Although the current public health crisis has certainly slowed life down, people are still getting engaged, getting married, becoming pregnant, and having babies. Life, as the incomparable Ian Malcolm would say, "finds a way." And even though typical, in-person wedding and/or baby showers are likely out of the question, drive-by showers have emerged as a way to celebrate an exciting new chapter in a persons' life while maintaining social distancing and ensuring everyone's continued health and wellness.
This unparalleled moment in global history has pushed people to be more creative than ever before. High school seniors are hosting virtual proms, college graduates are attending virtual commencements, and couples are swapping vows during virtual wedding ceremonies. So you better believe future brides and moms-to-be (and their loved ones, of course!) are getting in on the action. Turns out, there are a number of ways to create an unique event all your own, and the following parties are sure to leave that someone special in your life feeling celebrated and loved. When life finds a way, throw a drive-by parade.
1. COMBINE A VIRTUAL HANGOUT AND A DRIVE-BY.
Sure, video chats are getting old these days, but combining a digital get-together with an in-person drive-by is a great way to account for the fact that maybe not everyone is able to participate in a drive-by. Plus, this way you can surprise the special someone with a drive-by after the video chat, or vice-versa!
2. PICK A GIFT THEME.
If you’re hoping to switch things up and stray from the traditional registry gifts, have guests purchase gifts that will coincide with a certain theme. If the engaged couple or mom-to-be loves plants, for example, consider having each guest drop off a plant (sites like Bloomscape make ordering plants easy and contact-free right now) as they drive by. If the person being celebrated loves to travel, maybe consider everyone donating to a travel fund or honeymoon fund. Either way, this will add an element of surprise the person of the house is sure to love.
3. PROVIDE A DRIVE-BY TABLE WITH REFRESHMENTS.
To keep things as safe as possible, set up a table or stand that people can easily and safely reach from their car window. They can grab pre-packaged snacks, drinks (non-alcoholic, of course), and even goodie bags as they drive by.
4. INSTRUCT EVERYONE TO DROP OFF A CHILDREN'S BOOK.
If you’re throwing a drive-by baby shower, consider building the future baby’s library. Each guest can choose a children’s book, fill out the first page with a special note to the adorable new addition, and drop it off as they drive by and celebrate the mom-to-be.
5. CREATE A VIRTUAL SCRAPBOOK TO COMMEMORATE THE DAY.
No matter what you decide to do, make sure to document the moments of this sure-to-be memorable day. The future bride or soon-to-be mom will love to look back on footage, photographs, posts, and Boomerangs of this one-of-a-kind celebration.
6. USE ALL THE DECORATIONS.
No matter what occasion you’re celebrating, having a lot of decorations on hand is always a good idea. Print out giant photos of the parents-to-be as babies and place them around the lawn or garage. Put streamers and balloons in the engaged couple’s wedding colors on all of the cars. Either way, the more decorations, the more festive the drive-by parade will be.
7. HAVE EVERYONE WRITE A LETTER TO DROP OFF.
Instruct every drive-by guest write a letter (to the engaged couple or the parents-to-be) and drop it in a mailbox as they drive by. If the celebratory couple or future parent doesn't have a mailbox, leave a festive box or container where people in their cars can reach.
8. PLAY GAMES AND INCLUDE TRIVIA.
Print out trivia sheets that have to do with the person being celebrated and have each passing car stop, park, and fill out the questions. Announce the answers on a virtual hangout at a later date, then award a prize to whoever got the most correct answers! It’s a fun way to incorporate a game into the celebration that not everyone has to participate in at the exact same time.
9. DON'T RULE OUT AN AFTER-SHOWER.
A drive-by shower doesn't have to be the end all, be all of baby or wedding celebrations. You can also plan a shower that will take place after the wedding or the birth of a baby. This way, you can be in the same place as your most beloved family members and celebrate like you really want to — just a little later than you’d originally planned. Sending elaborate invitations and save the dates now, so you have something to look forward to that will keep you excited for the future.