Tips for live streaming our wedding

Here's five different quality levels of livestream (which means five different expense levels as well).

As to which way is the "best", well, it's a trade-off between price and quality.

1. A friend with a phone. Usually with a tripod for the phone as well. And I've seen plenty of weddings that do this.

2. Next level up: cheap livestreaming company. The cheapest companies will basically do what friend-with-a-phone/tablet does. But the big difference is that it's their job. They have to take responsiblity for the stream and constantly monitor and adjust the camera.

3. Next level: it's still a single camera, but this time it's a proper camera, not an iPad -- and probably proper audio. For instance, they might be getting audio from the DJ's desk, whereas the cheaper companies are just using "on-camera audio", and there's a difference in audio quality. On-camera is more echoey and has more background noise. Some of these single-camera livestreamers will also offer a moving camera.

4. And then the next level is multiple cameras-- for instance, one wide and one close -- with the ability to switch between them.

5. And then the most complicated setup I've seen at weddings is something like three or four cameras with a larger team. For instance, there would be one person in charge of switching between the angles and monitoring audio, and then one or two people in charge of operating the cameras.

Other considerations:

1. Definitely not all videographers offer streaming. But just ask!

2. Internet connection. This is a constant worry of livestreamers. If the venue or church has a WiFi or ethernet connection the livestreamer can use, that can help, but often the venue might charge extra for the service. People who livestream weddings don't have access to the level of equipment used by professional TV networks, so no one streaming weddings can guarantee the stream will work! But if it doesn't work, they'll still record the event, and upload as soon as possible afterwards.

3. Setup time. For the more elaborate livestreaming, the streamer could need an hour or two to move gear in and set up. It's not instantaneous.

4. Projection. If the venue has projector screens, it's not hard for the livestreamer to send a signal to them. Usually, they'd just need to set up their main desk next to an HDMI port. This can be useful for large weddings where a lot of people might not have a good view. (The only catch is the venue would charge you extra for the screens.)

5. The good livestreamers don't use YouTube, as another commenter has said. But the bulk will, because it's free. The problem is that YouTube will stop the stream or mute it if it detects copyrighted music.

6. If there are any pre-recorded videos, coordinate with the livestreamer ahead of time. Get them a copy of the video that they can play directly into the stream. (For instance, I livestream a lot of funerals, and often there is a visual tribute as part of the service.)

Live streaming your wedding is a great way to ensure that your loved ones can be there with you, even if they can't be physically present. As a wedding videographer, here are some tips to help you live stream your wedding:

1. Hire a professional: A professional videographer can help you with live streaming your wedding and can ensure that everything runs smoothly. They will have the necessary equipment and technical know-how to ensure that the live stream is of high quality.
2. Choose the right platform: There are many platforms available for live streaming, such as Zoom, Facebook, YouTube, and more. Choose a platform that is easy to use and can be accessed by all of your guests.
3. Test your equipment: Make sure that you test your equipment beforehand to ensure that everything is working properly. This includes your internet connection, camera, microphone, and any other equipment that you may be using.
4. Plan ahead: Plan the live stream in advance and communicate with your videographer and guests about the details. This includes the start time, the platform you'll be using, and any other important details.
5. Get creative: Consider incorporating special touches into your live stream, such as having a virtual guestbook or incorporating pre-recorded messages from loved ones.

In terms of whether the videographer would handle the live stream or if you would need to organize an app, it really depends on the videographer and their services. Some videographers may offer live streaming as part of their package, while others may not. It's best to discuss this with your videographer beforehand and determine the best course of action.

There are a number of problems that can occour when live streaming a wedding. The most common is loss of signal. At Stream Machine we use our own bonded network which links up to seven signals together using both Telstra & Optus to make an ultra strong wide signal band. If one network drops out the other is used as back up.

Another problem is copyright music, if you use facebook or youtube to stream your wedding it is quite possible that the stream will be cut mid way through if any music is played that is copyrighted. With our private platform that does not happen. Youtube and facebook can detect if copyright music is being played and can cut the sound or the whole stream all together.

The last most common problem is quality of sound and vision, as good as the new mobile phones are, they can never compare with top quality professional cameras and mics. Our cameras are the latest Sony Netfilx approved cinema cameras. FX9 & FX6 

Specialised live streaming companies will be able to provide you with the best solution for live streaming your wedding. They will be able to ensure your audio is prestine, provide extra camera angles if desired and also provide you with a dedicated viewing website to send to your online guests.

Some wedding videographers may have the ability to add a live stream option to their packages but due to the extra specialised equipment needed to supply a quality and stable livestream plus the need to have a dedicated person to monitor audio and switch multiple cameras, many don't have the ability to do this.

If your wedding is ourdoors away from a power source or wifi you will find many may struggle with this also. We recommend finding somebody in your area who specialises in live streaming and is able to operate completely from battery power and who will bring their own quality internet solution with them to give you peace of mind.

The simplest way to stream a wedding is to allow the videographers to take complete control of the process for you. To have the best quality audio and visuals, you need to have the right gear and the knowledge to provide such high-quality services.

We can provide up to 3 camera angles and the ability to use powerpoints and music. This will allow your guests to immerse themselves and feel as if they are at the venue.

With the ability to provide your guests with a private link that is password-protected, you won't need to worry about unwanted viewers.

A videographer is definitely needed if you want decent audio and zooming capabilities. 

A lapel mic on the groom or audio feed out of the microphone is essential.  This audio needs to be monitored and adjusted with either the camera preamps or a sound mixer, to avoid peaking or soft audio.
A zoom lens is also important. Wide for moments where there are multiple personal on screen and close for those emotional moments between the bride and groom.
A phone might not have enough zoom capabilities (or will pixelate), which would be frustrating for the viewers.
The main reason to get a videographer in my opinion is the audio. So your viewers of the stream can clearly hear those all important vows, songs and laughs. If it isn’t done properly it becomes fairly unwatchable after patience has been worn.

My company Motion Of Video - www.motionofvideo.com - did live streaming for one of the leading dance studioes in Melbourne (Dance Dynamics) during COVID last year.

Hope that helps!

Dan.

Generally certain videographers can provide this service if they have the correct equipment. We set up a link for the couple to share before their day and guests just need to visit the link to view the stream on the day. We like to make it as simple as possible for the guests so we stream to YouTube to allow it to be accessible for anyone, without the need to create a new account. At the same time the stream can only be viewed by someone with the link so the couple can be assured the stream will not be viewed by anyone they do not wish to have access.