Evite Survey Pulses How Americans Really Feel About Attending and Hosting Parties this Year
Virtual celebrations will remain a key way to gather for the rest of 2020 while in-person events remain secure and intimate
Evite recently polled 2,000 Americans to understand how they plan to attend and host celebrations for the remainder of 2020 – and what’s most important to them from a safety perspective. The survey revealed six in 10 Americans only feel comfortable attending virtual parties for the rest of 2020. However, while most are eschewing in-person parties, there’s always an exception to the rule.
While three in 10 have already attended an in-person party since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the average survey respondent has plans to attend nine or more parties this year with key safety protocols in place and intimate groups only. Seventy-eight percent of those surveyed said they expect strict safety measures to be enforced at any party, and they’d only be comfortable with an average of six guests in attendance. Key safety measures that would make respondents feel more comfortable include:
- Forty-nine percent (49%) of respondents would feel more comfortable at a party if everyone was wearing a mask and the same number would like to see individual servings of food when they attend an event
- Sixty-seven (67%) percent would feel most comfortable attending events with temperature checks
- Forty-three percent (43%) expect people to be tested for COVID-19 before attending an in-person party or event
- Forty-nine percent (49%) would like to see socially distanced tables and chairs
“It’s no surprise that people still want to celebrate big moments with their friends and families, like birthdays or weddings,” said Zaria Zinn, Celebration Expert at Evite said. “However, it’s clear from the survey results that the old way of getting together won’t cut it. Simple gestures like keeping your guest list small, ensuring everyone wears a mask, and practicing physical distancing go a long way in making your guests feel comfortable at an in-person party. For larger parties, hosts may want to take their safety measures up another notch so that everyone can fully enjoy themselves.”
The research also revealed family birthday parties topped the list of types of events respondents would most likely to attend in 2020:
- Forty-one percent (41%) said they’re likely to attend a family member’s birthday even if COVID-19 cases in their county are increasing
- Thirty-six percent (36%) said they’d attend a friend’s birthday
- Twenty-six percent (26%) said they’d go to a wedding if it was still being held during the pandemic
In addition to those planning to attend an event, 27% even plan on hosting their own get-together in 2020. That comes with stipulations, though:
- Forty-five percent (45%) said they’d only feel comfortable hosting an event if they could ensure everyone followed proper social distancing measures
- Forty-two percent (42%) revealed they’d only feel comfortable hosting a party in 2020 if they knew all their guests had tested negative for COVID-19
- Thirty-eight percent (38%) would need ample hand sanitizer for everyone
But with societal concerns about in-person events, some are choosing to be quiet about their attendance. Half of respondents are “secret socializers,” as a rising trend of going dark on social media emerges. The results found 54% said they plan to keep their socializing a secret during this time — and refrain from posting on social media at times they normally would.
Zinn continued, “The way people are getting together is changing, and as we all get adjusted, it’s important to remember that everyone is experiencing the pandemic in their own way. You may want to have a small get-together with extended family or close friends, but they may be more comfortable celebrating virtually right now — and it isn’t personal. With Evite, hosts can easily make the switch to a parade party or virtual party with video chat if that puts their guests more at ease. Ultimately, communication is key: be upfront about your plans, but remain gracious and flexible. The important part is celebrating and supporting each other, from wherever you are.”
Methodology: 2,000 Americans conducted by OnePoll in July 2020.
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