Credit: Verve Event Co
Most people did not expect the global pandemic to last as long as it has, but it is the world we live in. Everyone has had to adjust their plans to live as safely and as healthy as possible during these uncertain times. For many couples who planned on getting married in 2020, this unfortunately meant making changes to their wedding plans.
Some couples chose to postpone. Some couples chose to elope. Other couples, who wanted to finally marry the love of their lives, went a non-traditional but an aptly 2020 choice: a virtual ceremony. These ceremonies can take place over video platforms such as Zoom, FaceTime, Facebook Live, or Google Meet and allow everyone to attend without breaking any social gathering restrictions from the comfort of their homes. But there are some things you should consider when planning a virtual wedding.
Time Zones and Timelines
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When planning your virtual nuptials, consider where in the world your guests are. Naturally you won’t be able to appeal to everyone– there is no sense at midnight to make things easier for one guest– but try to set up your ceremony at a time when a majority of guests will be able to attend. Don’t have your ceremony go on too terribly long, as many people have shorter attention spans when it comes to virtual things.
Virtual Updates
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It is important that you have a platform where guests can find all the information they need on streaming times and what is to be expected from the wedding like a schedule or a dress code. You could create a wedding website to keep things organized or go a simpler (and free) route by creating a Facebook page. The downside to a Facebook page is that it is possible not all your guests have Facebook.
Invest in Quality Technology
Credit: Barrington’s White House
For a great wedding experience for all, invest in quality sound, video, and lighting equipment. Make sure you have a stable internet connection so that there is no lag or interruption in your stream. Make sure you test all of these features a few time before the wedding so you can be confident it all works well.
Have a Dedicated “Streaming Administrator”
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Similar to how you have guests with specific jobs at physical weddings, you should have a dedicated guest or professional to serve as a “streaming administrator.” This person will make sure the stream runs smoothly, that it is on the right feed, help the guests with technical difficulties, un/mute microphones, and anything else you might need them to do.
An Interactive Atmosphere
Credit: C Wagner Photography
Having an interactive element to your wedding will help the event feel less like a video and more like a true event. This could mean having a “waiting room” before the wedding begins, asking the guests put together a video montage to show during the ceremony, or allowing them to give speeches
What About My Vendors?
Credit: The Wedding Shoppe
If your virtual wedding is in place of a physical wedding, you may have booked vendors and aren’t sure what to do with them at this point. If you are having a totally virtual wedding, you may need to cancel them completely. Some people have what is being called a “microwedding” in addition to the virtual wedding, however, which entails only allowing very close friends and family to attend the wedding while having everyone else attend virtually. At this point, you may still want your florist and caterers, but at a limited capacity.
Make Sure Your Marriage is Legal
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Marriage laws have changed across the country to allow couples to marry in a virtual setting, but it is still touch-and-go depending where you live. Make sure you do the proper research and check with your local government to ensure you can marry your significant other and have it be legal. If it must be in-person, have a “microwedding” in a well-ventilated, outdoor setting to make sure everyone stays safe.