How To Prepare For A Virtual Party

Virtual parties have existed long before now. It was mostly used when distance presented a barrier for people to attend a party. Today, the Coronavirus pandemic has made people more open-minded about virtual parties.

Just because you can’t hold in-person parties doesn’t mean you can’t hold virtual parties and still enjoy it with your loved ones. Virtual parties can be fun and exciting; it just depends on how you manage it and how creative you can be. Here’s how to prepare for a fun-filled virtual party:

1. Get A List Of People You Want At The Party 

First, understand the type of party you want to have—is it a large party or a small get-together? Also, think of the individuals you wish to have at your party. Write out the list of all the people you want to invite and try to keep them pre-informed of your party. This will help determine the number of individuals you can expect at the virtual party.

Besides, making a list will help you not forget to invite a close friend or relative. Try to keep the number of virtual guests minimal so you can focus effectively on all those in attendance at your party. 

Once you compile the list of guests to invite, you can use Greenvelope to send e-invites to them, which would save you time and energy. Using e-invites also allows you to include all the needed information concerning the virtual party in the invite.

2. Choose A Video Platform For Streaming The Party

Just like you can’t hold a physical party without a physical venue, you also can’t hold a virtual party without a video-viewing platform. 

Thanks to technology, there are several video collaboration applications you can use to stream your party and enable others connect to you. Check out platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Google Hangout, and the likes. Figure out the one that would suit your needs most and make use of it. 

It’s advisable to use a video platform that’s easy to navigate for all. Also, make sure you explain to your guests how they can access the platform effectively. Make sure to send the link of the party’s video-viewing platform to all your guests before the party. 

You should also try to test and troubleshoot your video-viewing platform link a little before the party. This is to make sure everything is in order. 

It would be quite embarrassing if your guests try to log into your video-streaming platform unsuccessfully because somethings are not in place. Besides, duds stemming from your video-streaming platform means you won’t get to start the party early. That, in turn, will affect the party’s ending time. 

3. Make Pre-Party Arrangements

Although the party is virtual, you still need to put some preparations in place to ensure your guests have an amazing time. Tell your virtual guests what you expect of them before the party. For instance, let them know if you want them dressed according to a particular fun theme or have cakes and drinks in front of them during the party. Inform them beforehand so they can make adequate provisions for that. 

You can also step it up a notch by sending them cupcakes, small drinks, and mini decorations. These can be set up at their respective homes in preparation for your virtual party. 

Speaking of gifts, a good idea is to have your guests waybill your gifts to you since they cannot be there with you physically. You can also create a list of items you need and direct them to websites where they can order the items and have them delivered to you. And since even the little things matter, they can send you e-gift cards and e-greeting cards for the virtual party. 

4. Plan Your Party

You should plan your party effectively to avoid duds and fiascos. Start by setting the duration the party would span. Limit the period between one to two hours. That way, the party would be long enough to thrill people and short enough not to bore them. 

Let the party’s duration guide you in setting the time for the different activities for the party. Schedule the appropriate time to sing and dance, play games, blow candles and cut cakes, introduce friends and families, open presents, listen to comedy/jokes, etc. Do you want some people to give a little shout out during your party? Cut out time for that as well. 

Also, keep everyone engaged during the party and ensure that everyone participates in the activities. This would etch the memory of the party in their minds long even after the event has ended. Get creative with your virtual party and try not to restrict yourself to regular party activities. 

5. Set-Up Your Party’s Venue

Make the background or backdrop for your virtual party exude a lively outlook by making it look welcoming and exciting. This would boost the morale of the guests. 

The living room is the ideal place to use for your virtual party. This is because it’s a large enough space to showcase the beauty of your decorations. Moreover, you also get easy access to a large projector surface or flat-screen TV there. 

You can connect your laptop to a big screen projector or flat-screen TV and stream your party. In the absence of those, just your laptop or phone can do the trick. Just make sure to place the device at the right angle so your guests can see you well, and you see them as well.

Don’t assume that you don’t need to decorate the living room because people won’t be present physically. A drab setting can affect the mood and tone of the party. You can lighten the mood by getting party banners and party lights, and hanging them. 

Another tip is to dress for the occasion, be it casual wear coupled with party hats or caps, or a costume that you have planned. Don’t forget your glitters, stereo or music box, a karaoke machine, and the like. Also, put your cake, snacks, and drinks in front of you as well. All these are necessary to create the right atmosphere for your party.

Conclusion

There you have it: a fun-filled virtual party. The pandemic has shown the world how to appreciate the little things and make the most of everything at one’s disposal. Now that big physical parties are on hold, you can still get the best out of virtual parties. All it takes is the right spirit, active preparation, and a touch of creativity. Give the virtual party your best shot, and everyone, including you, will have a great time.