxation time, but you don't necessarily need to go to a spa to find it. Prior to your party, send your guests a care package of spa goodies (face masks, nail polish, a robe, etc.) or ask them to gather some of their own spa supplies. When it comes time to video call, have everyone dress in their cosiest attire and start their at-home treatments together. And relax…
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM
Participate in a Group Sweat Session
Attention fitness junkies, you can still break a sweat with your bridesmaids no matter where you are. Whether you're a fan of HIIT, cross-fit, barre or Pilates, invite your guests to a virtual workout session. We recommend contacting your local gym or favourite studio to see if any instructors would like to host a private class, virtually. Failing that, YouTube have tones of great classes online.
Game Night
Love some friendly-competition? Don't let a screen prevent you from game night! There are plenty of games you can play virtually that require zero supplies (our personal favourite is a classic round of charades!), but there are also several apps that make game night easy. If all of your guests are close friends, have everyone download "Psych" on their smartphone, a spin on trivia.
Do Your Own Sip and Paint
Show off your creative side with a DIY virtual Sip and Paint. Send painting supplies and a small canvas to each of your guests and have them pour their drink of choice. When everyone joins the video call, share an image that you would like everyone to try to recreate on their canvas. After guests are done painting (and sipping!) have everyone vote on their favourite ‘masterpiece’!
Hold a Flower Arranging Class
Although your guests will be logging into the party from their various homes, you can still use your virtual bridal shower or hen party as an opportunity to support small local businesses (they need it more than ever right now!) Contact a flower shop near you and ask them to deliver various stems and materials to each of your guests' homes. Once everyone has their flowers, host a virtual flower arranging class. Besides, everyone could use a beautiful bouquet every once in a while, especially in these uncertain times…!
Host a Couple's Cocktail Hour
While it is fun to party with just your girlfriends, sometimes we prefer to do activities with our partners, too! Invite your guests' significant other to a virtual cocktail hour. Everyone logs in with their cocktail attire on and favourite drink in hand. Companies like The Cocktail Man will even deliver cocktail kits to each of your guests before the party!