Live streaming has become a popular option for weddings during the pandemic, but it’s not just the nuptials going virtual! Now, pre-wedding events like bridal showers and bachelorette parties are also taking place online.
If you’ve never planned a virtual party before, don’t stress – it’s easier than you might think. From digital invitations to fun game ideas, keep reading for our guide on throwing the perfect virtual bridal shower below.
Decide Who’s Hosting
So, who’s responsible for hosting a virtual wedding shower? Traditionally, a bridal shower is hosted by the maid of honour (with assistance from the bridesmaids), but it can also be hosted by the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, or another close family member.
Along with planning the shower itself, the host is also typically responsible for covering any associated costs such as invitations, decor, food and beverages. Although, when it comes to expenses, you’ll find a virtual bridal shower is much more affordable than a traditional party!
Compile Your Guest List
Next, you’ll need to decide who’s invited to the virtual shower. A bridal shower is usually an intimate gathering of the bride’s closest female friends and family members. When it comes to a virtual shower, you’ll find a smaller guest list will also work in your favour and make it easier to manage the logistics!
If you’re not sure exactly who to include on the guest list, simply ask the bride-to-be to provide a list of names – or, liaise amongst the bridal party and the mother of the bride to work out who should receive an invite.
Choose Your Streaming Platform
There are plenty of great streaming platforms available to host your virtual bridal shower, with some of the most popular options including Zoom, Skype, Facebook Live and Google Hangouts.
To help you find the right fit, take a moment to think about the different features you need – for example: privacy, guest capacity, time restrictions, or even fun options like the ability to set a custom background or use filters.
Send Digital Invites
Now that the logistics are sorted, it’s time to get the party started! Even though the bridal shower may be taking place online, sending formal invitations will make the event feel just that little bit extra special.
Digital invitations are an easy, affordable and eco-friendly option for a virtual bridal shower. On your invitations, you’ll need to include the following details:
- The event date and time
- The name of the bride
- The name of the host (optional)
- The RSVP date and method
- A link to the live stream
- Gift registry details
When it comes to gifts for a virtual shower, you’ll need to organise this with your guests in advance. Make sure you include the postal address of the bride, so they can ship the gifts directly to her door.
You can use traditional wording for bridal shower invitations, keep it warm and light-hearted, or even inject some humour! Draw inspiration from this sample virtual bridal shower invitation wording below:
Please join us for a virtual bridal shower
honoring (Bride name)
Saturday, 19th April, 3.00pm
Pour a mimosa and join us at:
(insert live stream link)
for an afternoon of games, gifts and laughter.
Please RSVP to (host) by 10 April on (insert contact details)
Cards and gifts can be posted to (insert address) before the day.
Registry: (insert link)
Create a Fun Atmosphere
Although guests will be tuning in from the comfort of their couch, you can still create a fun atmosphere online! Make a catchy bridal shower playlist, set-up balloons and streamers behind your bride, or create a custom background for your guests to use on their Zoom screens to make the event feel more festive.
You can also send a gift pack to each guest before the day filled with goodies such as a bottle of bubbles, cocktail making ingredients, snacks, face masks, pamper kits, games and activities.
Play Virtual Bridal Shower Games
Organising some bridal shower games will help your virtual event feel more interactive – plus, they act as great icebreakers to get your virtual guests mingling!
It may require some advance planning and prep, but you can replicate many of the same games and activities you’d play at a regular bridal shower. Some of the most popular virtual bridal shower games include:
- Bridal trivia
- Bridal bingo
- Wedding-themed mad libs
- Wedding-themed pictionary
- Would she rather
- Marriage advice/well wishes
- Date night ideas
- Favourite memory with the bride
Along with traditional bridal shower games, you can also host group activities online. Think paint and sip, cocktail making, flower arranging, or even a low-key movie night. The possibilities are endless!
Troubleshooting for a Virtual Bridal Shower
Attending a virtual bridal shower may be a completely new experience for your guests, so try to troubleshoot any potential problems in advance. Our top troubleshooting tips for a seamless virtual shower would be:
- Open the live stream 20 minutes before the dedicated start time, to give your guests enough time to jump in and get settled
- Take 5 minutes at the beginning of the live stream to run through some general “housekeeping” notes – for example, making sure everyone has their microphones turned on, and answering any questions from guests
- Be sure to include the relevant time zone on your virtual shower invitations, so that any interstate or overseas guests can plan accordingly
- Organise a “practice run” before the real thing to test your live stream link, audio quality and lighting
Throw The Best Virtual Bridal Shower Ever
Throwing a virtual bridal shower might feel intimidating, but this step-by-step guide will ensure your online event is memorable for all the right reasons. Want more live streaming tips? Read our guide to planning a fun and interactive virtual wedding here!