How to throw a virtual birthday party that feels like the real deal

If you’ve had a birthday over the past few months you know celebrating is a little different during a pandemic. Virtual birthday parties are now all the rage, but how can you make it feel like the real thing?Seri Kertzner, Chief Party Officer with Little Miss Party Planner, shares some tips!

SEND AN INVITE

Send out an email invitation and include the time, link to connect, theme and/or dress code. In lieu of gifts, considering including a link for guests to make a donation to the guest of honour's favourite charity. Create a party plan and share it with guests. It might seem like overkill, but if you assign roles in advance, you'll have an easier time keeping things moving and keeping guests engaged.

SET A THEME

Choose a theme and colour palette and encourage guests to participate. For the guest of honour, decorate the background with balloons, streamers or a handmade birthday banner. Or, take the easy route and use a digital backdrop![video_embed id='1950523']This is what a wedding on Zoom looks like[/video_embed]

KEEP IT CONSISTENT

For food and drink, pick something to share in advance so your party has consistency and the group can enjoy the same things together. For kids, that could be a favourite recipe for a snack or dessert. For adults, that could be the recipe for a favourite cocktail. Want to take things over the top? Send out a cake or treats to each guest in advance so they can join in the fun while you sing 'Happy Birthday'.

CREATE A PLAYLIST

Every good party needs a playlist. Send it to everyone with the invite so they can stream it in the background.

PLAY GAMES

Share a recipe in advance and host a virtual cooking competition or bake-off. You can also play games that are easily done virtually, like Bino, a scavenger hunt or trivia. Partying with kids? Hire a performer like a musician or magician, virtually tour a farm or send out slime making kits (or another craft) so kids can create something together. Partying with adults? Host a paint night, hire a mixologist to host a virtual speakeasy, put together a virtual cheese and wine pairing or have a craft beer tasting party. [video_embed id='1966119']BEFORE YOU GO: JLo ‘a little heartbroken’ over postponed wedding[/video_embed]