Your ultimate guide to throwing a virtual soiree: top tips from UAE party planners

The experts explain how an online soiree is not just possible, but, with the right amount of creativity, can actually be a lot of fun

How to Hen founder Sherrie Higgins celebrated her company's launch party online. Courtesy How to Hen

With nowhere to go and nobody to meet, those celebrating a special occasion may have resigned themselves to a homebound affair amid the coronavirus crisis, but that does not mean it has to be dreary.

With self-isolation linked to loneliness, marking a milestone is all the more important, says Sherrie Higgins, founder of How to Hen, an entertainment service in Dubai.

“In situations like these, if you keep putting off celebrating special occasions, you may not do so at all,” she says. “These occasions are about bringing everyone you love together, and that is important for your mental health.”

Whether you have a birthday coming up or want to throw a bash for a loved one, here are some tips on planning a party amid a pandemic.

Overexaggerate

Given that we are home day after day, it is important to go all out with grand gestures to make this one day unique, says Sophie Bogdis, founder of Special Occasions Party Planning & Events. “Put in extra effort and do things that will make a birthday boy or girl happy,” she says.

Having a theme is important when planning a party for children, as it serves as a reminder that their special day is all about them

This could be ordering in a grand spread from a fine-dining restaurant or whipping up much-loved dishes, plus decorating the house and organising video calls with as many people as possible. You might even end up speaking to friends and family members you would not have ordinarily invited, says Bogdis.

Going over the top holds even if you are planning a party for someone you do not live with. "Do what you think they would appreciate the most over a video call – if they have a favourite song, embarrass yourself singing it for them. Wear the same thing you wore the last time you had fun with them to bring those memories back. Get a cake or flowers delivered. Make an online collage or put upbeat music on. Just make it special," she says.

Geek out

Higgins points out that the first thing to consider when planning a virtual party is the mode of communication. “Zoom remains popular, although there are other options,” says the Scottish national who celebrated How to Hen’s launch party last Friday through Facebook Live. “Once you are decided on that, you can start planning virtual games. If everyone is not available at the same time, set them challenges to do beforehand. 

"Give them 10 minutes to record a video doing a handstand or a dance or attempting to roll an Oreo from their forehead to mouth – these can be played online, with prizes for the best videos." Other virtual games she suggests include playing movie or music clips and asking online guests to name the film or song, or having selfie competitions.

Mimic surroundings

If you are planning a long Zoom hangout with many friends, Higgins says adding similar details with decor or food can make it more intimate. Get all members on the call to order the same food – for example, pizza, and have similar decorations, say candles or streamers. That way, even though everyone is at a different location, it does not feel that way.

Get friends and family on Zoom. Courtesy Sophie Bogdis

Have a theme

“As adults, we may not necessarily want a big fuss, but children feel it if they have missed a birthday,” says Bogdis. “Having a theme is important when planning a party for youngsters, as it serves as a reminder that their special day is all about them.”

Party planner Sophie Bogdis threw her son a birthday party while the family was self-isolating

Come up with one that the birthday boy or girl feels strongly about – be it Spider-Man or Frozen – and that can help to set the scene for decorations and food, both of which Bogdis says can be home-made. "Opt for games that can be played online with prizes, or plan karaoke or dance parties by downloading the right apps."

Local parties

The UAE’s social scene is technically still open, with restaurants hosting virtual quiz nights and delivering Friday brunches.

Looking for something offbeat? Dubai events company Love Parties is challenging residents via its Instagram page to create handmade fancy dress outfits – with items found around the house – that fit its brunch themes and stand to win prizes.