Wedding Etiquette Tips for Virtual Guests

We’ve all heard it before. Never wear white to a wedding. Be sure to get the couple a gift from their registry. Wedding etiquette rules like these have been passed down from generation to generation. There’s now new etiquette to talk about, and that’s virtual wedding etiquette. Below, your virtual wedding experts are outlining everything you need to know about how to behave (and how not to behave) at a virtual wedding.

Do: Participate in the group chat

If you’re attending a LoveStream wedding, you’ll notice that there is a chat feature next to the wedding live stream where you can send well wishes, share funny gifs and chat with other guests. Use it! The couple will receive a transcript of the chat after the wedding, so be sure to send lots of love!

Don’t: Get political in the group chat

Remember, the online guests include the couples’ friends, coworkers, aunts and uncles, grandparents, and so many others from different walks of life. This isn’t a place to discuss politics or criticize anyone. Keep the tone upbeat and about the couple!

Do: Sign the virtual guest book

Just like the live chat, the couple will receive a copy of their virtual guest book after the wedding, so be sure to sign it! Just like a regular guest book, it can be such a bummer to find that only a few people signed it. Take some time to write something thoughtful to the couple so that they can soak up all the love after their big day.

Don’t: Ignore instructions

Wedding live streams are a new phenomenon for a lot of people, so be sure to read all instructions you’re given about how to access the live stream and what time it starts. LoveStream is designed to be easy to use, but you’ll still need to click the couple’s link that they send you to watch the wedding!

Do: Go to the Zoom wedding reception

While most of our couples just stream the wedding ceremony and a few special moments, some also include an interactive Zoom reception. If the wedding you’re going to includes a Zoom reception, make sure to go! The couple is including this because they want to see you and interact with you, so show up.

Don’t: Forget to mute your microphone

Of course, if you are attending a Zoom reception, don’t forget to keep your microphone muted, unless you’re talking. Zoom meetings can be pretty hectic with just a handful of people – now imagine there are 50 or 75 people in there! Typically a Zoom reception will include a message from the couple, some toasts from key family members, and then they will open up the floor for anyone to talk. So be sure to be patient, wait for your turn, and then unmute your microphone while talking. Once you’re done, mute yourself again so you don’t interrupt anyone else.