Make Your Zoom Wedding Special And Memorable

Planning a wedding is stressful, but planning a Zoom wedding during a pandemic is a whole new challenge. However, there are many ways to make your virtual wedding special. From choosing the right technology and sending detailed invitations to creating a custom meal delivery and sharing a cocktail or cake recipe, there are plenty of options to make your big day memorable. You can also encourage your guests to dress up, send them a thoughtful gift, and even organise a virtual photo booth. While it may not be the wedding you originally planned, a Zoom wedding can still be an elegant, fun, and intimate occasion.

Choose a meaningful location

Choosing a meaningful location for your Zoom wedding is important, and the beauty of a virtual wedding is that it can take place anywhere with cell service. Here are some tips and ideas to help you select the perfect spot:

Firstly, consider the significance of the location to you as a couple. This could be your living room, a favourite park, or somewhere scenic and special. The location you choose should reflect your personalities and interests. If you both love nature, consider a spot outdoors with a beautiful view. If you're city dwellers, perhaps a rooftop terrace overlooking the skyline would be ideal. Think about what represents you as a couple and don't be afraid to think outside the box!

Secondly, ensure that the location has adequate cell service. This is crucial for a seamless Zoom wedding. Test the cell service and internet connection at your desired location in advance to ensure a strong and stable signal. You don't want your guests to miss a moment of your special day due to poor connectivity.

Thirdly, consider the visual appeal of the location. Opt for a place that is aesthetically pleasing and will look great on camera. This could be a spot in your home with a stylish backdrop or a picturesque outdoor setting. If you wish to include floral arrangements or other decorations, ensure that there is enough space to set them up.

Lastly, don't forget about the comfort and safety of your guests. If you're inviting a small number of guests to join you in person, make sure there is enough space for everyone to maintain social distancing. Choose a location where your guests will feel comfortable and be able to fully enjoy the celebration.

By selecting a meaningful location that is significant to you as a couple, has good cell service, looks great on camera, and accommodates your guests' comfort and safety, you'll be well on your way to creating a memorable and special Zoom wedding.

Plan and rehearse

Planning and rehearsing a Zoom wedding is key to making it special. Here are some tips to help you plan and practise for your big day:

• Choose your technology: Select a video conferencing platform that works for you and your guests. Zoom is user-friendly and widely used, but you could also consider Google Meet, Facebook Live, YouTube, Wedfuly, or Gather. Keep in mind that some platforms have time restrictions for free memberships.
• Decide on your guest count: If you're having a small, intimate wedding, you might want a more intimate virtual gathering with your closest friends and family. If you had originally planned for a larger guest list, you could live stream your ceremony to everyone on your list.
• Gifts or no gifts: Decide whether you want to accept gifts or not. If you do, include your registry details and mailing address in your virtual invitation. You could also ask for donations to a honeymoon fund or a recommended charity instead.
• Send invitations: Your virtual wedding invitation should include the date, time, and Zoom link, as well as any other helpful instructions. Consider including details such as the schedule of events, camera and audio settings, and any dress code you'd like guests to follow.
• Technical preparation: Assign a tech-savvy friend or family member to help with any technical issues that may arise. Do a test run with a friend, especially one who is joining from a distance, to ensure everything works smoothly.
• Rehearse: Just like an in-person wedding, it's important to rehearse your Zoom wedding. Practise your ceremony, including any readings, toasts, or speeches, and make sure everyone knows their role and what to expect.

By planning and rehearsing your Zoom wedding, you'll be able to create a special and memorable celebration that you and your guests will cherish.

Send guests treats

While a Zoom wedding is a great way to make the most of a difficult situation, it can be challenging to make your guests feel involved. Sending treats to your guests is a wonderful way to make them feel special and create a sense of celebration. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Food and drink

You could send your guests a small bottle of champagne or prosecco so they have something to toast with during the ceremony. If you want to go the extra mile, you could also send a custom meal delivery or a 'party in a box' with some hors d'oeuvres and beverages. This could even include a wine split with food pairing recommendations if your guests will be virtually dining together.

Gifts

Sending a small gift to your guests is a lovely way to thank them for taking the time to be part of your special day. This could be treats from your local bakery, a bottle of wine, or a personalised memento that speaks to your relationship with each guest.

Cake

Ask your guests to bake their own treats and enjoy them together on a Zoom call. Alternatively, if your guest list is small, you could send them a treat from a bakery to enjoy on camera.

Recipes

Share a cocktail or cake recipe with your guests so they can "cheers" you from afar. For example, if your baker is willing, you could share your wedding cake recipe so your guests can make a miniature or cupcake version at home.

Decorations

You could send your guests some decorations to put them in a festive mood. This could include things like balloons, confetti, or even a custom Zoom background.

Remember to give your guests plenty of notice if you plan to send them treats, so they have something to look forward to and you can ensure everything arrives on time.

Create a virtual photo booth

A virtual photo booth is a great way to make your Zoom wedding fun and memorable. Here are some tips to create a virtual photo booth:

Choose a Photo Booth Platform

Select a platform that allows your guests to take photos and boomerangs, and add fun stickers, filters, and backgrounds. Some popular options include Zoom, Wedfuly, and Gather. You can also use a photo booth service that specializes in virtual events, offering features like customizable backgrounds, digital props, and instant photo sharing.

Set Up a Dedicated Space

Designate an area for your virtual photo booth, preferably with a fun backdrop. You can use a simple backdrop or get creative with decorations, flowers, or a step-and-repeat banner. Ensure the space has good lighting, preferably natural light, to make the photos look their best. Consider setting up a ring light or additional lighting fixtures if needed.

Provide Clear Instructions

Communicate the photo booth details to your guests clearly. Include the photo booth platform, any necessary login information, and instructions on how to use the features. You can also encourage guests to share their photos on social media with a unique wedding hashtag.

Encourage Participation

Make sure your guests know about the virtual photo booth and how to access it. You can include this information in your invitations or send a separate email with all the photo booth details. During the wedding, remind guests to visit the photo booth and take photos. You can even assign a photo booth attendant to help guests and ensure everyone participates.

Offer Fun Props and Accessories

Encourage your guests to get creative with props and accessories. You can provide a list of suggested items, such as funny glasses, hats, feather boas, or themed props that match your wedding style. Guests can also use household items, signs, or even their pets to spice up their photos.

Capture Group Photos

Encourage your guests to take group photos in the virtual photo booth. They can use the platform's features to capture group shots, such as breakout rooms or gallery view, to include multiple people in the frame. This is a great way to capture memories with friends and family who can't be physically present.

By following these tips, you can create a virtual photo booth that adds a unique and interactive element to your Zoom wedding, making it a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Ask guests to dress up

One of the best ways to make your Zoom wedding feel special is to ask your guests to dress up for the occasion. While your guests will be joining you virtually, their presence is still an important part of your celebration, and asking them to dress up will help make the event feel more festive and exciting.

Encouraging your guests to follow a dress code will not only make the occasion feel more formal and elegant, but it will also add a sense of cohesiveness to the event, especially if you plan on taking screenshots or recording the ceremony. You can choose a specific theme or style for your guests to follow, such as boho black tie, luxe loungewear, or island chic. This will not only add a unique and creative touch to your wedding but will also give your guests a fun opportunity to express their personal style and get creative with their outfits.

In addition to a dress code, you can also suggest that your guests select a particular Zoom background to use during the event. This could be a meaningful photo or a specific colour that ties in with your wedding theme. This will help create a sense of unity and make your guests feel like they are part of a group, even if they are joining from different locations.

By asking your guests to dress up and join in the festivities, you will not only enhance their experience but also create lasting memories of your special day.

Frequently asked questions