Requests are pouring in as clients look for some entertainment in their largely cooped-up lives, say planners.
KOLKATA: In the socially distanced Covid-19 world, parties have moved online.
When the Mumbai-based Nangalias celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in end-May, it was a three-day online affair complete with a Bollywood night, Housie, sangeet, live musicians, bhajans and a cocktail party, where 150-plus friends and relatives logged in daily from across the globe to join in the celebrations.
Ganesh Nallapareddy, the Hyderabad-based CEO of sports tech startup CricClubs, had a virtual Harry Potter-themed birthday party for his older son’s birthday; he’s planning the same for his younger son in July.
Helping this trend catch on are startups and professional party planners including Evibe.in, My Eventz and Events Bay, who are offering every possible trapping including anchors, puppeteers, clowns, dance choreographers, magicians and origami sessions to make virtual birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, and even retirement parties memorable in these bleak times. In May, Evibe.in did some 60 parties, while this month, the count is set to cross 100. Requests are pouring in as clients look for some entertainment in their largely cooped-up lives, say planners. And, with the pipeline of physical parties drying up, virtual parties are providing them a revenue stream that keeps them going and has helped save jobs.
Swathi Bavanaka, the cofounder of Evibe.in, an online platform that serves as an aggregate service provider for party needs, said she got the initial requests for virtual parties from her existing customer base during the lockdown. “Given our marketplace model, we already had anchors, puppeteers, magicians, etc., in place. We just signed them up to do virtual parties, curating the ones that were more tech-savvy,” said Bavanaka.
ADVERTISEMENT
In May, Evibe.in did some 60 parties, while this month, the count is set to cross 100. “We get 2-3 references from each party we host. Virality is high,” she said. The company started with a Zoom enterprise account, but is now building Instaparty, a platform of its own.
Geeta Raj Rawtani, the founder of virtual event organising startup My Eventz, and Reena Pillai of Events Bay got into the virtual party route after Covid-19 hit their business. Online parties constitute barely 10-15% of their normal take-ins, but it’s still a way of keeping some revenues coming in.
There’s a lot of excitement — even among senior citizens — as these parties provide a much-needed break from the monotony of being largely confined to the home. Rawtani has a bunch of bookings already, including from a client in the Netherlands who is sponsoring an event for her brother. Another client wants a big bash on Rakshabandhan, and has booked practice sessions with a choreographer in the run-up to the do. There’s a lot of excitement — even among senior citizens — as these parties provide a much-needed break from the monotony of being largely confined to the home. Pillai said she even gets requests for play dates. She has recently started sending across DIY décor packages to clients for occasions like baby showers, birthdays, etc., if they want to do up their homes ahead of the virtual event.
ADVERTISEMENT
People are planning return gifts that include digital vouchers or even bottles of wine, sent through contactless delivery. Bavanaka said she has also been approached by food startups who want to partner with her for a 360-degree experience.
Costs for a virtual party can start as low as Rs 5,000-10,000, and go up to Rs 25,000-30,000 for a bash with all the trappings. “We started it as an experiment, but people are thrilled,” said Bavanaka.
ADVERTISEMENT
Planners hope the popularity of the virtual party will outlast the pandemic. “People across cities, across countries are coming together. This is something that never happened before,” Bavanaka said.
Balconies Turning Into New Party Areas In Lockdown, Here's How To Give Yours A Facelift
1/7
With socialising, flash mobs, dancing, and exercising, balconies are turning into venues of entertainment and ‘get-togethers.
Since most other activities are coming to a standstill, people seem to have some time in their hands, though sadly locked up in their homes. Such a scenario can be unnerving for the city dwellers. But the one place you can get some respite from the indoors is your balcony or even building terrace. Pankaj Poddar, the co-founder of Hipcouch, the Mumbai based Interior Design Company tells you how you can spruce it up. “You can make your balcony a solace during this uncertain period with a little transformation. Here is what you can do to make it happen,” he says.
With socialising, flash mobs, dancing, and exercising, balconies are turning into venues of entertainment and ‘get-togethers. Since most other activities are coming to a standstill, people seem to ha..
Read More
The usage will help you in preparing the balcony and bringing in the necessary elements. For example, if you wish to do your work from your balcony, you will need a chair and table. If you want it to be a family assembly place, you will need a seating space.
The usage will help you in preparing the balcony and bringing in the necessary elements. For example, if you wish to do your work from your balcony, you will need a chair and table. If you want it to..
Read More
Not all balconies are spacious. Foldable furniture is best for balconies because when you don’t need them, you can store them away and free up the space. If you do not have any such chairs or tables, make use of your small chairs and a teapoy. Lounge chairs, a bench, a cushioned chair or anything that you have can be an excellent addition to your balcony. The idea here is to have a convenient seating and not make it cramped.
Not all balconies are spacious. Foldable furniture is best for balconies because when you don’t need them, you can store them away and free up the space. If you do not have any such chairs or tables,..
Read More
The choice of furniture, the usage, etc., will depend upon the area available. Make a rough plan as per space so that you can begin your balcony transformation. The next step is to clear the balcony of everything in there. Wipe the dust off the railings and walls, rub the floor, and clean the corners.
The choice of furniture, the usage, etc., will depend upon the area available. Make a rough plan as per space so that you can begin your balcony transformation. The next step is to clear the balcony ..
Read More
In cities where apartments are so near each other, a balcony is often in full view of the neighbours. Adding planters or bamboo blinds can help. Another simple way is to hang a curtain. Here is what you can do for now: Hammer two nails on top of the walls on either side of the balcony. Get your curtains and through the top hem, pass a rope or cut a long piece of string cloth. Tie the rope or string on the nails. And voila, you are blocked from prying eyes!
In cities where apartments are so near each other, a balcony is often in full view of the neighbours. Adding planters or bamboo blinds can help. Another simple way is to hang a curtain. Here is what ..
Read More
Convert your simple balcony space into a luxury abode with textures and patterns. Bold patterns and vivid textures will make your balcony a comfy paradise!
Convert your simple balcony space into a luxury abode with textures and patterns. Bold patterns and vivid textures will make your balcony a comfy paradise!
No furniture, but instead choose a low seating. First, lay a rug or mat on the floor. Get your small mattress or place cushions and a pretty sheet. Your bean bag too will be perfect in your balcony! Choose the most colourful pillow covers and sheets.
No furniture, but instead choose a low seating. First, lay a rug or mat on the floor. Get your small mattress or place cushions and a pretty sheet. Your bean bag too will be perfect in your balcony! ..
Business News › Magazines › Panache › As Covid fears grip the country, parties go virtual, complete with Bollywood night, live musicians, cocktail parties & moreText Size:AAA
