Online weddings have become the norm over the last two years, but even when restrictions lift and venues are back at capacity, having the ability to live stream you’re wedding to interstate or international family and friends or to those who simply aren’t able to physically attend, will always be an option.
Live streaming your wedding is the simplest and cheapest option to include guests who can’t attend (for whatever reason). To do it simply and free, all you need is a WiFi connection and mobile phone (ideally with a tripod). Here are a few tips to make it as seamless as possible.
Grab any phone with a camera and internet capabilities. Any iPhone, Android or smartphone will suit. Have a Tripod or a phone mount available for stability (you don’t want shaky video) ask your venue for the WiFi access code to ensure a smoother connection than relying on 4G or 5G.
Create a Facebook group or a Zoom link for all the guests who cannot attend. Facebook has made it easy to live stream using your phone, and most everyone is already on Facebook, whereas some may not be as familiar with Zoom. For privacy and to control who can see your wedding online, make sure your group is set to private. Inviting your online guests to the group and select the option to only go live for your private group.
Designate one person at your wedding to manage the live stream (try to choose someone who’s mobile- savvy, it’s an important job.) Find a discrete location to set up the tripod that captures the main event and test the internet connect to ensure it’s all good to go. Sometimes couples choose to test out the live streaming at the wedding rehearsal to make sure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
Test your live stream and audio roughly 20-30 minutes before the ceremony to iron out any kinks and once the ceremony is over, you can go back and read through/ reply to everyone’s comments.
Don’t forget, live streaming can use up your phone battery fast, so make sure you have a spare charger handy.
Decide and create a schedule of events that you’ll be broadcasting. Will it be the ceremony only, speeches during the reception, etc? Oftentimes livestreaming overlooks events such as toasts, your first dance, cake cutting, etc. If you choose to stream more than the ceremony, give guests a schedule of when they can expect to join the other events and should you fall behind, have a designated person update the group on when the next event will be. Remember, you can always hire a professional to look after the livestreaming if you don’t want a guest to take responsibility.
The best part is both Facebook Live and Zoom will record the video (if you choose) so you can go back and relive it anytime you like or send a link to anyone who may have missed out.
