{"id":60538,"date":"2020-04-22T08:33:42","date_gmt":"2020-04-21T22:33:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.easyweddings.com\/au\/articles\/virtual-wedding\/"},"modified":"2023-08-04T16:09:23","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T06:09:23","slug":"virtual-wedding","status":"publish","type":"au-article","link":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/articles\/virtual-wedding\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for streaming your virtual wedding without a hitch"},"content":{"rendered":"

Elopements and small weddings are not new to the wedding scene. For years, couples have been celebrating their weddings with just those intimate few people who are most important to them.<\/p>\n

However, when an elopement or small wedding is forced on you, it can be a different story. We know that many of you are making the hard decision whether to postpone your weddings or go ahead with a smaller group. The current COVID-19 restrictions on weddings<\/a> say that a wedding can have no more than 5 people; that’s you, your spouse-to-be, your celebrant, and two witnesses.<\/p>\n

We know that it can be incredibly hard to choose those two witnesses who are going to be with you on the day. Not just on you, but on the guests who have been looking forward to your big day as well. That’s where virtual weddings or steaming your wedding can come in.<\/p>\n

Many couples are still choosing to go ahead with their big day; just in a smaller way. But there’s no reason for your guests not to get involved! Streaming your wedding is a great way to celebrate the day and still involve all your nearest and dearest.<\/p>\n

So if you’re looking into how you can stream or host a virtual wedding, we have some tips for you.<\/p>\n

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Pamela and Michael live-streamed their Australian elopement. Read more about their real wedding photographed by Russell Stafford Photography.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First, choose your preferred platform<\/h3>\n

There are so many platforms that are available for you to host your wedding easily and for free. The platform you use comes down to ease-of-use for you and your guests, as well as personal preference.<\/p>\n

One of our favourite ways of streaming your wedding is through a Facebook Live in a private group. Creating a private group is a way to keep everyone up-to-date with the details and how everything works. If all your guests have a Facebook account, this could be an easy way to go with a platform they already know and use. However, this is a one-way platform and the only way you’ll be able to communicate with your guests is through the comment options.<\/p>\n

Another great option is through video conferencing software Zoom (who else wishes they’d bought shares in Zoom 12 months ago?!). The only person who requires a Zoom account is the person who has set the video streaming up. It then gives you a link to share with family and friends that they can access whether they have an account or not. Zoom allows you to see a number of people through their grid view which could be a great option if you want to be able to see all your guests on the day. However, due to privacy reasons each user has to be admitted into the Zoom conference call when they jump on board which means someone manually accepting them on the day.<\/p>\n

There are many other platforms to use such as Google Hangouts, Skype, Discord and more. So whatever platforms you’re using for work or play, consider which could be suitable for you and your guests.<\/p>\n

\"virtual<\/a>
Nicole and Eoin live-streamed their wedding to their family in Ireland back in 2017. Real wedding photographed by Laugh Out Loud Photography.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Then, it’s time to invite your guests<\/h3>\n

Once you’ve decided which platform you’re using it’s time to let your guests know of your plans! If you haven’t already sent them an ‘unsave the date’ or notice about postponing your wedding you can send these in the one invite.<\/p>\n

It could be a physical invite you work on with your stationery supplier<\/a>, a Facebook event, or a virtual invite through email. Whatever you choose make sure you include the main details such as time, platform, and how they can get onto that platform.<\/p>\n

Have fun with your invitation. Give your guests fun details like where your physical ceremony is going to be or whether you’ll be wearing something different to what you had originally planned. Don’t forget the dress code! Just because we’re at home doesn’t mean we can’t get dressed up. A glass of bubbles to celebrate could also be encouraged.<\/p>\n

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Image by Laugh Out Loud Photography. <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Provide tech support to guests in advance<\/h3>\n

It doesn’t matter how technically savvy they are; there is always one person who doesn’t know how to get something working. Send out details of how to use your preferred platform when you send out your invitations to filter any questions people might have in advance.<\/p>\n

Important details to include are:<\/p>\n