Unforgettable online JGA - 5 tips on how to make it a success.

An unforgettable JGA?

What is a stag/bachelorette party essentially about?

It's about spending unforgettable time with your best friends/girlfriends. It's about doing things that are fun for the bride/groom and simply creating beautiful memories that you will never forget before you enter the "harbor of marriage". Right?

Sure, no one likes Corona and it throws all plans into disarray, but it's not the end of all days. Read how easy it is with a little creativity to still have an unforgettable day and why it's sometimes better to leave the beaten track.

5 simple steps on how to have a perfect online JGA.

1. WHY PLAN B IS THE BETTER PLAN A.

I recently spoke to one of my brides and she told me, via video call of course, how great her JGA was. To be honest, I was a little irritated at first, as I had expected it to either be canceled due to Corona or that it could only take place on a very small scale.

What had happened? Her maid of honor, who lives on the other side of the country and shouldn't have been allowed to travel herself, had assigned time slots throughout the day to all of the bride's favorite people, who now live all over Germany and Europe. Everyone was allowed to choose something they associated with the bride or knew she would enjoy. So the future Mrs. had a total of 11 great day points. At a normal JGA, there would be significantly fewer.

The required utensils were sent to a neighboring friend, who then placed the appropriate package on her doorstep throughout the day. All in compliance with Corona. The free and easy-to-use Zoom video conferencing system was then used to take turns calling each other throughout the day. In the evening there was a live broadcast with all the girls and a DJ played and it was time to dance. Doesn't that sound like a great day?

This is how it works:

1. Think about what you have in common with the bride or what she likes to do (cooking, sports, drinking wine, handicrafts, wellness, yes wellness :-). You can also team up with another "guest" and do something together.

2. Divide the day into time slots of at least 45-60 minutes each. It is best to ask the respective "organizer" how long he/she needs for his/her surprise.
   Make sure that the slots are not too long and that there are short breaks in between.

3. Everyone puts what they need to realize the idea into a package and numbers it according to the daily schedule. Slot 1 = package 1 etc.
   The parcels can then either be left with family or friends who live nearby, or sent directly to the bride. Then it's not quite so surprising. If you have collected the packages elsewhere, always send someone to deliver the package to the bride before the next time slot.

4. Create a link, e.g. via Zoom or similar, where several people can take part in a virtual meeting.
   Tip: Set up a test meeting with the others in advance so that everything runs as smoothly as possible at the JGA and you can take the opportunity to discuss the final details.

5. You're ready to go ;-)

DAILY RUN

Here is an example of what a daily routine could look like. You can find more inspiration below or have a look at my Pinterest page.

10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Champagne breakfast (person A & B) - package #1

homemade jam, fresh bread rolls, eggs, sparkling wine, freshly ground coffee ...

10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Yoga session (girls from work) - package #2

Detox drink, incense sticks, ...

11:30 - 12:15 a.m.

Korean lunch (person C) - package #3

all the ingredients for cooking and a
bottle of soju or sake (rice wine) for "digesting"

12:30 - 13:15

Handlettering (Person D) - Package #4

Lettering stuff

13:30 - 14:15

Going for a walk (persons E & F) - package #5

14:30 - 15:15

Art & Wine (Person G & H) - Package #6

3 wines for tasting, painting materials, ...

15:30 - 16:30

Flower-Talk (Person I & J) - Package #7

Everything you need to make a flower arrangement yourself

Wine, in case the rest of the tasting is not enough ;-)

16:45 - 17:15

Macramé craft - (e.g. work colleagues) - Package #8

Utensils for handicrafts

18:30 - 19:15

Gin Tasting (Person K) - Package #9

3x different small gin's & accessories

19:30 - 20:15

Beauty session (person L) - package #10

Relaxing bath oil, face mask, scented candle, ...

from 20:30

A little party never killed nobody - all

DJ with live set, streamers, party hats, ...

Let the corks pop in any case, e.g. with delicious champagne from the FouFou Online Shop

FURTHER IDEAS

Games

• Online murder mystery dinner (e.g. from Mordsappetit )

• Escape room

Workshops

• Cocktail mixing course

• Wine, whiskey or beer tasting

• Design jewelry

• Tie flower wreaths

• Making chocolates

• Creative courses where a work of art is created under supervision, painting

• Cooking course (Sushi, Thai,...)

• Make-up course

Conclusion

In the current situation, there is no planning certainty. You follow the news every day and start sweating as soon as the R-value goes up. A virtually planned stag and hen party lets you sleep much better. Regardless of whether another lockdown threatens or contacts are limited - it can go ahead as planned.

Especially when friends, family and witnesses have to travel from different parts of Germany or even from other countries, the JGA via the Internet is probably the best alternative at the moment to toast the upcoming wedding together with your loved ones and have a great time once again.

Alone and yet together - you see, nothing stands in the way of a great day!