How Do You Plan a Virtual Wedding?

No one can blame the thousands of engaged couples who have been forced to postpone or cancel their nuptials because of the coronavirus pandemic for feeling let down.

You're not alone in this view; "virtual marriage" was included in Google's report on 2020's "Year in Search" trends.

The whole wedding business has been caught off guard by this unexpected development, and many life-changing plans have been put on hold as a result.

You may not be able to throw the huge celebration with all of your closest friends and family that you had always imagined having if you have to move the wedding to a different date or a different season.

The good news is that you can still have a beautiful wedding shortly, although it might have to be virtual for now until it is safe to have a larger reception with friends and family.

A great option to delaying or cancelling is to have a virtual wedding as a stand-in for the actual event.

It's a good idea for any couple, but those with elderly relatives who wish to protect their union may find it especially helpful. Saying “I do” at Boutique Events Group is an elegant and luxurious affair.

Many individuals are on edge right now for many and reasonable reasons; therefore, it can be appropriate and appreciated if you provide your family and friends with a celebration experience, even if it is only virtual.

Prepare to participate in the most perfect online wedding ever! Get married in a flash with this comprehensive guide to saying your vows in Zoom like a pro.

The Clerk's Office of Your Town or City Should Be Contacted

It was already true that marriage rules in the United States were quite inconsistent even before the pandemic.

Because of this, engaged couples should get in touch with the county clerk's office to confirm they are following the proper procedures for receiving their licence.

More than anything else, we want to make sure that engaged couples are well-informed and exercise caution when considering virtual ceremonies because there is a lot of ambiguity surrounding the idea.

When all the formalities are out of the way, the real fun can begin.

Select Your Preferred Medium

Facebook Live, Google Hangout, Zoom and Instagram Live, are just some of the online video conferencing tools available for your virtual nuptials.

Zoom

The most widely used wedding video conferencing service is provided by Zoom. Zoom is a video conferencing app that has both free and paid versions.

A monthly fee grants access for 100 participants, cloud recording in MP4 or M4A at 1GB, and a 24-hour "meeting" window.

That's a lot of time to hold a wedding and party afterwards! The ceremony can be viewed in Speaker View or the couple can view it in Gallery View so they can see their guests' reactions during the event.

One of your guests may be tasked with taking screenshots of people's reactions all through the ceremony for a special keepsake.

Your honour readings can still be performed by your guests, and your officiant could even be online* (or you could maintain the 6-foot social distancing rule).

Portraits can still be taken with a photographer present.

In some jurisdictions, the above disclaimer may not be enough. If you want to make sure that your online wedding is legal in your area, you should consult with a local government official or a family law professional.

With Zoom, the celebration may carry on well into the after-party.

The speeches, first dance, and cutting of the cake can all be witnessed by your guests.

Facebook Live

The use of Facebook Live for the ceremony is yet another (FREE) alternative.

Create an exclusive event and send your guests to it via a closed group. Your guests can board at the appointed time to witness your nuptials!

Likewise, Facebook can serve as a digital guestbook.

In the weeks before the wedding, your guests can leave you messages of congratulations. They can "mingle" and get to know each other before the wedding and carry on the conversation long thereafter.

There will always be a copy of the video within the group, so long as the group itself exists.

Although not every person will have access to Facebook and you will not be able to have a true "face to face" conversation as you would with video conference software, the fundamental principles remain the same.

Be.live is one example of a piece of software that may be used to record a group of people on Facebook at simultaneously. However, keep in mind that there is a 90-minute cap on each recording.

Set Up All Required Electronics 

Tech is incredibly crucial in preparing your virtual wedding.

You really need some sort of mobile device, be it a laptop, tablet, or phone, with a camera in order to participate. If you want to watch a movie, show, or play a game on your smartphone or tablet, you might consider investing in a tripod to keep your device steady and level during play.

Before committing to a specific platform, make sure your technology can work smoothly on it.

Communicate With All Suppliers

The location, rentals, and food may have all been scrapped, but there's still a chance that some other vendors may come into play.

One vendor you might want to keep on board is the photographer. You can relax and let the photographer come to you.

While they are documenting your big day, you can maintain your social distance. Don't forget to let them know you're broadcasting live so they don't try to appear in front of the camera!

Your cake is not part of the puzzle that has to disappear, however you could wish to make it smaller.

Even while quarantined, you and your significant other can participate in the traditional cake-cutting ceremony and enjoy some tasty treats.

Notify the bakery that you will only need a small cake for the two of you, rather than one to feed fifty or more.

At last, your officiant can be present in person (although remotely) or conduct the ceremony digitally.

You should sign and mail in your marriage licence immediately.

A Note on Virtual Ceremonies

In some jurisdictions, virtual weddings may not be recognised. Before starting to organise your virtual wedding, be sure to check with local authorities or a family law professional to learn out the details of your site.

Because the marriage licence is a legal contract, the couples and the officiant will need to meet in person at some point during the ceremony to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.

One possibility is to have someone close by perform the legal part of the ceremony in person; this may be a roommate, relative, or other family member (in accordance with local marriage laws and any registration requirements, of course).

If your prefered officiant is unable to join you in person for the ceremony, you can still have it conducted the manner you see fit by someone else via the internet.

Invite Your Guests

Since the wedding is being held online, the quickest way to invite guests is through an e-vite or email; personalise it to fit your motif if you can.

Advise Your Visitors

Now that you know how to pivot and have the tech for your big day in order, you must inform your visitors.

Sending digital invitations is a time- and cost-saving way to ensure that you remain on-brand while maintaining convenience.

Be sure to provide the time and date of the meeting, as well as the link to the Zoom or Facebook group where it will take place.

Now, since this is a bit out of the ordinary, you might also want to give directions for your guests on how to switch on their video and ask them to stay muted during the ceremony.

Also, because you'll be taking screenshots of their lovely faces, let them know that you hope they'll take the opportunity to dress up a bit for the camera. They'll probably appreciate the break from their usual pyjama attire.

Request the standard RSVPs from your guests so you can keep track of who to deliver gift baskets to. Make sure your viewers know when to start popping the bubbles or opening the food before you start your Livestream. If you want to have a dance party with your friends, don't forget to request some of your favourite songs.

The Time to Plan is Now

Prior to the actual day of your virtual wedding, you should take a couple of practise runs to make sure everything is in working order, from the backdrop to the camera angles to the software.

Have a mimosa, hold your bridal party on a separate Zoom or Facetime call, get ready and spend some time with your spouse (or don't if you weren't planned on seeing them!) on the big day.

Be sure that you and your partner have talked about this and the details involved.

Do you want your spouse to be waiting at the top of the "aisle" (actually standing on-screen) as you enter the chapel from another room? Is it your preference to begin with you and your partner sharing the screen at the outset?

Determine in advance who will initiate the Livestream and then run through a dress rehearsal. Please remember to play the record!

Fully dressed for the occasion

People are more likely than ever to exclaim, "Thank God for e-commerce!" and your online nuptials are no exception.

Now that it's so easy to order formalwear like wedding gowns and suits online, staying at home doesn't have to mean sacrificing your sense of style.

White photographs well, so if you haven't picked out your wedding dress yet, you can wear anything as simple as a slip dress or as extravagant as feathered pyjamas.

Your gown can be worn if you already have it and wish to, but you may prefer to store it away for use at a later date.

She suggests that you ask your guests to wear bright colours to represent the joy of the occasion and to provide a splash of energy and cheer to the gathering.

In the same vein, tell them to stay away from stripes and other prints that could be distracting on a computer screen.

If time is of the essence, you may also look for affordable wedding gowns on Amazon.

The same holds true for wedding bands and other accessories, all of which can be ordered online and shipped directly to your front door.

Prepare your hair and face.

Even though your regular hairstylist won't be able to do your hair and makeup in person on your big day, it doesn't stop you from being dolled up.

Virtual hair and makeup trials are now offered by the majority of retailers, and the experts there can help you learn how to replicate popular looks.

We advise playing it safe and keeping things basic. First, establish your "daily face," and then, if you like, add a new feature or two.

Lighter, more minimal makeup might be the way to go for a virtual wedding so that you don't look excessively made up on camera.

Always check how glossy or "hot" the skin looks in the lighting you plan to shoot in to ensure you have the right look. Keep a setting powder on hand, like NARS' Light That is reflected Pressed Setting Powder, which is available in two different hues ("Translucent" for light to moderate skin tones and "Sunstone" for medium to deep skin tones) to accommodate a wide range of skin tones.

Highlighter and blush can be used to draw attention to your features, and a good waterproof mascara can be used to hide mascara smudges caused by tears.

Your hair will look and feel better if you take the time to develop a good routine, which includes washing, conditioning, and using products that add body and texture.

It's best to do this the day before the big event if you want your hair to have enough grit and hold for natural waves and volume at the roots.

Make sure your hair is completely dehydrated before you style it to prevent it from looking flat.

Hairspray should be applied from a distance of six inches while curling your hair, and the curl should be allowed to cool for a few clips.

If you want your hair to look perfect on your wedding day, you should put in some practise time before the big day. Finding your perfect Wedding Make Up Artist doesn't have to be difficult. Check out our ultimate list here.

Establish the Setting

Because the laws governing weddings in each state vary, it's a good idea to check with your florist before the big day to see how much leeway they may give you in terms of creating the wedding of your dreams.

They could set up a Zoom instruction with you to help you make your bouquet, or they could arrange for a contactless pick-up of arrangements.

It's possible to make your own bridal bouquet by gathering some flowers from a garden and tying them together using a ribbon.

If you decide to go this method, you should pick the flowers from your garden the day before, removing the lower leaves and any other debris up to the top two or three leaves, then soaking them in warm water before wrapping and tying them the following day.

Flowers should be kept in water until the photo shoot begins; then, before handling the bouquet, dab it dry with a towel to prevent any moisture from falling into the dress.

For the boutonniere, she suggests fastening a single flowerbud on the lapel of a suit or dress shirt.

The simple notation of this "button hole" indicating that they are the special someone getting married is more than enough, and it doesn't even need to be wrapped or completed to florist perfection.

Coordinating Everything

This means that conducting a virtual ceremony is rather simple. But how has the response been?

Easy! Champagne or tiny bottles of liquor and a mix for your unique cocktail can be sent to your guests in numerous cities.

If you really want to be creative, you could put together a gift basket full of these bottles, a mixer, and some straws, all bearing your own custom labels.

In addition to the above, consider the following items for your gift basket:

• Sweets with your name on them
• Delicious Scones (instead of cake)
• A personalised greeting card from Postable.
• Snacks everyone loves so we can break bread together

Feel free to tell your guests to bring their own booze to the reception if you'd like. They can enjoy a drink of their choosing in the privacy of their own houses.

Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too

Many engaged couples are opting for streamed ceremonies at the moment, with the intention of hosting a reception, or even a wonderful party, after the pandemic has passed and people can congregate again.

If you are married today in a digital ceremony, you can still have the wedding of your dreams in the future.

The pressure will be off by the time your next wedding date rolls around. It's too late to find a new spouse, but you can re-match with your favourite person if you like.

Host an Online After-Party

Host a "reception" with your guests online using a service like Google Hangouts. Inform them to put on their finest attire and get the party started.

If you feel the need, formality such as: Dance for the first time ever with your speaker hooked up. Bake a cake and slice it.

Serve a speciality drink (maybe a "Quarantini") and send the recipe to your guests in preparation so they may join you.

Allow your visitors to make toasts by opening the "mic." Make it the best online party anyone has ever attended.

Two "anniversaries" a year are reason enough to celebrate with champagne and a candlelit meal at a top restaurant. Can you think of another pair that can say that?

Get Married!

The only thing left to do is to say your "I dos" and invite distant loved ones to celebrate with you online.

It will be wonderful to enjoy your union with those who matter to you, whether you opt for a minimalist approach or go all out by delivering care packages to your virtual guests.

We are well aware that the future is fraught with peril and uncertainty.

Check out our Top Wedding Planners here to help make your special day as smooth as possible.

There's no greater way to break the monotony of holeing up indoors than than attending the wedding of the year, virtually speaking, of course.

They'll enjoy it, and when we're done, you can still have a party in person.

Conclusion

"Virtual marriage" was included in Google's report on 2020's "Year in Search" trends. A great option to delaying or cancelling is to have a virtual wedding as a stand-in for the actual event. Get married in a flash with this comprehensive guide to saying your vows in Zoom. Some of the most popular wedding video conferencing tools are available for your virtual nuptials. Facebook Live, Google Hangout, Zoom and Instagram Live are just some of the options available. The ceremony can be viewed in Speaker View or Gallery View so they can see their guests' reactions during the event.

Content Summary 

• No one can blame the thousands of engaged couples who have been forced to postpone or cancel their nuptials because of the coronavirus pandemic for feeling let down.
• You're not alone in this view; "virtual marriage" was included in Google's report on 2020's "Year in Search" trends.
• The whole wedding business has been caught off guard by this unexpected development, and many life-changing plans have been put on hold as a result.
• You may not be able to throw the huge celebration with all of your closest friends and family that you had always imagined having if you have to move the wedding to a different date or a different season.
• The good news is that you can still have a beautiful wedding shortly, although it might have to be virtual for now until it is safe to have a larger reception with friends and family.
• A great option to delay or cancel is to have a virtual wedding as a stand-in for the actual event.
• Saying "I do" at Boutique Events Group is an elegant and luxurious affair.
• Many individuals are on edge right now for many and reasonable reasons; therefore, it can be appropriate and appreciated if you provide your family and friends with a celebration experience, even if it is only virtual.
• Prepare to participate in the most perfect online wedding ever!
• Get married in a flash with this comprehensive guide to saying your vows in Zoom like a pro.
• It was already true that marriage rules in the United States were quite inconsistent even before the pandemic.
• Because of this, engaged couples should get in touch with the county clerk's office to confirm they are following the proper procedures for receiving their licence.
• More than anything else, we want to make sure that engaged couples are well-informed and exercise caution when considering virtual ceremonies because there is a lot of ambiguity surrounding the idea.
• When all the formalities are out of the way, the real fun can begin.
• Facebook Live, Google Hangout, Zoom and Instagram Live, are just some of the online video conferencing tools available for your virtual nuptials.
• Zoom The most widely used wedding video conferencing service is provided by Zoom.
• Zoom is a video conferencing app that has both free and paid versions.
• That's a lot of time to hold a wedding and party afterwards!
• The ceremony can be viewed in Speaker View or the couple can view it in Gallery View so they can see their guests' reactions during the event.
• One of your guests may be tasked with taking screenshots of people's reactions all through the ceremony for a special keepsake.
• Portraits can still be taken with a photographer present.
• If you want to make sure that your online wedding is legal in your area, you should consult with a local government official or a family law professional.
• With Zoom, the celebration may carry on well into the after-party.
• The speeches, first dance, and cutting of the cake can all be witnessed by your guests.
• Facebook Live The use of Facebook Live for the ceremony is yet another (FREE) alternative.
• Create an exclusive event and send your guests to it via a closed group.