Planning a virtual wedding shower may seem daunting, but with a little creativity and forethought, it can be just as special as an in-person event. This type of shower is perfect for couples who live far away from family and friends or those who just don’t want to deal with the hassle of a traditional shower.
A virtual wedding shower is a great way to celebrate an upcoming wedding without all of the hassles of planning and preparing for a physical shower. There are many different ways to throw a virtual shower, so you can tailor it to fit the couple’s personality and interests.
Virtual Wedding Shower Ideas
A virtual wedding shower is perfect for couples who live far away from family and friends or those who just don’t want to deal with the hassle of a traditional shower. Here are some ideas for throwing a virtual wedding shower that will wow your guests.
1. Choose a Theme
One of the first things you’ll need to do when planning a virtual wedding shower is to choose a theme. This will help set the tone for the event and give you a starting point for decor, invitations, games, and more. Some popular themes for virtual wedding showers include “around the world,” “stock the bar,” and “kitchen shower.”
2. Send Invitations Early
Once you have a theme chosen, it’s time to start working on invitations. It’s important to send these out 4-6 weeks in advance so that guests have plenty of time to plan and RSVP.
Be sure to include all the important details like date, time, dress code, registry information, and how to join the video call.
3. Plan Games and Activities
No wedding shower is complete without games and activities! To keep things fun and interactive, try to come up with a few that can be done over video chat.
For example, you could play “Guess That Dress” where guests have to guess which bride-to-be is wearing which wedding dress, or “How Well Do You Know the Bride?” where guests answer questions about the bride’s likes/dislikes, favorite foods, etc.
4. Set Up a Photo Booth
What’s a party without photos? Set up a virtual photo booth where guests can snap selfies or group shots using props that fit with your shower’s theme. You could even create a custom backdrop using fabric or streamers that match your decor. Guests can then share their photos in real-time on social media or via email/text after the event.
5. Serve Signature Drinks
No matter what type of party you’re throwing, signature drinks are always a hit! For a virtual bridal shower, try making cocktails that represent different countries (if your shower has an “around the world” theme) or beers/wines that pair well with popular appetizers (if your theme is more food-focused). Don’t forget non-alcoholic options for those who are pregnant or don’t drink alcohol.
6. Put Together Goodie Bags
For out-of-town guests or those who can’t stay for the entire shower, put together goodie bags with small items related to your theme (i.e., mini bottles of alcohol for a “stock the bar” shower). You could also include some lovely handwritten notes from the bride-to-be expressing her gratitude for being part of her special day. These bags can be mailed out ahead of time or dropped off at guests’ homes on the day of the event.
7. Use social media to your advantage
One of the best things about planning a virtual wedding shower is that you can use social media to your advantage. Create a Facebook event or use a site to invite guests. You can also use social media to keep everyone updated on the shower details and to share photos after the event. Hashtags are also a great way to promote your shower and get people talking about it online. Some popular bridal shower hashtags include #bridalshower, #virtualbridalshower, and #stockthebar.
8. Send presents and open them on camera
The great thing about virtual wedding showers is that guests can send their presents ahead of time. This way, the bride-to-be can open them on camera during the shower.
If you’re using a site like Skype or Zoom, you can even set up a “virtual gift table” where guests can see what everyone has sent. This is a great way to avoid any awkwardness around gifts and makes it easy for everyone to see what was given.
9. Don’t forget the thank-You
Don’t forget to send out thank-you cards after the shower. This is especially important if guests have sent gifts ahead of time or given money instead of a physical presence.
You’ll want to send these out as soon as possible so that your guests know how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness. You can even include a photo from the shower on the card to add a personal touch.
10. Have Fun
Don’t forget to relax and enjoy yourself After all, this is supposed to be a fun celebration leading up to one of the biggest days of your life. If something goes wrong or doesn’t go according to plan, just roll with it and know that everyone is there to support you and share in your happiness.
FAQs
How long should a virtual bridal shower be?
Most virtual bridal showers last between 1-2 hours. This gives guests enough time to socialize and play any games you have planned without feeling like the event is dragging on.
Do I need to send out physical invitations?
No, you don’t need to send out physical invitations for a virtual bridal shower. You can create a digital invite using a site like Evite or Facebook and then email or text it to your guests.
Can I still play bridal shower games virtually?
Yes! There are plenty of fun bridal shower games that can be played virtually. For example, you could do a “guess the bride’s favorite things” quiz or play a game of “who knows the bride best.”
How can I make sure everyone is able to see and hear during the virtual shower?
If you’re using a site like Skype or Zoom for your virtual bridal shower, you can set up a “speaker view” so that everyone can see the person who is talking.
Conclusion:
While large in-person gatherings may not be possible right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the bride-to-be’s amazing news. With a little creativity and planning, you can host a virtual bridal shower that is just as special—if not more so.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to throwing an incredible virtual party that the guest of honor will always remember.