How to Plan an Unforgettable Online Wedding

When doing an online wedding, you will be using a video calling platform such as Zoom, Google Meets, or personal video apps created by the wedding company you are going through. Zoom is the online communications platform where most virtual wedding services use to connect and stream online wedding ceremonies. It’s easy to use, has a wide range of features, and gives you at least 100 invite links to send out to your friends and family. It also has a variety of features to make your wedding special, such as unique backgrounds, the ability to stream music, personal videos, as well as photos.

Another benefit of Zoom is its security. All meetings are protected with end-to-end encryption to ensure no one else can access your wedding. Depending on your preference, you can even require a password to join the wedding ceremony and even lock the stream after all your guests have joined.

With Zoom being the most prominent, still check with your online wedding service provider to see what they use to host the video call with. Once you find out, check out how to operate it and log in easily. Most platforms give you a link to click on and take you directly in. Others may require a passcode or password to enter. 

Always make sure that you have downloaded the respective app and it has access to your camera/video as well as your microphone. 

It goes without saying that if you’re going to have a wedding ceremony that streams over the internet then your technology is going to be important. Whether you are going to use your phones, computers, laptops, tablets, or anything with a capable camera, you’ll want to make sure it is going to be reliable throughout your wedding. If you are going to use your phone you may also want to think about a tripod or stand to keep your phone stable and in one place. You’ll also want to ensure you have a good quality microphone and speakers to ensure everyone can hear you clearly.

Your wedding guests will need a smartphone, laptop or desktop computer with a webcam, microphone, and internet connection as well. Almost all phones in the day of age will have a camera and microphone to use through a video call. This will ensure everyone can hear, be heard, and participate in the fun.

Once you have your tech equipment set up, take the time to test your setup to ensure everything will operate as you want, and the quality is good. If using external speakers, either connect via Bluetooth or through an audio cable. Test it in advance to see if it will work well. If using an external monitor or tv to see better, connect your device using an HDMI cable as it gives an instant video feed and picture. Many times casting and screen sharing has a lag and can make things a bit tough to follow. 

Now that you’ve figured out the tech side of things it’s time to send out your wedding invitations to your guests. You want to let them know when and how to join your ceremony. Going paperless can be just as stylish and lovely as printed invitations at a significantly lower cost. Set the tone for your wedding, save time and money, and make RSVPs easy for you and your guests. Using Minted, Riley & Grey, or Paperless Post lets you send invitations everyone will love and adds a bit of extra pizazz and authenticity to your wedding.

Include the meeting link to your online wedding, as well as the date and time. Because this may be the first virtual wedding your guests may have ever attended, you may want to add a few more details. Take the time to add instructions for your guests on how to join the meeting, how to turn on their video and check their sound, and to politely show them where the mute button is with a reminder to stay muted during the ceremony unless instructed otherwise.

If this seems a bit daunting and want to keep it basic, a simple email or text with the link and instructions suffices as well. Make it your way, it’s your day. 

The big question when planning your online wedding is this: What do I wear?? Just because your guests possibly won’t see your full attire in person, and respect it that way you do in person, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t express your style on your wedding day. Brides should feel free to slim down or wear the big custom gown they’ve always wanted. Grooms, same works for you to not be afraid to wear their tuxedo or a tailored suit or keep it casual. Regardless of what you choose to wear, here are a few tips to think about.

Whether you wear something formal or more casual, you should dress the part and feel comfortable for your special day. Not only for your own mindset but also for your guests. Do your hair and match your outfit from your head to your shoes. Don’t be afraid to express yourself and personality through what you wear. There is no standard with how to dress for your online wedding, so have fun with it!

You don’t have to over-accessorize though, because of the restricted view your guests will see of you. However, it’s you and your day. Do what you want to feel the part of getting married. Your guests love seeing your personality shine on camera and it makes them feel they are witnessing the true you getting married. 

An online wedding doesn’t require nearly as much preparation as a venue does but there are some important things you still may want. Whether you choose a ten minute ceremony or an hour you can still have a real, personal, and fun wedding. This means cake, flowers, and possibly even a photographer and catered food.

Ordering a wedding cake or pie is one of the traditions that many couples still like to enjoy. Whether you choose to go with a baker or a local bakery the cake is always a hit for couples and their celebrating guests. Let’s not forget champagne or other favorite drinks to toast to as well. 

To create a nice ambiance for online weddings, or for any wedding really, is adding flowers. Flowers can still be placed in the background, sides of the couple, or other places in the area that the camera will show. This can help make any bride or groom embrace the moment and create that feeling of love and marriage for everyone.

While you are doing an online wedding, a photographer is a vendor you may still want to include in your wedding ceremony to capture all of your wedding day splendor. If you choose to use a photographer, consider these simple things. Some photographers are specializing in virtual weddings and capturing those special and amazing shots. Also, and this is important, you will want to make sure the photographer doesn’t stand between you and the video camera. The video recording and view of you  getting married is just as important as the pictures the photographer will take. 

A fun way to make your virtual wedding special is to create unforgettable moments both during the ceremony and after. Don’t feel like you have to rush off after the ceremony. You may not have considered it but have an online wedding reception. Some online wedding service providers might offer this option to you.

It can be as simple as having a toast with your drinks, and just chat for a while with everyone who has joined the call. Or you could take things up a notch by having a dance, a skit for everyone, or your cake cutting ceremony. Do something fun and unique, have fun with it to allow people to mingle, catch up, celebrate, and enjoy your special moment. 

At this point, you have planned an unforgettable wedding day. All that is left is to say ‘I do’. Whether you decide to keep things short and sweet with just the legalities or personalize the experience for you and your guests with an elaborate wedding ceremony, it’s going to be a beautiful ceremony for you and your loved ones to remember.

With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can create an unforgettable wedding that your guests will remember and talk about for years, with a video recording for keepsake and to share with the world. We hope the steps outlined in this article give you a few ideas to create your own personal and special virtual wedding that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.