Virtual Events Can be Just as Fun as In-Person Events, If not Better.
Extra Benefits of Virtual Event
- Don't feel like going out, stay in
- Comfy clothes, no heels or any shoes for that matter; but it can be upscale if you like
- No Airline Ticket Needed; Party with Friends and Family all over the world
- Free Invites; easy, DYI, personalized invites can reach anyone, most anywhere
- No sitters needed; occupy your child(ren) with some fun they love or send the kids to bed and party in another part of the house
Essentially like an in-person party or event, there are some must-dos and must-haves to assist in making the event everything you want it be with a smoother process and seamless execution. You can do it yourself or sit back and let a Event Planner guide you through; plan it all and even host it all for you.
You Decide if it is better for you to do all the work yourself or relax and enjoy your event; hire a trained, experienced event planner to create the event you are dreaming of.
Pre-planning
I'm sure once you actually start moving on pulling everything together, you have thought about many details about your upcoming event. First the purpose of the gathering, and all that it means to you, and want it to be. You should start by breaking down everything in your mind and jotting down what you come up with. Thinking about your occasion and brainstorming theme, colors and decor, thinking about who you want to be there, writing a guests list and preparing invitations. The biggest thing is to Set a Budget and stick to it. You can get caught up searching and finding all kinds of party "essentials" and loving so many much of what you see. A Budget will help you to determine what is really essential and what you can do without, and it still be Great.
Setting a Budget
What is it that you deem as must-haves for your occasion? Only you can answer that question for yourself. Never let anyone say you need something that you feel you an do without. Then compare you list of must-haves with the prices of each and what it takes from your budget number. The dollar amount you set as your budget is simply what you can afford to pay without putting strain on your personal or business finances. Really the only thing you need to know is the basis for hosting a virtual event/party and go from there.
- Decide on time frames and which Virtual Platform to Use
- Send Virtual Invites
- Decorate if you like, or use a backdrop
- Decide on Entertainment/Plan the "What will we do?" part
Choose Which Virtual Platforms
There are several virtual platforms that can be used to host your virtual event or party. It basically like you are video chatting with a few more features you can use if you want. Each have some little differences, but they are essential the same. I personally have been using Zoom for years, so I tend to gravitate to that, but I have used all the others and they are good as well. Some are completely FREE and some are free with a limit.
- Zoom; free meetings can go up to 100 ppl with a limit of 40 mins; if under 3 ppl you have unlimited time; subscribe for more perks
- Skype; is free to talk on phone and video chat
- Google Hangout/Meets; like Zoom, free with limits then subscribe
- Facebook Messenger and Facebook Room for Groups; messenger has been around a long time; recently added are the message rooms within a Fb group, these com in handy when you already have a group formed and you want everyone to be able to be apart of the activity or event
Virtual Invites
When you search online you will find there has always been options for virtual invites for years now. The newest element I have seen is adding an option to invite your guests to a virtual event. This option includes the same virtual invitation set up with the option to now click virtual event and add a link to your virtual hosting platform or to use the platform they provide for you. Some of these sites include, but are not limited to;
- Evite
- Eventbrite
- Smilebox
- Green Evelope
- Punch Bowl
To add Decor or not?
Its really just up to you. As an event planner I tend to do more than the average person, but its just a good without all the decor and the simple elegance of our home in the background. But hey, why not do it up and make like you would in-person. That will be another topic of conversation, keeping the party going. Especially if it is a milestone event that you had to do virtually due to the circumstances of the pandemic outside right now, why not make extra special and still memorable. Create backdrops, add balloons, do some simply flower arrangements, and elegant table clothes (or colorful disposable ones; whatever you want), personalized banners, or outdoor views. You can even choose to use the digital backgrounds provided on some of the hosting platforms. Make it your own.
Entertainment
Keep it fun and interesting, hold on to the attention of your guests. The best options is something that allows them to participate in the fun and not just view it. Check out some options I love.
- Music/Vibes; make a playlist or hire a DJ
- Games and Fun Activities
- Movies/Shows/Books together
- Add a Dress up/attire theme
- Silly Selfies and share
- Don't forget the Drinks and Food; plan same eats or see what each other has
- Add a Host/Planner
Why worry about the details, We already got that covered, Hire an event planner or host and just Enjoy your Party.
Tips for Success
- Mute for best results; unmute one at a time when you want to speak
- Make sure you in the camera; especially if playing a game and need to see you for your part
- Make it nice but don't do too much in the background
- Do something silly in those quiet spots and keep the party going
- Enjoy your time together
Join Let's Party on! FB Group Page
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