How To Virtually Plan (and Live Stream!) Your Wedding

If there's anything we've learned from recent global events, it's the power of technology. We're lucky to live in a digital age where information is at our fingertips, video chat is on our screens, and wedding planning is possible from the couch!

Many engaged couples are getting creative to meet their unique wedding needs—and sometimes that means trying to bridge some distance. Because love always winds. From FaceTime consultations with vendors to Zoom bridal showers. Where there's a tech-savvy will, there's a way!

Here's how to virtually plan every aspect of your wedding. And even livestream the big day!

Virtual venue tours have been around for a long time. We have lots of 360-degree virtual tour videos on our wedding venue pages that allow you to see a panoramic view of the different event spaces.

Since the pandemic, when venues were forced to pivot to virtual... well... everything, many have leaned in, offering personal site tours via FaceTime and Zoom! You can virtually "walk" through the event spaces with the venue's on-site coordinator, talk through what your wedding could look like at their location, and ask questions as they come up in real time. What better way to find your ideal venue from home than with a one-on-one virtual site tour?

This is a great chance to get to know the venue coordinator and discuss details. Also, since it's happening on your device, you can screenshot or record key moments of the walkthrough! Treat this just like a normal site tour, and don't be shy about asking to see everything that you want to see.

Sure, some wedding things simply can't be accomplished virtually. You can't have a digital hair & makeup trial, for example, or an on-screen cake tasting. But regardless of the service, virtual consultations with vendors are a fabulous way to get to e-meet each other!

Set up an initial consultation via Zoom or FaceTime with prospective coordinators, photographers, videographers, floral designers, etc. They can show you samples of their best work, send over links to past wedding galleries, and talk you through the nitty-gritty details of their packages and contracts. If they have a showroom, schedule a virtual walkthrough with them. Just be sure to reference our questions to ask your wedding vendors before your e-consultations!

We're gonna walk you through how to live stream your wedding below, but we know a remote wedding isn't for everyone. Another option is to host a virtual pre-wedding bash!

Consider having a live-streamed wedding shower or even a bach-party-themed virtual happy hour—it's much less expensive than that destination trip to Cabo, and takes the pressure off loved ones who live further afield.

Pro Tip: In lieu of gifts, you can always ask your guests to share their favorite recipe, memory of the couple, or tip for a wonderful marriage. It will be fun, interactive, and FREE for all!

If you're a modern, forward-thinking couple who wants to tie the knot right here, right now, then a live stream wedding is for you! All you really need is a snappy internet connection and basic technology. Here's how to get it together:

• Choose a streaming service
  There are a lot of great, free streaming services out there. Consider a platform like Zoom, Facebook or Instagram Live, or YouTube Live. Another free option that specializes in livestream weddings is Lovecast – an app that creates a user-friendly yet interactive experience for your guests! And if you can't decide on just one, why not stream to multiple platforms so your guests have options?

  There are also apps like WebWed Mobile that offer private live stream weddings along with the option to get your marriage license and an officiant through the app. Talk about a one-stop shop! Or you can book a company like Wedfuly to faciliate your Zoom ceremony and handle all the tech.
   

• Coordinate Vendors
  Because technology rocks, your officiant can legally perform your wedding ceremony entirely online. No gathering required! To make it legal, you'll want to get your marriage license signed and mailed in just as soon as you're able.
  
  If you still want photos or video to remember this unique + fun celebration, e-invite your vendors. They can digitally document through the streaming platform for a super-fitting remembrance of your ceremony.
   
• Invite Guests
  Since you're getting married virtually, why not go the digital route with your wedding invitations, too? Companies like Paperless Post and Greenvelope deliver elegant electronic invitations that emulate the experience of opening a "traditional" printed invitation.
   
• Set Up
  Put your phone or tablet on a tripod, open up the windows for some pretty natural light, frame the ceremony with some potted plants, and put some music on to set the mood. You may also want to have a champagne toast on hand to pop bottles post-ceremony!
   

• Rehearse!
  Do a rehearsal so you can be sure your technology and devices are all working properly and you can easily navigate through the streaming platform. Test your WiFi connection to make sure it's fast and strong. Make sure the lighting is on point, make sure sound is getting picked up and there's no feedback, and that camera angles are capturing the right moments!
  
  You'll also want to consider taking advantage of some of your live-stream platform's functionalities. For example, Zoom has a "Switch Camera" option that allows for multiple views of your ceremony on different devices, and also allows you to record the session.

  Pro Tip: Consider putting a trusted friend, family member, or wedding vendor in charge of the wedding day tech so you don't have to worry about it.
   

• Dress Up
  This is your big day—wear exactly what you want! Choose to wear THE dress or a fancy tux, or go for something a little more casual. You're the star of this show, so get yourself gussied up in whatever strikes your fancy!
  
  Pro Tip: Tell guests to mute their audio until after your vows and first kiss happen.

  *DISCLAIMER* While many states are now honoring legal virtual marriages, other states require an in-person officiant—and possibly even a witness—be physically present to make a marriage legally binding. Be sure to check your particular state's requirements before deciding on a virtual wedding. But hey, you can always marry now, make it legal later!

Use a platform like Google Hangouts to have a virtual "reception" with your guests! Tell them to get dressed to the nines and get ready to par-tay.

Include some formalities if you'd like: Hook up your speaker and have your first dance. Cut a homemade cake. Make your signature cocktail (the "Quarantini" perhaps?) and give guests the recipe in advance so they can drink with you. Open up the "mic" and let your guests make a toast. Throw the most epic virtual bash any of your guests have ever seen.

Many couples are opting for streamed ceremonies now with plans to host vow renewal ceremonies, receptions, or just a really awesome party to celebrate at a future time. So even if you have a digital ceremony today, you can STILL have your dream wedding later.

Bonus: By the time your new wedding date comes around, the pressure is off! You're already married AND you get to marry your favorite person twice.

Bonus-Bonus: You get two excuses every year to pop champagne and take yourselves out for a fancy "anniversary" dinner. How many couples can say that?!