Life as we knew it has since been up-ended by this pandemic. As wedding ceremonies and other public gatherings remain banned, you can still get married by exchanging vows in a videoconferencing call. How can you have a successful virtual wedding then? Here’s how.
Hire Essential Vendors
Although many businesses have halted operations, there may still be some vendors and service providers for your live-streamed wedding. Find a videographer to remotely record then edit your wedding into a memorable video. A wedding photographer can be at your location, but keeping to social distancing and be careful not to block the webcam. Purchase champagne gift sets to give as souvenirs or to ensure you and your guests all have bubbly for the celebratory toast. A florist can still make the bride’s bouquet and decorate the background with a few flowers, while the dressmaker can still provide the bridal outfit.
Send the Invitations
If you have yet to send out formal invitations, it may take too long to send via postal services; feel free to send digital wedding invites instead. Enterprising companies allow you to send e-invites for weddings and a variety of other special occasions. These can be customized to look formal, and emulate the experience of opening a traditional hand-written invite. Don’t worry, it won’t be as uninspired as opening an email.
Have the Officiant Present
No wedding ceremony is complete without the officiant, so choose and inform the officiating priest or minister beforehand. As they will wed you virtually, this may not be legally binding; consult a lawyer on this, and remember to get your marriage certificate.
Choose the Streaming Service
There are many free or subscription-based online streaming services or apps you can use to livestream your wedding. If you and all your guests have Facebook profiles, you can use Facebook Live. Zoom and YouTube Live are also useful options, just be sure to use an app that most if not all the participants are familiar with.
Dress Up and Set Up
When the big day finally arrives, the bride can put on the wedding dress and the groom should look the part in a tuxedo or similar formal outfit. Prepare your equipment for livestreaming the event, whether it’s a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Prop them up on a stable platform, open your windows to let in natural light, frame the background with flowers or potted plants, and have an appropriate playlist ready. Don’t forget the rings, then go ahead with the ceremony and exchange vows!
Have an Amazing Virtual After-Party
You and your guests can savour some champagne as your favourite party tunes play in the background. Open the mic for each of your guests if they want to make a speech and propose a toast. Cut the wedding cake and perform the traditional exchange of cake, then make the first dance as newly-weds to your guests.
Getting married in quarantine is possible when you mix technology, creativity, and a bit of fun. Despite being a pared-down ceremony, a virtual wedding can provide excitement and be an unforgettable experience for couples who want to push ahead and get married during lockdown.
