As we find ourselves in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are often questions on how to host events safely – whilst keeping the fun alive. One of the most exciting events we absolutely love planning for are baby showers. Whether you want to host a drive-by baby shower or something more virtual, we’ve compared the two to help you draw your own conclusion and decide which baby shower you want to do.
It’s important to remember that while this advice applies to baby momma’s around the world, it’s strongly dependant on which country you’re living in and the lockdown restrictions that are in place at the time you want to host your baby shower. Regardless on what you decide to do, we hope we can help you decide what’s better for you and the little one on the way!
The Virtual Baby Shower
How To Host A Virtual Baby Shower
Oftentimes, a virtual baby shower is favored over a drive-by baby shower as more people are likely to be able to attend. You can use Zoom or Google Hangouts for the celebration and friends and family can get creative, too. There are a range of things you can do in preparation for your virtual baby shower, and we’re here to work you through it…
Send Out Invitations
For a virtual baby-shower, the first things you’ll need are your guest list(s) and a handful of invitations. Since it’s a virtual affair, it may be best to go for some e-vites to keep with the theme. You can find plenty of options on Etsy, which are all uniquely designed and ready to send out to your nearest and dearest. It’s an ideal personal touch that everyone could do with receiving right now!
Choose A Background
We think the best part of hosting any event – virtual or not! – is the decorating part of it. We know that with a virtual baby shower, you’ll need to get a little more creative than normal, but that’s part of the fun, right?! If you decide to host your virtual baby shower on Zoom, send your guests some virtual background options for your guests to choose from. Alternatively, you can choose one of these baby shower-themed backgrounds to put up behind you.
Play Some Games
While most baby shower games may be limited to a virtual baby shower, there are still a few you can try out. One of our favorites has to be baby bingo! It’s so easy to do virtually and really breaks the ice for those of your friends who are new to the group. Throw a few e-prizes into the mix and you’re guaranteed a whole lot of fun with your virtual guests… Laughter is the best medicine after all!
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Eat All The Cake
As with most parties, food is the centerpiece of the event. While this may not strictly be true for a virtual baby shower, there’s no reason to ignore the best part of the party! Ask your guests to bake one of their favorite treats and host a little competition to choose who’s looks the best – the taste test unfortunately cannot apply here! It’ll get everyone baking in the spirit of your special day and hey, why not let them all eat cake?!
Cheers With Bubbles
Much like food, the drinks are an important addition to any social event. As this is a virtual baby shower and baby momma won’t be drinking alcohol, get your guests to purchase a bottle of bubbly for you all to pop at the same time! Pour out a nice glass of (non-alcoholic) bubbles for yourself and send off a big round of cheers to your virtual baby shower guests!
For more virtual baby shower ideas, have a read of this list
Pros
- You and your family are to safely maintain social distancing rules and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
- It’s a better option for friends and families that live far away and are unable to travel currently.
- Hosting a virtual baby shower is super budget-friendly for momma-to-be.
Cons
- Virtual events can feel a little impersonal at times due to the lack of physical interaction.
- It’s hard for friends or family to gift you as we’re all unsure when deliveries will happen.
- Depending on the virtual calling software you choose, you may face guest amount limitations or time restraints.
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The Drive-By Baby Shower
How To Host A Drive-By Baby Shower
If you’re undecided on a virtual baby shower and want some thing that feels a little more personal, than a drive-by baby shower is right for you! It’s still a safer option than a socially-distanced baby shower as guests will stay in he cars and simply drop off their gifts and wishes – all from a safe distance. Even though you won’t be able to hug your guests, you’ll still be able to enjoy their company; which is all the more reason to spruce up your yard and create yourself a drive-by baby shower you won’t forget!
Choose A Theme
The beauty of a drive-by baby shower is that you have lot more freedom with the theme and the set up of the party. From classic pastels to glam and gold, there are so many baby shower themes to choose from! We love a good blend of boho and boujie but choose what makes you happy! After all, it’s your special day Momma!
Set The Table
Adding onto your theme, is of course, the center stage! Your party table is the place where all your gorgeous, little decorations and yummy snacks will live, as well as your guest’s gifts to you. Add a speaker and a fun playlist, and your front yard’s bringing a whole vibe to your drive-by baby shower!
Add A Yard Sign
A yard sign is an absolute must-have for an drive-by baby shower. Not only is it practical for the direction of guests, it looks amazing in photographs, and let’s be honest – did it really happen if the photos didn’t?! Have a look online (and locally in your area) to see if someone can custom design one for you that works well within your theme.
Decorate Your Chair
The momma-to-be’s chair is something of a standard at drive-by baby showers these days. You’ll of course see endless rattan thrones on Pinterest, but the chair you choose is totally up to you. If you want to go for comfort over style, then good for you, gal! Either way, try to make it fit with your theme so the pictures turn out as good as you’d like.
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Try A Socially-Distanced Game
If you’re looking for socially-distanced game to play with your drive-by guests, then Did Baby Poopie? is the game for you! Simply hand out the cards to each car that pays you a visits. Ask your guests to find a coin to scratch off their ticket to see if they’ve won. If any guest finds a ‘poop’ emoji, they are the winner and must scream “POOP!” It’s a fool-proof way to bring some entertainment to your drive-by baby shower, and the best part? You get to decide what your winner’s prize is!
Hand Out Party Favors
Last but not least, plan to hand out some party favors to your visiting drive-by guests. You can make sure they’re COVID-safe and try to include a little bottle of hand sanitizer in there – your guests will really appreciate the gesture! Try to think of a few, little creative things to add into the bag and fill it up with sweets and treats. It can totally be cost-effective if you spend some time deciding what you’d like to give out.
Pros
- Compared with virtual baby showers, you actually get to see your guests in person.
- With drive-by baby showers, the baby momma has the opportunity to give something back to their guests, no matter how small.
- The photos will live to the tell the tale to your baby one day!
Cons
- Close contact is not possible and can be upsetting with certain family members.
- Food and drinks aren’t a huge part of drive-by baby showers because it’s important not to cross-contaminate during the pandemic.
- It’s more an ongoing event with different guests, as opposed to everyone being there at the same time.
If you’re looking for some drive-by baby shower Instagram inspo, look no further!
Even though both versions of socially-distanced baby showers have a couple of cons, it’s clear the pros outweigh them, and either event is sure to be a show-stopper if you’re hosting it! We know the pandemic has driven a wedge in so many events and experiences, but just remember that you’re creating new memories – no matter how you’re doing it!
We hope your baby shower is everything you want it to be – and more!
All our love,
Cotier Brand xo
For more baby shower inspiration, party tips and tricks and advice on first-time hosting, be sure to join our mailing list and follow us on Instagram @cotierbrand
