Virtual Bridal Shower: Throw the best e-party ever!
Check out all the details about throwing the best virtual bridal shower below:
“When my bridal shower venue called a few weeks ago to cancel due the the Corona Virus Pandemic, I’m not going to lie I had felt so disappointed thinking of all the fun we would have to miss and couldn’t help but feel how unfair this situation was. If you’re a fellow bride-to-be I’m sure you know exactly what I’m talking about. I kept thinking: “This is supposed to be the happiest time of my life! I should be making memories with family and friends that I can look back on and think of what a happy time my engagement was.”
Luckily some of my bridesmaids decided not to cancel but to take the party online! I’d been reading a lot of positive things about virtual bridal showers with social distancing and venues being closed. Even though it’s not what I had originally pictured when I thought of my bridal shower, I’m so happy we decided to follow through with the virtual party! I even found the perfect bridal shower dress for the occasion
Below, Sarah is sharing some key components to consider when throwing a virtual party, some resources that she & my bridesmaids found helpful, and my virtual shower schedule! No matter what your virtual bridal party looks like, taking the time to shower a bride-to-be with love and quality time is an amazing gift.”
-Leah
Invitations
We chose Evite for Leah’s shower because it was so so simple and we were able to get the invites ready in 20 minutes from start to clicking “send”! They even let you attach a video conference link so everyone has all the information they need in one spot! The best part…IT’S FREE! They have premium options if you want to get super fancy but we loved their free selection.
Virtual Bridal Shower Platforms
There are lots of platforms you can consider when hosting a virtual bridal shower. Some of our favorites are:
We chose Zoom mainly because of their “gallery view” that allows every to see the entire chat group at once even if it’s a larger group. Zoom does have a 40 minute free call limit. However, you can just restart the call once you hit that window or pay for their premium plan. We only had a couple minor connection issues but found Zoom to be super reliable.
Virtual Bridal Shower Games
Search “bridal shower games” on Pinterest and you’ll find a never ending list of printable pages! We chose 3 games for Leah’s shower (details and printable pages below under the Shower Itinerary) and thought it was the exact right amount for our group. We also allowed for some variety in games (quick ice breaker, funny game, thoughtful game).
Virtual Bridal Shower Gifts
It’s fun to have the bride-to-be open gifts just like at an in-person shower. It’s completely up to you to decide what activities to include. If you’re looking to add guests for attendees consider an e-gift card you can send out after the shower or a small favor sent in the mail in advance.
Make it special
When planning a virtual shower think about the bride and what they might like! Not all brides will want a 30+ person video chat. Some may prefer a more intimate group for a virtual event. If your bride loves dancing maybe do an online Zumba class together or plan a paint and sip experience for an artsy girl. There is no one right way to throw a party!
Leah’s Virtual Bridal Shower Itinerary:
Preparation beforehand:
- Create invitation on Evite
- Send surprise package of “bridal shower accessories” to be opened at start of virtual shower
- Send sweet treat to enjoy during gift opening. We chose Wicked Good Cupcakes because they come in adorable mason jars, are DELICIOUS and ship super fast!
- Send bride & groom “What Did He Say” game questions to answer separately & be revealed at shower!
- Memory Lane Game-Tell guests on the invitation to bring a special item/picture to share that has a special memory of them and the bride.
Day of Schedule:
- Have bride open surprise package with bridal shower accessories.
- Propose a toast to the happy couple! (BYOB of course lol)
- Ice Breaker: Famous Movie Love Quotes. Share link and have guests fill out! Then share their score under the “chat” on Zoom.
- Share “What Did He Say” responses from the groom and see if his answers matched the brides. (This got so many laughs! We have the groom present for this part so we could see his reactions!)
- Play “What’s In Your Fridge“ game. (Like What’s In Your Purse” but quarantine edition. Also got a lot of laughs)
- Gift Opening
- Bride & Groom open surprise cupcake package to enjoy during last activity
- Memory Lane Game– Go around and let each person share their special item and the memory attached. This was by far the most special moment from the shower. We laughed, cried, and enjoyed looking back at so many happy memories. The perfect way to end the shower for sure!
- One last toast!
Details:
15 people including the bride
1 hr 45 min video chat
We really enjoyed having a smaller, more intimate group for a virtual shower and are planning a big blow out party when we’re finally together in person.
We hope you found these details helpful if you are a bride-to-be or throwing a virtual shower! Remember that the number one thing to keep in mind is making the even special for the bride! You don’t have to spend a ton of money to create a meaningful shower!
2 Comments
Taylor Kuepfer
Hi Sarah & Leah,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I was uncomfortable with the idea of a virtual bridal shower but the ideas you share really make it seem intimate and special, even at a distance. We’re planning a virtual bridal shower following your advice! I’m excited and happy at this chance to celebrate despite the distance with the help of your ideas.
I do have one question. Can you please share more details of how you got the Wicked Good Cupcakes to everyone? Did you order them all and then mailed them yourself to the participants? Or did you send them via the store directly to the guests?
Thank you!!
Sarah & Leah
Hi Taylor so glad we could offer some suggestions to you! For the cupcakes, we just ordered them for the bride and groom although it would be a great idea to send them to everyone!