Getting engaged during a pandemic where social distancing is required can make it challenging to figure out the best way to celebrate this monumental event. Normally you might have invited your friends and family to an in-person party, but current conditions may be preventing that kind of celebration. Fortunately, there is an alternative: a virtual engagement party.
Couples or the parents of the bride can host an engagement party right from their home through a digital platform such as Zoom, inviting the same guests they would have for an in-person party. They can even add on additional guests that live far away.
Here are some simple steps to make a virtual engagement party a success:
- Practice using Zoom.com or your chosen digital platform to make sure you are familiar with it.
- Decide who to invite. Keep in mind that large numbers of people on Zoom all at once can be overwhelming. You may want to limit the list somewhat. Also, remember that anyone invited to the engagement party should also receive a wedding invitation.
- Plan some engagement party games. Find some fun ideas on Pinterest or Google.
- Choose a simple menu that guests can prepare if they desire. Even though you can’t enjoy a meal together in person, you can do it virtually. Encourage your guests to make something very easy. You may want to include a link to the recipes ideas with your party details.
- Send out the invitations. Whether through text, email, or paper invtations, inform your guests of all the details for the celebrations. You can also update your wedding website with the party information and include a link on the invitations.
- For extra fun, send out party kits. These kits could include photo props, a banner to hang as a backdrop, fun hats or headbands, or game cards. It’s a fun way to unite everyone and make great screenshots.
- Plan an agenda. In order to avoid chaos once everyone has joined the call, have a plan for an order of events. Consider doing introductions first and asking everyone to give an update on their life. You could follow that by doing some ice breakers or engagement party games. Having time to go around the group so everyone gives their advice or well wishes to the engaged couple is always nice.
- Record the party. Zoom has a feature that enables the meet-up to be recorded. Whether through this means or another, make sure you test it out in advance before the actual party. After the event, you can save the recording to your wedding website and share it with your guests.
With a little planning, a virtual engagement party can be very memorable and totally fun.
