Make Your Covid Wedding Special With These Tips

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted the lives of many, especially those planning their weddings. While some couples have decided to wait for the pandemic to blow over, others have chosen to tie the knot while adhering to safety guidelines. If you're wondering how to make your COVID wedding special, here are some ideas to consider: opt for an outdoor venue, such as your backyard, a park, or a beach, to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Get creative with technology and live stream the ceremony for guests who can't attend in person. You could even have a drive-thru or drive-by wedding, where guests can witness the ceremony from the comfort of their cars. If you're set on a specific date, go ahead with the ceremony and plan a grand celebration for when restrictions ease. With a smaller guest list, you can also splurge on details like flowers, cakes, and videography to make your day extra special.

Live-streaming the ceremony

Live-streaming your wedding ceremony is a great way to include guests who can't physically attend, and it's becoming more and more normal. It's also a good way to record your wedding, and it's essentially free! Here are some tips for live-streaming your wedding ceremony:

Equipment

You can live stream your wedding for free, but you'll need some equipment. At a minimum, you'll need a smartphone with a camera and internet access, a tripod, and a live streaming service. You can also enhance your setup with a phone mount for stability, an external microphone for better audio, and a capture card and laptop for better video quality.

Choose a Platform

There are many live streaming services to choose from, including Facebook Live, Zoom, Instagram, YouTube, DaCast, Livestream, Eventlive, and mystreamingwedding.com. Facebook Live and Zoom are good options because they're free and widely used.

Test Your Setup

Before the big day, make sure to test your equipment and internet connection. Ensure your WiFi is strong enough to stream without glitches, and test at a time when a similar number of people will be using your internet. Also, test the live stream at your venue to ensure there are no connectivity issues.

Designate a Moderator

Choose a point person to set up and manage the live stream. This person can also moderate the livestream, muting guests if needed, and maneuvering the camera to give virtual guests a more complete view of the action.

Create a Schedule

Don't just stream your ceremony—stream other parts of your wedding, too, such as the toasts, first dance, and cake cutting. Create and share a schedule of when you'll be live streaming so virtual guests know what to expect.

Privacy

Avoid posting the link to your live stream publicly or on your wedding website. Instead, create a private group and send the link to invited guests via email.

Livestream Etiquette

Live streaming is a fallback option for guests who can't attend your wedding in person. Don't offer it as an option on the invitation or invite a "B-list" to only watch along. Instead, send a personalized email with the link to guests who RSVP "no."

Livestream the Ceremony Only

It's probably best to avoid live streaming the reception, as guests may not want to be on camera while they're drinking and dancing.

Drive-thru wedding

If you're looking for a safe, affordable, and unique way to get married during the pandemic, a drive-thru wedding could be the perfect option for you. This type of wedding allows you to tie the knot while maintaining social distancing and staying within the guidelines enforced by the pandemic.

Planning a Drive-Thru Wedding

First, you'll need to find a company that offers drive-thru weddings. For example, "I Do Drive Thru Weddings" in Las Vegas or "Elope in Austin" in Texas. These companies can help you plan and host your drive-thru elopement or tiny wedding.

The Ceremony

On your wedding day, you can arrive at the venue in a limo, vintage vehicle, or anything on wheels. You can even walk to your destination if you prefer. During the ceremony, social distancing is enforced, and everyone except the couple must wear masks. All you need to bring is your official marriage license, and the officiant will sign the document before you drive away as a married couple! The whole event is quick and efficient, usually taking no more than 30 minutes.

Livestreaming

To include loved ones who can't be there in person, consider livestreaming the ceremony. This way, they can be a part of the celebration from a distance. You can also hire a professional photographer or videographer to capture your special moments and share them with those who couldn't attend.

Advantages of a Drive-Thru Wedding

So, if you're looking for a unique and memorable way to say "I do" during the pandemic, a drive-thru wedding could be the perfect choice for you!

Drive-by wedding parade

A drive-by wedding parade is a fun and safe way to celebrate your nuptials with a larger group of friends and family. This type of celebration allows your loved ones to share in your joy, while still maintaining social distance.

To organise a drive-by wedding parade, first, decide on a route. This could be a street near your home, or, if you have more space, you could even project your wedding ceremony onto a large outdoor surface, like a barn, and have guests drive-in to watch the celebrations. Next, ask your guests to decorate their cars with signs, balloons, and ribbons. You could also ask them to bring noisemakers like horns to honk as they drive past. If you have guests who are unable to drive, you could suggest they join the parade by bike or on foot.

On the day, set up a special spot for you and your partner to stand and greet your guests as they drive by. You could even hand out goodie bags with personalised face masks, hand sanitiser, and treats like doughnuts. If you have a large guest list, you could ask a friend or family member to help coordinate the parade, ensuring guests know where to park and when to set off.

A drive-by wedding parade is a unique way to celebrate your special day and will be a memorable experience for both you and your guests.

Tying the knot now, party later

If you're planning on tying the knot now and partying later, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make your special day memorable. Here are some tips to make your COVID wedding intimate and unique:

Choose a Meaningful Location

Opt for a location that is special to you and your partner. This could be your home, a friend's backyard, or a cabin by the river. If you're having an outdoor wedding, scout your place for a beautiful backdrop, such as a garden, a tree, or a fireplace. You can embellish the space with flowers, drapery, or garlands to create a romantic setting.

Keep it Intimate

Small weddings provide an opportunity for more meaningful connections with your guests. With a smaller guest list, you can spend quality time with each person, creating lasting memories. A microwedding or minimony, with a guest list of up to 50 people, allows you to focus on your closest family and friends.

Get Creative with Virtual Guests

If you have virtual guests joining via Zoom or livestream, make sure to test your setup beforehand. Ensure your WiFi connection is strong and consider hiring a video moderator to ensure a smooth experience for your virtual guests. You can also create a special request to your videographer to edit a same-day video of your wedding day, including highlights of the joyful moments during the preparation and ceremony.

Prioritize Safety

Implement safety measures to keep your guests safe. Consider having a greeter to do temperature checks or ask guests to send in negative COVID-19 test results as their RSVP. Provide personalized hand sanitizer bottles and face masks as wedding favors, commemorating this unique time.

Plan for a Larger Gathering Later

Many couples who choose to have an intimate wedding during COVID plan for a larger celebration at a later date. This could be a follow-up reception or a bigger party, allowing you to include more guests and perhaps incorporate some of the traditional wedding elements you may have had to forgo during your initial celebration.

Celebrate what would have been your wedding day

While postponing your wedding can be disappointing, there are still ways to celebrate what would have been your wedding day. Here are some ideas to make it a special day:

Plan a romantic date night

Create a romantic atmosphere at home with candles, music, and good food and drinks. Dress up in your wedding outfits or get comfortable in some new loungewear. You can even exchange vows or write each other heartfelt letters or cards.

Indulge in food and drinks

Order from your wedding caterer or recreate your wedding meal at home. Don't forget to pop some bubbly or buy a special bottle of wine to celebrate. If you're a baker, try making your own wedding cake, or order a mini version of your dream cake.

Decorate and get into the festive spirit

Bring out the balloons and bunting to decorate your home or garden. You can even set up a photo backdrop to take pictures and capture the memories. Play your wedding Spotify playlist or a playlist of songs that remind you of your relationship.

Connect with family and friends

Get together with loved ones virtually or in-person, depending on the restrictions in place. You can even send them celebration kits with confetti poppers, a playlist, treats, or mini bottles of champagne.

Practice for the big day

If you're feeling up to it, you can practice for your wedding day by doing a test run of your virtual ceremony, practicing your first dance, or having a cyber photoshoot with your wedding photographer.

Treat yourself to some pampering and relaxation

Take the day to relax and pamper yourself. Write letters to each other, exchange gifts, or watch wedding movies. You can even get dressed up and wear a veil or a fun inflatable costume.

Remember, even though your wedding may be postponed, you can still create special memories and celebrate your love on what would have been your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions