We are living in unprecedented times and finding ways to adjust to the many changes that have occurred in the past year due to COVID-19. While some families have rescheduled and/or canceled social gatherings, other families have found ways to creatively celebrate major life milestones despite the uncertain circumstances.
Planning a party during a pandemic can be a challenge. Check out these helpful tips and suggestions as you start to plan your next upcoming life events.
Be Flexible & Have a Plan B
With various changes happening so quickly around us, we find it difficult to plan for the unknown. You might find it necessary to plan ahead and to prepare a detailed schedule for upcoming events. Yet, it is just as important to be flexible to change and to devise alternative plans if situations happen beyond your control. Canceling or postponing elaborate party arrangements could be a quick fix to a party planning dilemma. However, adding small changes to your party plans, can save your event and help make a special celebration worthwhile and just as memorable. Some things to consider are as follows:
- Try to scale down your party arrangements for a more intimate indoor gathering that complies with social distancing guidelines. Smaller events might not seem as much fun but consider the advantages and what you will gain. With a less crowded event, your host can give personal attention to each guest which can create a more enjoyable experience and memorable time
- Plan to have a virtual party. I know it doesn’t sound as exciting as an in-person party but your “first” virtual party can also be a special event to share with family and friends. Think about throwing a themed party with games, movies, arts and craft, karaoke, dress up, live sporting event, or booking a pro to teach a workshop/lesson
- Change up the scene and enjoy the outdoors. Outdoor parties can be a great feature to add to your gathering at home. Consider the following when planning : keep the weather in mind, define your outdoor room, make sanitizer available for use, reduce bugs with early preparation, schedule entertainment, set up mini stations that are easily accessible, be mindful of seating, use your natural outdoor environment, and create small bite size menu choices that can be served quickly.
Keep It Simple – The Small Things Will Matter Most
We commonly associate our celebratory events with “over the top” parties and “highly priced” gifts. While our life milestones continue to mark our calendars, we all tend to view this year’s upcoming celebratory events a bit different than we previously did before. Just in the past year, we have all shared some form of grief either primary ( loss of loved ones, job, or personal object ) and/or secondary (coping and adjustment to a primary loss). COVID has indirectly focused our attention back to valuing the small and most meaningful things in life. Here are some things to consider
- Develop a special playlist or video for the guest of honor
- Use social media to feature the event and capture highlighted moments
- Make handmade decorations or recycle old items for use
- Prepare homemade menu options and dessert
- Remember to include the guest of honor’s special party wishes
- Create invitations for party guest that are usable
- Coordinate themed party attire to wear the day of the event
- Gift the guest of honor with a thoughtful keepsake or family heirloom
It’s Time To Party
Now that you’ve planned, it’s time to enjoy the party! This is a great time to check in with the guest
and guest of honor about how the party is going. Remember to take a lot of pictures to capture the
event. By keeping it simple and remaining flexible to change, your party is guaranteed to be
remembered for years to come.