TIPS ON PLANNING YOUR PERFECT VIRTUAL WEDDING
COVID has affected many of us this year in both our personal and business lives. These past few months have been rather difficult, but we want you to know that we are here for you. As much as remaining safe and healthy is our number one priority these days, so are the hopes that things will get back to normal sooner than later. Who would have ever thought such a time would come that would force couples to have to change or postpone their wedding day?
Given the circumstances, a lot of couples across the globe are turning toward virtual weddings, and believe it or not, many couples love it! Even as a temporary placeholder, it's a great back-up plan to avoid having to cancel your wedding entirely. Certain states such as New York, California, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. are now legalizing virtual weddings so that couples can officially say, “I do” without the worry. Make sure to check with your local county to see if virtual weddings are legal in your region as each one may vary.
We’ve gathered some amazing tips to help you plan an official or temporary wedding via Zoom. All you need is a computer, cell phone or tablet and you'll be good to go!
BOOK YOUR WEDDING OFFICIANT
Whether they are in-person or attending your Zoom ceremony, don't forget to book your Officiant. Some states such as New York and California are even allowing couples to obtain marriage licenses while clerks perform a marriage ceremony via Zoom. Others will make exceptions on a case-by-case basis, but first, be sure to check in with your state to see if your virtual wedding is valid.
BOOK HAIR AND MAKEUP
Don't let the change in plans have you skip out on being beautified on your special day. We provide one-on-one hair and makeup experiences to keep all of our beautiful brides safe. This means that your services are provided by one of our professionals who are experienced in both hair and makeup and follow strict safety guidelines!
SET A DATE
First thing first, set a date if you haven’t done so. Make sure the date and time are convenient for you and your guests.
SET UP YOUR ZOOM LINK
Set up your Zoom link for free here. Zoom allows up to 40 minutes of streaming for free plus up to 100 participants. You can visit their website to consider additional plans that may be suitable for you if you prefer to have more time. Zoom also recommends not posting your link (Meeting ID) anywhere online due to the fact that bots could potentially hack into your video which no one would want to happen especially during such a special moment.
YOUR GUESTS LIST
We suggest that you keep your guests list at a minimum. Preferably about 10-15 of your closest friends and family. This assures a smooth viewing without many interruptions and creates more of an intimate gathering.
Also, just because it's a Zoom wedding doesn't mean in person guests aren't allowed. In most states, you can have up to 10 people in a setting while maintaining social distancing. Counting yourself, your fiancé, the Officiant, and the photographer, you still have space for 6 more guests, so if you are comfortable, invite a few of your closest and dearest friends and family.
SEND OUT INVITATIONS
You can do this by sending your guests online invites using certain websites such as Minted or Paperless Post. Make sure to include all the important details such as the date, time, and of course the link to view the wedding. Lastly, don’t forget to also enforce a dress code.
Image Source: Paperless Post
DECORATE YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY SPACE
Whether this is in your home living room, backyard, or local park, get creative, and have some fun while doing so. What's a wedding without a few beautiful floral arrangements right?
DON’T FORGET THE CAKE
Purchase a cake from the local bakery or bake one yourself. This is the time to kick out the good ole’ Pinterest DIY skills and get fancy!
Image Source: Pinterest
ORDER YOUR IDEAL MEAL
You can do this with uber eats at ease. Set your order to be delivered right around the reception time!
KEEP IT SHORT
To keep your guests engaged and to also enjoy the free Zoom plan, we recommend that you keep your ceremony under 40 minutes.
DON'T FORGET THE MUTE BUTTON
Unless you are directly interacting with your virtual guests, which at some point you should, consider muting all guests so that the stream doesn’t jump to guests during your ceremony if they make noise in the background.
RECORD YOUR WEDDING
Keep your virtual wedding for memories and to share with friends and family by recording your wedding with Zoom.
We know this isn't the traditional way to say "I do" but why not make the best out of these times until you're able to have the wedding of your dreams. Make it sweet. Make it personal! Make it fun and enjoy time together a different way.
