The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled individuals and organizations all around the world to devise ways to carry out routine chores remotely, using the Internet. Workplaces, schools, and other groups, as well as couples planning a wedding, have realized how effective and helpful this type of streaming video-based interaction can be.
People can get married from the safety and comfort of their own homes with virtual weddings. This fantastic benefit contributes to the health and well-being of wedding guests and participants, pandemic or not.
Even if there are no health issues, you may want to consider a virtual wedding to allow guests from all over the city, state, region, or world to participate in the festivities without having to go to the ceremony venue.
Several states strongly embrace virtual weddings, while others may change their minds in the future. If your family attorney approves of a virtual wedding, here's how to make it happen as quickly and efficiently as possible.
1. Pick a date and time.
Before you can invite your online guests, you and your future spouse must decide on a date and time for your virtual ceremony, just like you would for an in-person wedding.
The fact that virtual meetings and events are typically shorter than their offline counterparts is one element that works in your favor. Your guests will be more likely to accept your invitation if you have a 30-minute wedding ceremony.
2. Select a Video Streaming Platform
We're spoiled for choice when it comes to streaming media platforms these days. However, the tried-and-true Zoom is most likely to produce the best results.
Because so many people and businesses got on the Zoom bandwagon in 2020, it provides a familiar atmosphere that is less likely to cause technological difficulties for your visitors. In general, video conferencing outperforms live streaming as a method of communication since it allows for more interaction among all participants.
3. Engage the services of a virtual marriage officiant
Any marriage, whether done online or in person, must be performed by a qualified officiant. If your state allows these officiants to work remotely, you can hire any ordained minister or other legally allowed officiant from anywhere in the world. If your state requires your officiant to marry you both in person, you can still broadcast their presence to all of your virtual guests.
4. Choosing Your Wardrobe
Just because you're being married online rather than in front of a crowd doesn't mean you shouldn't dress up for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Whatever wedding attire you'd wear to an in-person ceremony can be replicated in streaming video for an equally breathtaking result. As a result, you're entirely justified in spending a small fortune on the wedding gown of your dreams. It goes without saying that you'll want to flaunt your baubles!
5. Make sure your lighting and background are in order.
You'll want your virtual wedding to be as lovely and unforgettable as possible. If you want to stream your wedding from a conventional venue like a church, you may already have a lovely setting that simply requires some traditional wedding decor to complete the look.
Simply set up a few decorations in keeping with your selected wedding theme, or choose a virtual background that complements that theme, if you're streaming your wedding from home. To eliminate undesirable shadows or dazzling glare, consider hiring a modest photographic light kit.
6. Put your audio and video to the test
The last thing you want for your virtual wedding is choppy audio or video that makes part or all of the ceremony incomprehensible. Hire an expert videographer or, at the the least, invest in high-quality camera and microphone equipment, and properly test the equipment to verify that the audio and visual levels for your ceremony are correct.
At the same time, whether you're holding your wedding in a public space or in the seclusion of your own home, you must ensure that you have a strong online connection at your chosen venue. Simultaneously test the gear and the streaming connection until you're entirely satisfied with what you're seeing and hearing.
7. Think about throwing a virtual wedding shower.
Why not host a virtual wedding shower as well, if a virtual wedding works absolutely well and makes perfect sense for your needs?
Your guests are unlikely to hold you to such an extra option, but image their surprise and happiness at the prospect of participating in this traditional pre-wedding activity. Just keep in mind that a virtual wedding shower takes the same level of planning and attention to technological details as a live streamed event.
8. Obtain a valid marriage license.
As previously stated, certain states allow totally virtual weddings, while others require the presence of a trained officiant in person. If you want your marriage to be legally acknowledged, you'll need to obtain a formal marriage license in any case.
While you can hold a meaningful ceremony (known as a minimony) without a legal marriage license, it will be extremely useful to both of you in the future for tax, immigration, and other legal matters. Remember to have two witnesses on the Zoom feed (which is a legal requirement for any wedding).
9. Organize a virtual wedding ceremony
You have complete control over the size of your virtual wedding ceremony. You can have a "simple and humble ceremony" that focuses on the wedding event, or you can have a virtual streaming celebration that allows your guests to engage and express their best wishes before the ceremony (you may want to remind the guests to look nice for their on-camera participation).
If you have an emcee and/or technical advisor on hand to oversee the technology and keep the event on track, you'll be able to relax a lot more throughout the wedding.
10. Obtain a Marriage Certificate
A marriage certificate is legal proof of your union. In some states, they can even be used in place of marriage licenses. You can acquire your marriage certificate as soon as your officiant proclaims you wedded. (For your records, get both a digital and a paper copy.) If you and your spouse plan to travel outside of the United States, you may want to have an apostille stamp applied to your marriage license.
If these steps seem time-consuming, consider how much effort a traditional in-person wedding entails, from food preparation to seating arrangements and transportation rentals. You can also hire a full-service provider to help you streamline your virtual wedding even more.
Virtual Wedlock offers package deals that include everything from wedding planning to giving out the Zoom link to your guests. This all-in-one solution allows you and your partner to concentrate on your special day. Get in touch with us to learn more and get started planning your live-streamed wedding!
Comments