If you were getting married in March, April or May of 2020, the odds are your plans have changed. Having a wedding and a quarantine, at the same time can be challenging. But it’s not impossible. Get creative. You should plan a virtual wedding!
The COVID-19 virus has changed everything. The CDC is limiting gatherings and requiring distance. California, New York and other states are shutting down. And we aren’t really sure when this will be over.
Planning a Virtual Wedding Checklist
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Choose A Video Streaming Platform
There are some excellent live streaming services. The technology is well developed and affordable. Choose the one that best fits your needs. You don’t have to be too geeky to make them work.
Joy is a free app and wedding planning website provider that offers integrated streaming through YouTube or Vimeo. If you set up a wedding website you get the user friendly dashboard to host your wedding.
You might want to take a look at Google Hangouts on Air, Instagram Live, Married Live Stream, YouTube Live to capture the event
Facebook Live is a free option. You can invite your guests and go “private group” with your ceremony. You may have to coordinate with your users to make sure everyone has a facebook account.
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Set Up Your Devices
Obviously you need a webcam in your computer, smartphone or tablet. If you are using a smartphone or tablet set-up you should probably use a tripod.
Take a test run on the streaming platform you choose. Get your devices in place before you start.
You and your partner can still do the wedding cake….it can just be a cake built for two.
You are going to need someone to perform the wedding. It may be a minister, rabbi or a friend that can perform the wedding ceremony. You need to be certain that they can navigate the technology for an on-line ceremony. And don’t forget to get that marriage license signed and posted immediately.
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Invite Your Guests
A virtual wedding may need virtual invitations. There are some good options out there like Paperless Post or Greenvelope.
Include the link to your livestream event.Make sure your guests know to turn the video on and mute their audio.
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Finalize the Details
It would be nice if you and your partner are able to dress up for the event. And you can still do the wedding cake….now it may just be a cake built for two.
You may need to do some advance planning to choreograph. Having an outline or a script will help you to keep it organized. And don’t forget to have the music ready. The couple’s first dance can be classic.
These are uncertain times. But you know exactly who you want to marry. You can break up the anxiety of sheltering in place with the joy of a virtual wedding. Congratulations!
