Thanks to COVID, we’ve definitely all gotten creative over these last 8 months on finding ways to mark life’s memorable milestones. Welcoming a new baby into the world certainly tops that list, even during a pandemic. So if you’re looking to shower a mama-to-be with some baby love but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to throw a beautiful virtual baby shower. Oh, and if you or the mama-to-be wants more baby info (or gift ideas), don’t forget to sign up to attend our upcoming Virtual NJMOM Baby Expo.
Featured photo via @creativetwistevents
Psst! We love seeing your social-distancing New Jersey adventures. Be sure to tag your photos with #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured in our round-up next week.
Getting the basics down
Logistics are everything in this virtual world we’re living in, so first, you’ll want to pick a date and figure out what platform you’ll use to host an online party. By this point, most of us are familiar with the features (and in some cases, limitations) of free platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts and how they work. Zoom allows for the most guests (or devices) with up to 100, but there’s a time limit of 40 minutes for the free version. FaceTime allows up to 32 devices with no time limit, with the downside that you must be on an Apple device to join. With Google Hangouts, those participating need a Gmail/Google account, and with video calls, you can only have 10 devices. But, 250 participants can call in with audio-only. Facebook Messenger Rooms is another to consider, with no time limit and the option for even those without Facebook accounts to join.
Once you have your platform of choice, it’s time to get that guest list decided and send out those virtual baby shower invites (paper is also an option). Sites like Paperless Post, Evite, and Greenvelope have some adorable free or inexpensive virtual invite options with fun extras like music, GIFs, and the ability to link to your registry. And since virtual events are fast becoming the norm, there are now virtual party planners to use. WebBabyShower is a site created specifically to coordinate and host virtual baby showers (plans start at $29) and acts as a virtual assistant to make the day run smoothly.
Setting the scene for the mom-to-be
One of the most fun things about throwing someone a shower is making the guest of honor feel special. With the theme and decor, you can truly bring out that mama’s personality and highlight some of her favorite things. The good news is you can still do it all virtually. Create a beautiful virtual baby shower background for the guest of honor with flowers and balloons (have you seen the Creative Twist Events balloon arches? they would be perfect). Add in a fun banner and beautiful seating, and the pretty touches will be such a sweet surprise. If you or the expectant mama aren’t comfortable with a home visit for set-up, you could even mail the decor and have her spouse or other family member set it up for you.
Virtual baby shower planning for the guests and new mama
Just like decor, many of the traditional in-person baby shower games (baby Bingo, anyone?) also work well virtually. You can even mail each guest who responds ‘yes’ a little packet with some games to do together and a small edible favor to enjoy during the shower (we love the Peapods Cookies designs above). Make little prize packages ahead of time for the virtual baby shower games, show them off as the host on screen, and then mail them to the lucky winners after the shower.
As for gift opening (because let’s face it, everyone loves to see all the baby goodies), you have a few options for how to work it. You can have the guests all send their gifts to the mom-of-honor, or you can have everyone keep their gifts and individually present them on-screen, then send them later. Either way, everyone gets a chance to see all of the adorable accessories for the new addition.
Yes, it won’t be the same as an in-person party, but with a little planning and some thoughtful, personal touches, mamas-to-be can still have a special day with their loved ones to celebrate their sweet new baby.
