How to Livestream a Wedding

If you’ve decided to downsize your wedding day to an intimate celebration, you don’t need to worry about telling some guests they aren’t invited anymore! You can still create a unique connection for them to be included in the celebration of your I dos through a virtual experience. As a wedding planner, I have learned that pivoting to a virtual format and learning how to livestream a wedding doesn’t have to completely throw your wedding plans out the window either! Here are 4 easy to implement steps in live-streaming your ceremony for a virtual wedding experience.

1) Choose the right livestream platform for your wedding

Based on your wedding needs and size there are two types of streaming services to compare when learning how to livestream a wedding. If you prefer to keep things simple and have a friend or family member that wants to be in charge of the tech stuff you can use a DIY service or app. But if you prefer to be hands-off and have your guests totally enjoy the experience, you can partner with a specialty service to stream the event and run interference for you.

Evangeline Eo Photography

DIY Options include:

1. Zoom: The quarantine go-to service for virtual streaming and meetings. While their base service is free and you can host up to 100 participants, it does limit your meetings to 40 minutes. With their Pro service, you can have up to 100 participants with unlimited meetings, and their Premium service ups that to 300 participants.
2. YouTube Live: Start by creating a channel on YouTube (it takes 24 hours for it to be activated for livestream so plan to do this early)! If you plan to use a device for streaming, you’ll be able to simply “go live” when the time comes. If you decide to use a camera or any audio equipment, you will want to look into encoding streaming software. This way your guests can properly see and hear you. For your privacy, set the stream to “unlisted” so your guests can still view the event as it happens. This makes sure your live won’t be listed for just anyone to join!
3. Facebook Live: You can create either a private Facebook Event or a Page to invite all your virtual guests to attend. On the day of the event, have one of your guests use a device to “go live” and stream your wedding ceremony.
4. Skype: This free online platform allows you to do video calling with up to 50 participants at a time, and includes group screen sharing.

Apps specifically made for streaming events (without added equipment) include:

1. Wedfuly ($$$): In collaboration with Zoom, you get one-on-one help with a real person for live streaming your wedding celebration. Includes a Wedfully team member who will run all tech aspects of the day in the Zoom (muting guests, acting as MC, supporting tech issues, changing camera angles, & playing media or music). There are also a few fun add-on services. These include hosting virtual reception tables in break-out rooms, E-vite and website creation, or a virtual message video from your guests!
2. LoveStream ($$): A basic package will allow you the online platform for your livestream with not a lot of bells and whistles. When you upgrade, you will get access to a LoveStream pro who will help run your tech rehearsal. They also offers guest support before and during the event.
3. EventLive ($): This app lets you test the livestream quality for free on iOS and Android for up to 40 minutes. After that, there is a gradual tiered pricing platform based on the number of events you want to host. This DIY tech-focused app allows you to host your stream on your own website, download your livestream feed, and customize your event link.
4. LoveCast: An easy and streamlined app that offers unlimited guests and unlimited streaming minutes and live customer support chat. While currently still free to download, they do plan to add in more a la carte services that can be purchased.

The effects of COVID-19 have sent many small businesses into a pivot with their services. Look for a photographer or videographer that includes virtual streaming in their packages or as an add-on. That way you will have someone on-site to run the tech bits so none of your guests will miss a moment.

Note* just like when you mail out Save the Dates or wedding invitations, remember you only need to be able to host the number of households (or devices) in your live streams, not for each individual.

The Vondys Photography

2) Do a Practice Run of Your Livestream Wedding

You will want to check and see how your wifi holds up to livestream your wedding experience for your guests. You could do a virtual bridal shower, an engagement party, or even a pre-wedding dinner party. Take note of sound or visual issues, and experiment with muting all your guests to see how the experience changes.

It’s also a good idea to soundcheck the area you will be live streaming from. If you can, make sure to visit the ceremony site at the same time you plan to begin the event. That way you can see if there are any ambiant noises you should be aware of. Noisy dogs barking? Airplanes flying overhead? Trucks backing up into a warehouse? Brainstorm some options on how to mitigate these interruptions for your guests.

3) Communicate with your guests about your wedding livestream

Give as much information as POSSIBLE! In fact, over-communicate if need be. Sending out detailed instructions on how to join the event virtually can be super helpful. You could even send out weekly/monthly email blasts with reminders and fun ideas to get them included. It’s important to remind your guests you are thinking of them!

Important info to include:

• wedding date
• if the guest is invited to join in person or to view the wedding virtually (suggest creating two email lists so you won’t be sending the wrong info out to guests who you are unable to host in-person)
• where they can view the live stream
• helpful tips to troubleshoot on the host platform or the name/contact person for any tech issues day of
• an itinerary for the event (let guests know if you will be doing any pre-arranged breakout rooms per table or per family/friend groups),

You can carve out time in your celebration to connect with your guests virtually in many ways. Like taking virtual photos, with or without your photographer. Or allowing guests that are watching virtually time to make toasts.

Abbi Cooley Photography

4) Frame the shot properly for your livestream wedding

Even if you aren’t experienced behind the lens of a camera, you can implement a couple of easy concepts to make sure that your guests have a great view.

Make sure that you, your partner, and the officiant are in the frame and won’t be blocking one another. Consider using the rule of thirds for an energetic camera angle.

Take note of the time of day and the sun location to position yourselves so you are not backlit. This tends to create harsh shadows so your guests cannot see you clearly.

Keep things stationary by using a small table or a tripod to set up your live streaming device. That way your guests always have a great view. If you choose to use multiple devices or cameras, keep in mind where each is placed. You may be able to see them in other camera angles.

The Vondys Photography

Extra things to help ease incorporating tech into your day to livestream your wedding:

• Make sure you put your device on SILENT! Nothing is worse than your guests hearing all your notifications going off throughout the ceremony.
• Look into copyrighted music! Certain streaming platforms (especially YouTube) will block your live stream if they take note of any copyrighted music being played. If you have a special song you wanted to walk down the aisle to, consider using an instrumental version of the song. Or having a talented friend record their own rendition.
• Make sure your devices are fully charged! And that you have either an accessible outlet or an external battery source handy on the wedding day.

I know there is so much more to creating a unique and connected virtual wedding experience, which is why this will be a 2 part series! That’s right – part 2 will focus on ways to incorporate your guests to throw the best virtual wedding party. If you’d like to make sure you never miss when a new blog post goes live, make sure to sign up for the Kindred Weddings and Events email club below!