Nigerians are known to be people of diverse cultures and languages, with ‘party’ celebrations being a symbolic gesture to mark milestones.

From the birth of a child to ‘milestone birthdays’, to graduation from universities, ‘house – warming’, weddings, old-age celebration, celebration of life - funerals, business wins and promotions…name it, and it’s simply time to celebrate and throw a party. 

In a lot of private celebratory parties, people are hosted in small to medium-size numbers (which in Nigeria could be anything from 30-100 people) and in elaborate parties, there are up to 300 to even 500 people, with all guests clad in gaily dressed clothes in colours to match or the ‘Aso-ebi’ sewn in all sorts of trendy and fashionable styles especially by the female attendees!

As for ‘society parties’, crowds at such events could go up to 1,000 in number or more, especially in urban cities like Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Onitsha, etc. to mention a few.

Now, all of a sudden, all these ‘every day’ and ‘every weekend’ parties seem to have ground to a screeching halt!

For about two months of global lockdown, everyone stayed at home, resulting in a lot of new trends, based on the sheer doggedness and the creativity of mankind.

As the saying goes in show business…’the show must go on’!

 Our ‘party people’ also say…our celebrations must continue and this has given wings to a new trend in E-Parties.

Yes indeed, the E-Parties have come to stay with the use of almost every e-platform available. 

Starting with an ‘e-concept’ based on the occasion, an ‘e-invite’ is sent out with instructions on all the ‘e-compliant’ requirements needed for the ‘e-event’.

Having worked out a plan with an ‘e-event planner’ (who could even be your good self, especially for smaller crowds or for young children parties), you are nearly set to roll online!

You can send out a dress code via e-mail or your e-invite, and also send out your ‘e-program’ ahead of your ‘e-event’! 

No….you will not be serving e-food!!

There are so many food  & delivery companies & even top hotels , who can help you with an on-line  menu ordered to your budget and delivered to the doorsteps of those who will be ‘joining’ your e-party!! 

If you are too busy for the D.I. Y. (do-it-yourself) option, talk to an e-planner to make the ‘magic happen’ despite the need for social distancing! 

Music can be played from your digital device at home and for bigger events, an ‘e- MC’ who will act as the ‘host’, can be made available.

Even a small band can be used at a venue like a garden that can accommodate the laws of social distancing and your event can be streamed online, with your attendees joining at the agreed time on your e-invite.

Drink vendors are also stepping up by offering services via online bookings and your order of  wines and some other ‘beverages of choice’  are delivered at home/the venue of your e-party.

Pop –up backdrop decorations, can be ordered or delivered at the venue utilised by the e-party  Main hosts ahead of your event.

 Your FirstGem ATM card will come in very hand here to make payments swift, and automatically, you keep tab on your expenses easily from your debit and credit alerts, bearing in mind your budget planned for your e –event.

Presents/ gifts can also be delivered to the celebrant via online services and even better, cash gifts can be transferred through your bank account, all done seamlessly online!

Send videos and pictures of your e-event online to complete the memories of your e-party!

The most interesting part of this new trend is that you can successfully host a great e-party, when that time to celebrate springs up, and with a bit of creativity.

You can still make those milestones a memorable occasion with a pruned-down budget that you can afford.

Happy celebrations with your e-parties!!

Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences on the new trend of e-parties in Nigeria!