The Complete Guide to Live Stream Weddings.
How to live stream your wedding in 2022 and beyond.
Wondering how to add live streaming to your upcoming wedding? Not sure where to start? LoveStream is here to tell you everything you need to know about live streaming your wedding.
In this guide, we will tell you exactly how to live stream your event so you can celebrate with friends and family regardless of location.
What is a live stream wedding?
A live stream wedding utilizes technology to stream all or part of a wedding ceremony. Some couples choose to live stream an otherwise normal — though possibly smaller — wedding. This means that the couple, an officiant, and some guests are physically present.
On the other hand, if permitted by state laws, a couple can also choose to have a remote officiant marry them over video chat.
Virtual weddings are a spectrum. You can choose either of the options above, or even have a remote wedding party, live stream the toasts or stream your wedding reception. The possibilities are endless.
Why live stream your wedding?
There are literally a million reasons to have a virtual wedding. Some of them are obvious: you want to get married and a pandemic is preventing the event from happening how you always imagined (thanks, 2020).
Some of them are not-so-obvious: your military partner just got their orders for a long deployment; you want to get married right away but you don’t have the time to throw together a giant event. Maybe a tropical storm is preventing people from flying into your destination wedding, or perhaps budgetary constraints are making you slash your in-person guest list.
In any case, a virtual wedding allows everyone to participate whether you are at a huge venue or in your backyard.
Hope for the best. Plan for the worst.
How are you preparing for those just-in-case moments?
Most couples throwing an outdoor wedding will reserve a tent just in case it rains.
The bride will keep a Tide To Go pen near her just in case someone spills on her dress.
But what if your Maid of Honor’s flight gets cancelled? What if your sister just had a baby and can’t travel? Or if grandpa’s health is on the decline and he can’t attend the wedding?
One of the most beautiful things about a wedding is that those you care for most can come together and celebrate what really matters: love. Unfortunately, the universe doesn’t always work in our favor and the unexpected does happen.
If you plan for the worst — in this case, by having a virtual wedding on the docket already — then anyone who cannot make it in-person can still participate in your special day.
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6 Steps to incorporating a wedding live stream.
Step 1: Choose your platform
Comparing Live Stream Wedding Platforms
These days, you have a few different options for your virtual wedding platform, and each one offers its own unique set of pros and cons. Below, we’re listing a few options for live streaming your wedding and some benefits and limitations of each option.
LoveStream
Pros:
Unlimited guests
Guests can comment while watching the live stream
One-click video access
Up to 5 cameras can stream from different locations or angles
A team member will control all cameras and sound for you
Multiple packages for any budget with bonus add-ons
Cons:
Not very interactive
Zoom
Pros:
Very interactive, great for receptions
“Breakout sessions” can give you individual time with each group of guests
Cons:
Guest counts over 100 will cost more
A moderator has to let each guest in, mute them and move them - the moderator will either have to be a friend you convince to help out or a service you have to pay for
It’s complicated as you download the app, create an account, login and try to navigate sound and video
There may be some privacy concerns with Zoom
Facebook or Instagram Live
Pros:
Unlimited guests
Guests can comment while watching the live stream
Cons:
Not everyone has these platforms and/or knows how to use them
Privacy can be an issue with social media
Step 2: Send out invitations
Paper or virtual wedding invitations?
Can you send out paper invitations for a virtual wedding? Absolutely. Many people hang on to physical wedding invitations as a personal keepsake and they are certainly a nice touch.
Whether all of your guests will be attending virtually or you are providing a wedding live stream as an option for those who can’t make it, there are a few ways to handle the virtual aspect of invitations.
Best of all, LoveStream offers virtual wedding invitation sending service!
Sample Virtual Wedding Invitations
The way you word your virtual wedding invitations is important for clarity. Take a look at the examples below for some options of invitation wording when you are throwing an online wedding.
3 Tips for live stream wedding invitations.
Use a URL shortener: If your live stream URL involves a string of characters and symbols, you will definitely want to use a URL shortener like Bitly to create something easier for guests to type into their URL bar. You can also let guests know that they can expect an email with a link at a later date if you don’t have your link yet ready when you send out the invites.
Account for time zones: Don’t forget that not everyone is going to be watching your wedding live stream from the same time zone. For a traditional wedding, guests understand that “5:00 PM” means 5:00 PM where the wedding is being held. Be sure to put a disclaimer that the virtual ceremony will start at 5:00 PM Eastern, Mountain, Pacific, or whatever other time zone is applicable.
Consider multiple invitations: Let’s say that you are inviting 50 people to come to the wedding in person, and the other 150+ people on your guest list will be invited to attend a virtual ceremony. This is a great opportunity to create two separate invitations. Perhaps you can send traditional paper invites to those attending in-person, and email invites to anyone attending virtually.
The Bottom Line:
Weddings with live streams can have paper invitations, and traditional weddings can have virtual invitations — and vice versa to both of those!
There’s no right or wrong way to invite someone to a wedding. Consider your budget, timeline, and needs and do what works best for you and your soon-to-be spouse!
Step 3: Get the right equipment
What equipment do you need to live stream an event?
Hint: you probably already have what you need right in front of you. You can live stream your wedding from any camera with an internet connection — i.e. a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
You will also want a tripod to hold each camera in place. These are relatively cheap and can be purchased online or from a big box store before your event.
Step 4: Plan a tech rehearsal
Rehearsals put the key pieces in place
While we make it simple to have a live stream wedding, there are still moving pieces just like a traditional wedding. We recommend scheduling a rehearsal to ensure each person knows their role prior to the big day. While all of our packages include a tech check to figure out the logistical puzzle, our Plus and Premium packages includes a full guided tech rehearsal that also provides an opportunity to plan your wedding live streaming events.
Step 5: Organize with your vendors
What role will your vendors play in a live stream wedding?
Most weddings have an average of 14 vendors. A fully virtual wedding may have fewer vendors, but a combination live stream wedding and in-person event will likely still have a photographer, caterer, DJ, and the like.
If you have already put down a deposit on your vendors, chat with them about your options moving forward. Many vendors will be accommodating and can work with your new plans.
Switching from a traditional wedding to a virtual wedding can add a lot of stress, and we recommend chatting with a pro. LoveStream was founded by a wedding planner, and we offer virtual wedding planning sessions to help you get everything squared away for the big day.
Don’t forget about your officiant!
Your officiant is your most important vendor on the big day. They are the ones who will legally marry you. Work with your officiant to determine if they will be joining your virtually (if legal in your state), or if they will be there in-person to perform the ceremony.
How to talk to your vendors about changing your wedding plans
If Coronavirus has canceled your wedding or majorly changed your plans, you might need to chat with your vendors about how to move forward. Whether you will still include them in your virtual wedding or their services are no longer needed, you can follow the three rules below to help guide your conversation.
Read your contract
Each of your wedding vendors likely had you sign a contract when you booked them, and you might have even put down a non-refundable deposit or paid in full.
Get familiar with your contract before reaching out to them about making changes. Know that if you ask for a refund, you might be trying to go against a binding contact.
Offer a solution
Perhaps you can agree to forfeit your deposit in order to be let off the hook for the rest of the payment. Or you can request their services on a different day or for a different event entirely.
For example, you might be able to ask your caterer if they can cater your grandpa’s birthday party instead, or have your photographer take family pictures the following year.
Be understanding
Finally, be understanding, as that is what you are hoping from your vendors in return. For your vendors, this is their livelihood. For you, it’s likely the most important day of your life.
Find compromise where compromise is possible, and try your best to include their services in your wedding anyways.
Step 6: Consider hiring a virtual wedding planner
Is a virtual wedding your first event planning rodeo?
Chances are, yes, this is your first rodeo. Even if it isn’t a first wedding, most people have not planned a virtual wedding before. You can eliminate some excess stress by hiring a virtual wedding planner.
It doesn’t matter whether you read that as “hire a wedding planner to work with me virtually” or “hire a professional to plan a virtual wedding.” Either way, having a professional on your side to help coordinate with vendors, check off boxes, and provide expert advice is key to reducing the amount of stress that comes with planning an online wedding.
Frequently asked questions about LoveStream virtual weddings
Should my reception be virtual?
If you have postponed or scaled back your wedding due to COVID-19, you may be considering having a virtual reception along with your wedding ceremony. Because receptions are much more interactive than the ceremony, LoveStream offers a moderated interactive video reception.
A member of our Chalotte-based team will help guide your guests into an interactive platform, create breakout sessions so you can have one-on-one time with your guests, and handle all of the organization so you can focus on having fun and celebrating your newly married status.
You can also choose to marry now, party later. Many couples are choosing to live stream a small wedding ceremony on their original wedding date while postponing the big after party until it is safe for everyone to gather again. This is perfect for couples who have already put down a non-refundable deposit on a venue or caterer.
Reach out to these vendors and request an alternate date. Many are happy to accommodate this, especially during these crazy times.
Can I get married online in my state?
Some states have passed temporary laws during COVID-19 to allow a couple to be married virtually by a remote officiant. Be sure to check with your county clerk’s office to determine the legality of having a remote officiant before your big day.
If your state doesn’t allow virtual weddings, don’t worry, there are a few clever workarounds! If you have an officiant you have your heart set on but who cannot make it to the wedding in-person, consider having them hop into the wedding live stream as a guest speaker while an in-person officiant handles the actual pronunciation of marriage.
You can also get married at a court-house prior to the wedding ceremony and utilize your virtual wedding as a celebration with friends and family.
What does my custom wedding website include?
A standard LoveStream wedding website will typically include the video where your guests will watch as you live stream your wedding, a live-chat for your guests, and a virtual guest book where your friends and family can leave love notes and pictures or video messages.
We can also embed whatever you’d like to make it personal. This includes things like a gallery of engagement photos, custom photos for the header, a unique video thumbnail, a Spotify playlist, a link to your wedding registry, a message to guests, and just about anything else. Anything you can think of, we are happy to add!
How do multiple camera angles work?
Imagine your wedding is a TV show and we are the producers. Multiple cameras will already be set up when your ceremony starts (up to 3 with our Plus package and up to 5 with our Premium package).
During your wedding live stream, your dedicated “producer” — one of our team members in Charlotte, NC — will have an eye on all of the action. They will switch between cameras so that your guests are able to keep up with everything from the flower girl walking down the aisle to the first kiss to the first dance, and so forth.
What about the sound?
While the sound and the video will often be streaming from the same device, we do have the ability to pick up sound from one camera while streaming video from another. This is a great option for those who want a wide-angle shot of their wedding. For example, a wide angle camera will likely be far away from the main action, so we will give guests a wide view of the entire venue while streaming sound from a camera closer to the action.
All camera angles will be tested during your tech run through to make sure we are capturing the moments that are most important to you.
Do we use our own cameras?
Typically couples are able to live stream a wedding from their own cameras, but we do offer equipment rentals for anyone who needs it. Most of our couples will utilize their own (or their friends’) devices. Devices can include anything with an internet connection and a camera, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
We recommend using tripods for your devices to ensure the best quality footage. After the cameras are set up, you — or whoever is in charge of setting up cameras — will click a link to enter the streaming studio and voila! You’re ready to live stream your wedding.
Is LoveStream a “Zoom wedding”?
During the pandemic, Zoom became the go-to video chat platform. Forget FaceTime and Skype, Zoom seems to be here to stay. While Zoom is a great option for work calls and friend hang-outs, it certainly has its downsides when using it to stream a wedding ceremony.
Zoom requires a moderator to let in each guest individually. Those guests also have to download the Zoom app and create an account. For tech-challenged guests or those trying to access the wedding live stream from their smartphone, this could be a major hurdle.
Because Zoom is a multi-way video conferencing platform, guests will be visible to one another during the stream if they have their camera or microphone on. For those living by the “you don’t have to wear pants at home” rule, this could turn a romantic wedding into an awkward situation.
While an interactive Zoom reception is a good idea (and we can add that to any of our virtual weddings!), for the ceremony and toasts, we recommend a one-way live video like what we can provide at LoveStream.
But I already have a videographer!
The Best of Both Worlds
When videographers began to become a vital piece of the wedding vendor puzzle, many couples were on the fence. Why do I need a videographer if I already have a photographer? Those who have chosen to have a videographer cover their wedding know how priceless that footage is.
While some videographers provide live streaming services for weddings, this typically will require them to bring expensive equipment and additional help. A LoveStream wedding allows the videographer to focus on what they are great at while we handle the live streaming aspect.
The Role of a Videographer
Professional videographers are skilled in their profession. They know how to capture gorgeous angles when the light is hitting the bride just right. They can capture the look of shock on a groom’s face during a first look.
After the wedding, a videographer will spend hours editing together footage from the event. They typically provide the couple with a concise 3-4 minute video of the highlights.
The Role of a Wedding Live Stream
It’s important to separate the role of a videographer versus the role of a wedding live stream.
Just like photographers and videographers serve different purposes, so do videographers and virtual weddings.
A virtual wedding is designed for your friends and family who cannot make it to the event in-person to be able to participate at the same time as everyone else. When you live stream your wedding with LoveStream, your guests will be able to leave comments as the event is happening — similar to a Facebook Live but much less chaotic. They can chat with each other or simply make observations about the day. While they won’t be on video during the ceremony, they can still interact and “mingle” with other guests.
Added Bonus
After your LoveStream wedding, you’ll receive a FULL copy of the video along with a transcript of the live comments from your family and friends. Most videographers scrap extra footage so they can give you a highlights reel. With LoveStream, you’ll be able to relive your wedding from start to finish.
Why LoveStream?
Unlimited guests, a beautiful website, and a stellar day-of team are just a few of the reasons to choose LoveStream over other virtual wedding providers. Check out these other reasons:
One Click
Guests simply click a URL (or type it into their search bar) and they’re automatically on your wedding page and ready to watch your live stream. We can also password protect your page if you prefer.
Tech Support
Leading up to your virtual wedding date, our team will be available to help you troubleshoot any tech issues. LoveStream is incredibly simple and we don’t expect issues, but we are here if you need us!
Multiple Cameras
Our Plus package can stream up to 3 cameras while our Premium package can stream up to 5. This means LoveStream virtual weddings can include all of the exciting action.
Exclusive Discounts
When you buy a virtual wedding package through LoveStream, you will get access to exclusive discount codes to top-quality vendors who can make your wedding day perfect.
No Awkwardness
LoveStream ceremonies are one-way, meaning you won’t have to beg anyone to turn off their video or mute their microphone. It’s clean, organized, and designed to showcase your special event.
Copy of Footage
After your wedding live stream is complete, we will send you a copy of the footage, as well as a transcript of the guest chat so you can relive your wedding day for years to come.
How to Book your Virtual Wedding with LoveStream
Chat
This part is optional! But if you want to chat to a real human about using LoveStream to live stream your wedding or have questions about customization, then just add yourself to our calendar and we’ll have a call!
Choose your Package
We offer three packages for virtual weddings, each serving different purposes and budgets. These can be purchased at any time, or if you are looking for something unique, we can give you a custom quote.
Buy
We will hold your date for three days while you put the pieces together. Once everyone is on board, simply purchase your package. After this step, you will receive emails outlining how to move forward.
Secure your Date
We give each of our couples personalized service with a dedicated wedding technician just for their event. This means we can currently host two virtual weddings per day, so secure your date quick!
Photo credits: Three Region Photography, Taylor Square Photography, Meredith Jane Photography, D Hayman Photography, Ariel Kaitlin Photography, Vanessa Ray Photography, Gabby Chapin Photography, Adornment Photo, Emily Meeks Photography, Posh Moments Photography, Davey Morgan Photography, Jessica Charles Photography, Amanda Moss Photography, Hans Rosemond Photography, Adornment Photo, Radian Photography, Jessi Nichols Photography.