How to Throw a Virtual Bridal Shower

Social distancing doesn’t have to put a damper in your pre-wedding celebrations! All you need is an internet connection to bring together loved ones from around the world for your virtual bridal shower!

When most of us think of wedding showers or bridal events, we typically imagine a group of a dozen or so close relatives and friends all gathered in the same place at the same time.

Unfortunately, this may no longer be possible, whether it’s because your loved ones live far away and are unable to attend or because of unforeseen circumstances such as the coronavirus outbreak

If your in-person bridal shower had to be canceled, you might be wondering how you can still have a bridal shower during social distancing? Our answer: have a virtual bridal shower! Yep, virtual! You can throw this celebratory event completely online, no matter how far apart your guests may be.

Throwing a Virtual Bridal Shower

Obviously, certain aspects of the traditional bridal shower will have to change in order to fit the virtual format. Obviously, it’s not exactly the same as an in-person event. You won’t get to hug your guests and thank them for coming with that love language of physical touch. You also likely won’t be able to pull off most of the traditional games or activities you’ve come to expect… but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We’ve come up with some fun alternates that you can manage via video conferencing. You gotta make the most of what you’ve got– that’s the savvy way, after all!

Now, you might also feel a bit concerned about trying to mimic a real-life party in a virtual setting. There will likely be awkward silences, conversation lulls, and moments where people are talking over each other– that’s all inevitable in these situations. Alot can vary based on internet connections and quality — you just have to roll with it. Truthfully, it likely *will* be a little awkward… but isn’t it more important to celebrate what we can, how we can in these strange times?

We know that our current situation isn’t easy on anyone, and it’s definitely outside of the norm. No matter what you may be feeling at this time– be it anxiety, stress, disappointment, sadness, or something totally different– your feelings are valid and okay. Allow yourself to feel them, but then shift your focus to all the things you have to be grateful for. Like the technology to bring together the folks you love to celebrate– even if it doesn’t look like you originally intended.

Below, we’re sharing the best tips, tricks, and resources to help you plan the best dang virtual bridal shower you ever (~~probably never~~) imagined!

Choosing the tech for your virtual shower

Obviously, a virtual wedding shower requires an online space to gather. Firstly, you’ll need to choose what device you’re using to connect with your groom. You’ll need a laptop, computer, mobile device or tablet to set up your live-chat with video so all the guests can see each other! (Want to make your party more life-sized? Consider hooking your device up to your TV so you can see everyone’s faces in a larger format.) Next, you should consider which platform you’ll be hosting your party on. Finally, you’ll need a stable (and ideally speedy) internet connection. That’s all you’ll need from a tech standpoint – you’re good to go for your virtual party!

Choose a video conferencing software

While it’s possible to have a virtual bridal shower without video, it wouldn’t be quite as interactive or fun. There are so many options to consider when choosing a platform to host your live stream of your party. There are plenty of options for websites or apps to get your girl gang all together on-screen. To be most #budgetsavvy, we recommend choosing a free video service such as Skype, Zoom, Facetime, Facebook Messenger or Google Hangouts. When choosing which video platform to use, consider the tech-savviness of each of your guests– Grandma may need a little help getting set up so keep it simple!

Zoom

FREE to use
Up to 100 attendees
App is available, but not required.
Access via your computer’s web browser
Works with Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone
40 minute limit for free group meetings
Get up to 500 attendees for a fee
Change your virtual background!
Password protection.

Skype

FREE to use
Up to 50 attendees
App is available, but not required.
Access via computer web browser
Works with Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone
No password protection.

Facetime

FREE to use
Up to 32 attendees
Apple devices only.
Works with Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone
Wifi or cellular data.
Users must be invited by the host.
Downside: Apple users only, so your Android friends are S-O-L.

hosting a virtual bridal shower on messenger

Facebook Messenger Rooms

Facebook recently announced the expansion of their Facebook Messenger product to include Facebook Messenger Rooms. While Messenger only could support 4 users on mobile devices only, Rooms has tons more features and flexibility. Check out the details below:

FREE to use
Coming soon: Up to 50 attendees.
Available on Computer, Tablet, and Mobile.
Does not require a Facebook account.
Unlimited time usage.

Google Hangouts

FREE to use
Up to 10 attendees
Works with Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone
Downside: Must have a Google/Gmail Account.

As a handy addition, each of the above video call platforms also includes a chat function. Feel free to share photos, send links to the group, or react via emoji. You can do this without even leaving the app or screen (except for Facetime, which would launch iMessage.)

Hosting a Virtual Bridal Shower

It’s common for bridal showers to be hosted by extended family members or the bridal party. Most likely, your bridesmaids will have some involvement in planning a shower for you. What better excuse to plan something to get us all away from another Netflix binge, amiright? Your hosts or co-hosts can coordinate the entire virtual event via text, email or social media since the party is online anyway!

Virtual Invitations and Thank You Cards

Digital invitations are the perfect choice for a virtual bridal shower. And thankfully, there are some amazing options to send your guests to invite them to the celebration! Check out websites such as Paperless Post, Evite and Greenvelope have beautiful digital invitations that look as lovely as the real thing! Some of the options even include unique additions such as music, gifs, and interactive links to your registry, plus an RSVP option so you know who’s going to join the party. And best of all, they’re totally eco-friendly because they’re 100% paperless.

You could also snag a template or a design from an Etsy seller and text it to your guests. Here are a few of our favorite Virtual Bridal Shower Invitations from Etsy:

Post-party, don’t forget to send Thank You Cards. Whether you decide to stick to the virtual and paperless route by sending quick Thank You Emails or a physical card in the mail, expressing your gratitude is an absolute must. Try your best to get those done within one to two weeks after your shower to follow traditional etiquette. It will give you something nice to focus on instead of digging into your snack stash.

Decorating for a virtual bridal shower

Just because your event is taking place online doesn’t mean you can’t have IRL decorations! The attendees will be able to see your decor on-camera and it will really help to set the vibe and mood for fun! Since only one section of your home will likely be seen (or let’s face it, one wall of one room in your home) there’s no need to go overboard. You can make it look cute and chic without spending a ton. Cute table decorations and centerpieces are likely not necessary in these circumstances, but cute wall-hangings, balloons, or banners would be a great choice!

Since the bride and guests will not be physically together for the party, the hosts will likely want to send the bride a little box of decor to set up to heighten the mood and make her feel extra special. For an added dose of sweetness, they could also send a box of cupcakes or cookies for her to enjoy as well! If you live locally, a socially distant porch drop is perfect! ?

Here are some cute Bridal Shower Decoration Kits from Amazon:

Bridal Shower Decorations

Get it here

Bridal Shower Decoration Kit

Buy here

Bridal Shower Decor

Buy here

Bridal Shower Decorations

Buy here

Virtual Bridal Shower Games

Just because you’re physically together doesn’t mean you can’t play games! While in this current era, a Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Competition might seem gauche, check out these old favorite bridal shower games that could translate well to an online format:

Bridal Shower Bingo

from CreativeUnionDesign on Etsy

Get it here

Who knows the bride best?

from SayIDoPrintables on Etsy

Get it here

What’s in your purse?

from BohemianPartyCo on Etsy

Get it here

He said, she said

from hellorosepaperie on Etsy

Get it here

Check out more free shower games and printables in our Wedding Freebies post.

Opening Gifts at a Virtual Bridal Shower

Guests can send gifts to the bride so she can open them on camera for everyone. How fun will it be for her to receive so many boxes on her doorstep during this time of social distancing? The anticipation of opening them up for everyone at the party will give her something to look forward to!

Alternatively, you could have the guests hold onto their gifts and open them for the bride on camera as a fun twist and a way to make things more interactive. The guests can also share why they chose the items they did! (They can send the gifts to her after.) You could also do a mix of both, in case some guests want to send their gifts sooner but others won’t be able to ship the gifts in time for the party.

Make the most of your virtual bridal shower

We know these scenarios might seem less than ideal, but in these uncertain times it’s so important to celebrate when we can and how we can! You deserve to be showered with love and celebrated during this exciting time in your life. Use these tips to make your virtual bridal shower the best it can be! Happy planning!