How to Throw a Virtual Party

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our everyday lives, forcing many of us to rethink and reassess our routines, including how we socialize. Restrictions on gatherings mean that we can no longer spend as much time with family and friends, and that social engagements should be avoided at all costs. Though necessary, these restrictions have a negative effect on many, as they are tantamount to forced loneliness. Luckily, though, a new type of “gathering” has caught on, one that allows participants to meet up and socialize, while still adhering to proper distancing guidelines: the virtual party.

What Is a Virtual Party?

Though its name might conjure images of virtual reality headsets and holograms, in actuality, a virtual party is much less futuristic. Think Skype, not sci-fi. As a general concept, a virtual party is simply a planned social event where guests attend and interact with one another using video teleconferencing tools and applications.

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Just like regular parties, virtual parties have various themes and functions. There are virtual dinner parties, virtual dance parties—last week, I attended a Super Mario-themed virtual birthday party for my nephew. However, regardless of its nature and intent, almost all virtual parties will benefit from the same best practices, which we’ll discuss below.