Take your virtual baby shower to the next level in just a few simple steps!
Hosting a baby shower is such a fun celebration! And, yet, planning one (especially when celebrating virtually) can be a little overwhelming. A virtual celebration is certainly different than in person – you can’t touch a mom’s belly and feel the baby kick. Still, here are a few steps to ensure a memorable experience. We’ve taken some of our favorite baby shower moments and replicated them to fit the online space to create the perfect memory for your mommy to be.
Step 1: Checklist
My Virtual Party Guide is the template I use when planning a virtual event that will prepare you for these next few steps, helping take your virtual baby shower to the next level, making mom feel extra special. I always encourage asking for help from another close friend or relative from the mom to cover more ground. Note all the steps in the virtual party guide still apply; however, we’ll go more in-depth on some steps with added tips to make the day memorable for the mommy-to-be.
Step 2: Mommy Wishlist
Begin with a call to the mom-to-be to understand her wishlist, expectations and availability. Understanding her expectations will ensure the party will be a success, but some elements can also be left to a surprise.
Must Ask Questions
Step 3: Guest List
The best thing about hosting an online event is more people can participate in the fun as there are no limitations, only a phone and laptop/computer required. Now that you understand the mom-to-be’s expectations begin planning the guest list.
I recommend, if possible, separating your party into smaller groups of 6-10 people, preferably with people who know each other. A smaller intimate group will allow for better flow regarding activities and a more intimate setting with mom.
Step 4: Theme
Choose a theme. Yes – when it comes to baby showers, a theme is essential! This will come into play in steps 5 and 10. The theme should consist of a theme type and theme color – for example, animals and Blue. Helpful hint: Ask mom if she has a nursery theme and try to plan around the theme.
Step 5: The Invitation
Send out invitations at least one month before the big event. Luckily, there are a few options online to help you and tons of websites with formal e-vites that can help you track guest lists and send reminders, etc. Alternatively, you can track them yourself in an excel sheet and send an email using a template from Canva. To tie everything together, don’t forget to include the theme.
However, this is not just your ordinary invite. You’ll need to include two things not typically included in a regular virtual invite which will help set your party to the next level which are the registry details and the address of where the gifts should be sent to.
Step 6: Baby Shower Activities
Here are five easy virtual games to play at the shower. I recommend playing three games at the event. Note: Since the games take place virtually, many of the games will have to be on the honor system unless you have a smaller group and can have each person say their answer. We suggest having some prizes for the winners, such as a virtual gift card (reach out to the winner after ensuring the gift card can be used where they are located).
Step 7: Itinerary
Have an itinerary and don’t feel the need to stick to it but use it as a guideline. Itineraries are great and can help keep things moving and on track but sometimes things change or another great idea sparks in the moment. This is key to hosting a virtual event as there are many variables and so we suggest keep an itinerary with length of time things should take and use this as a guide to keep the fun moving.
Example Itinerary:
Step 8: Reminders
You will want to send 1-2 reminder emails depending on the response rate.
Step 9: It’s Party Time! Extras for Mom (morning of or day before)
Since we can’t be together, we like to do this as a nice extra personalized touch for the mom to be so she still gets some of the glitz and glam of an in-person baby shower. We like to shop locally and send a local meal to the parents to enjoy before the party. As well as an at-home baby shower box with the following items:
Step 10: Thank-you card and the Guestbook
Within a week of the event, send mom the guestbook, include pictures from the event. This can also be sent electronically; however, we like sending a good old fashion scrapbook keepsake. Mom to be to send out thank you cards to guests for attending within one week. And, there you have it, my Crafty Holiday Helper’s ten steps to taking your virtual baby shower to the next level!
Please share any tips or tricks you’ve learn along the way in planning your virtual baby shower!