Facetime Weddings: A Modern Celebration Conundrum?

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen many couples turn to technology to include absent friends and family in their wedding celebrations. Whether it's a virtual venue tour, a live-streamed ceremony, or a virtual after-party, there are many ways to use video-calling software to bring people together for a wedding. This could be done via a number of apps, including Zoom, Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Lovecast.

Live-streaming your wedding

Choose a streaming service

There are several free streaming services available, such as Zoom, Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Instagram TV, Twitter Periscope, Amazon Twitch, and Google Meet. You can also use dedicated live-streaming apps like Lovecast, WebWed Mobile, and Wedfuly, which offer interactive features and user-friendly experiences.

Coordinate with vendors

Even if you're live-streaming your wedding, you'll still need an officiant to perform the ceremony. Make sure to get your marriage license signed and mailed as soon as possible to make it official. If you want to include vendors like photographers or videographers, e-invite them and let them know the details of your live stream.

Send digital invitations

Since you're getting married virtually, consider sending digital invitations to your guests. Websites like Paperless Post and Greenvelope offer elegant electronic invitations that emulate the experience of opening a traditional printed invitation.

Set up your equipment

You'll need a phone or tablet with a camera and internet access, as well as a tripod and phone mount for stability. Test your internet connection and speed to ensure a smooth live stream. Put your device on a tripod, frame the ceremony with some potted plants, and adjust the lighting and audio settings. You may also want to have some music playing in the background.

Rehearse

Do a rehearsal to ensure that your technology and devices are working properly. Test your WiFi connection, lighting, audio, and camera angles. Consider using the "Switch Camera" option on Zoom to allow for multiple views of your ceremony on different devices. You can also record the session for future viewing.

Dress up

Choose to wear your wedding outfit or go for something more casual. It's your special day, so get dressed up and enjoy the moment!

Live stream the ceremony

Go live with your streaming service about 10 minutes before the start of the ceremony to allow virtual guests to log in and get connected. You can also live stream other parts of your wedding, such as the toasts, first dance, and cake cutting.

Interact with virtual guests

Make your virtual guests feel included by looking directly at the camera throughout the event. You can also share the live stream link with all your guests, whether they are attending in person or not, so they can join in during the cocktail hour or after the ceremony. You can even create a virtual shout-out after the speeches, where key guests can share their thoughts and wishes.

Have a backup plan

Finally, always have a backup plan in case your live stream cuts out or you encounter technical difficulties. A simple backup plan is to record the ceremony and upload it later for your virtual guests to watch.

Virtual venue tours

These virtual tours can be as simple as 360-degree panoramic views of the event spaces, or more interactive experiences where couples can ""walk"" through the venue with an on-site coordinator via video call. This personal touch gives couples the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their specific needs, making it feel like a normal site tour. It also helps them to build a relationship with the venue coordinator, which can be invaluable during the planning process.

Some companies even offer 3D walkthroughs, allowing couples to truly immerse themselves in the venue. These detailed virtual tours can showcase not just the interiors but also the surrounding areas, such as courtyards and gardens. This technology ensures that couples can make an informed decision about their venue, even before stepping foot inside.

The convenience of virtual venue tours is undeniable. Couples can easily explore a variety of options, from rustic barns to fairy-tale castles, all without the hassle of travelling from place to place. It's especially useful for those who are short on time or have family members who are unable to travel to attend in person. With just a click of a button, they can step into a virtual world and start planning their dream wedding.

While nothing can replace the experience of visiting a venue in person, virtual venue tours come pretty close. They offer a unique and convenient way to explore and compare different options, making the wedding planning process that much easier and more enjoyable. So, if you're planning your big day, why not give virtual venue tours a try? It might just be the modern solution you're looking for.

Virtual vendor consultations

You can set up an initial consultation via Skype or FaceTime with prospective coordinators, photographers, videographers, and floral designers. They can show you samples of their best work, send over links to past wedding galleries, and discuss the details of their packages and contracts. If they have a showroom, you can also schedule a virtual walkthrough.

• Prepare your questions in advance: Come prepared with a list of questions you want to ask. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure you get the information you need.
• Ensure a strong internet connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection to avoid any disruptions during the consultation.
• Treat it like an in-person meeting: Approach the virtual consultation with the same level of professionalism as you would an in-person meeting. Be punctual, take notes, and actively engage in the conversation.
• Share your vision: Use this opportunity to share your wedding vision and any specific requirements or expectations you have. This will help the vendors understand your needs and tailor their services accordingly.
• Ask about their experience: Inquire about the vendor's experience in the wedding industry and their expertise in providing services for virtual weddings. This will give you an idea of their ability to adapt to your needs.
• Discuss logistics: Go over the logistics, including timing, delivery of services, and any technical requirements they may have. This will help you understand what to expect on your wedding day.
• Follow up: After the consultation, follow up with the vendors to clarify any outstanding questions or concerns. This will also help keep the lines of communication open as you continue planning your wedding.

Remember, virtual vendor consultations are a great way to connect with your wedding vendors and ensure that your vision is brought to life, even if you can't meet in person.

Virtual pre-wedding events

Virtual Engagement Party

This is a great way to interact with your guests and include attendees who might not otherwise be able to participate due to distance. You can choose a theme, decorate accordingly, and play games. While your party may lack hugs and personal conversations, you will still be able to celebrate with your closest friends and family.

Virtual Bridal or Wedding Shower

Online platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, Houseparty, and Google Hangouts make it possible to gather virtually and enjoy a bridal or wedding shower. To open gifts in front of your guests, establish a clear deadline for purchasing the gifts and indicate where they should be dropped off or delivered before the shower date. This information should be included in your shower invitations.

Virtual Bachelor or Bachelorette Party

Like a bridal shower, a bachelor or bachelorette party can also be held virtually. Send your guests something fun to wear and your favourite cocktail mix (with the appropriate spirit). Set a playlist of your favourite tunes and have a virtual party. You can also plan an alternative get-together based on the bride or groom's interests, such as a yoga or painting class, dance lessons, or another activity that interests you.

Virtual Wedding Party Happy Hour

Host a virtual happy hour for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and their plus-ones. If your budget allows, send everyone a bottle of your favourite wine or a gift card to buy their own. Pick a dress code, play some music, and use the happy hour as an excuse to dress up!

Virtual Rehearsal Dinner

Traditionally hosted by the groom's family, a rehearsal dinner can also be held virtually. The entire wedding party is usually invited, including flower girls, ring bearers, the officiant, and very close relatives or friends. The party usually involves short speeches from the host(s) and the couple.

Virtual after-parties

Choose a Platform

Select a platform that works for you and your guests. Options include Google Hangouts, Zoom, Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Lovecast. Consider the number of guests you plan to invite and the length of your celebration when choosing a platform, as some have time and participant restrictions.

Send Invitations

Spread the word about your virtual after-party by updating your wedding website or sending out email invitations. If you're having a destination wedding, include the after-party details on the weekend's schedule of events. You can also spread the news through word of mouth, asking your wedding party to start mentioning it at pre-wedding events and reminding everyone during the reception.

Set a Time

To ensure the reception's upbeat energy carries over into the after-party, start the celebration immediately after the reception ends. This prevents guests from losing momentum or deciding they no longer want to attend.

Pick a Theme

Incorporate a theme or style for your virtual after-party. If there's something you couldn't include in your wedding theme, now is your chance! Base your location, decor, food, drinks, and entertainment on your chosen theme.

Choose a Location

Select a convenient location for your virtual after-party, preferably within walking distance of your reception venue. Options include a close friend's place, a hotel bar, a karaoke bar, a bowling alley, or even a chartered boat.

Plan the Details

Think about the food, drinks, and entertainment for your virtual after-party. Consider serving a different type of cuisine than what was offered at the reception, and don't forget to communicate your decision about an open bar or not to your guests in advance. You can also set up a signature cocktail and share the recipe with your guests beforehand so they can drink with you.

Dress to Impress

If you want to signal that the after-party is about to begin, consider changing into a new outfit. This is also a great opportunity to experiment with your style and step out of your comfort zone.

Capture the Memories

Hire a photographer or videographer to capture the fun and unexpected moments of your virtual after-party. Alternatively, ask guests to help with the photos by uploading images from their phones to a file-sharing app or providing disposable cameras for capturing the action.

Frequently asked questions