The question remains. With the reality that is Covid-19, how have couples across the United States been making the best of their wedding in spite of the recent closures and social distancing? It’s highly likely that if you’re reading this article you’ve come here to find answers to this same question. 
 
Below are a few solutions (and alternative tips!)

1. Opt for live streaming. Not only will this prove more cost friendly (and accessible) for your long distant family and friends, but there are still a variety of ways to make your virtual gathering all the more exciting. And while a virtual wedding may evidently hold its unique pros and cons, other ways you can make your big day exciting for everyone include hosting an interactive dance party, hiring a virtual DJ, and requiring your guests to wear costumes while on camera.

 

1. Send out a ‘’care package’’ to all your guests. This package can include fun gifts, self-care products, or even costume supplies you may further request for them to wear during the virtual gathering. 

 

1. Go all out with your house decorations (or venue) and bring on the champagne. String lights (also known as fairy lights) and floral arrangements can make your private wedding feel all the more positively eventful! 

 

1. Host a wedding drive by. Even seeing your loved ones from afar can amplify the mood of your big day. Have your family and friends honk their horns and say cheers as they pass by your residence.

 
To make things even more memorable, consider playing music as the hour rolls by.

1. Have your guests sign a virtual guest book. Or, send out attendance cards with a pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelope. Once you receive the signed version, bind the cards into a book and decorate!

 

1. Have fun (but don’t create any expectations). When it comes to your big day, and especially if your big day is scheduled during the pandemic, it’s especially important to go with the flow and find happiness in the little things. Social and physical limitations can make this even harder, but there will always be another day should things go otherwise. 

It’s understandable if you’re currently experiencing mixed feelings about your big day. From social distancing to catching Covid-19, hundreds of couples across the United States have opted out of their 2020 wedding, moving the big day to 2021 instead. 
 
…But if you are among those who have found alternative ways to approach your wedding, your most recent web searches may have led to you to this very article. From hosting the event via Zoom or Facebook with family members and friends to making the entire process private, getting married and staying safe during the pandemic has proven just as important. Wedding Live Streams is already practicing safety as recommended by CDC procedures!
 
Below are some preventive tips to consider if you’re still set for the remaining months of 2020: 
 
1. Trust your gut feeling (and remember your priorities). The most life changing event of your life is in a matter of weeks and you’re still feeling conflicted. Your most recent thoughts: ‘What if I get sick?’ and ‘Will this be as exciting as a normal wedding?’ What matters most is your health and the memories you’ll make on YOUR big day. If you feel as though live streaming with your guests won’t make the cut, or if you’re currently feeling as if you’ll only feel regretful for not waiting for a post-pandemic wedding, it’s probably best to reschedule for the sake of your own happiness.  

2. If you are live streaming with a professional, consider inquiring more on their sanitation procedures and regards for social distancing. Your big day should be a straightforward just as it is exciting for you and your spouse. As goes any collaboration, ensuring the team (or individual) you’ve hired respects your regards of the pandemic can prevent future miscommunication and disagreement.  

3. When choosing a venue, consider at least two alternative options. Weather and closures in relation to the pandemic have made it harder for many couples to agree on a venue. Regardless of your final choice, and even if it’s just you and your spouse, it’s always good to have at least two alternative wedding plans to ensure you’ll still be getting the most out of your big day.  

4. Stay in tune with your vendors, wedding planner (if you have one), and the latest headlines. Even if your wedding planner suggests otherwise, it’s important to keep in mind that any decision regarding your wedding should be of your best interest. If you do decide to reschedule, be sure to immediately inform all those involved along with your plans of moving forward in the coming months.  

​Even outside of the pandemic, there are a variety of benefits to using live video streaming for your wedding. Whether you’re looking for an alternative option for guests who simply cannot afford travel, or if you’re longing to make your wedding all the more accessible during the reality that is Covid-19, live streaming is not only affordable, but versatile too. 
 
Below are some other ways you SHOULD consider live streaming for your big day. 

1. Using live streaming can connect your elderly loved ones. Additionally, those with physical disabilities, as well as those who couldn’t attend your wedding even post Covid-19 due to financial related reasons, will be able to tune into the action regardless of location. This may especially prove beneficial if your wedding is a destination wedding. 
 
2. Live streaming presents new creative options. A virtual DJ and background effects can make your wedding unique (and enjoyable from the comfort of your guest’s home!)  

3. Live streaming can prove friendlier towards your wallet as oppose to hiring a professional photographer. And another bonus: apps like Zoom allow for the main user to record the entire event. So if you’re looking for another way to document your big day, saving and sharing the video feed via Zoom can potentially be a much faster process and cost effective.   

4. Live streaming can prove as a great emergency option should closures or weather related events prevent your guests from physically attending.   

Some technical aspects to keep in mind: 

1. A bad Wi-Fi connection can potentially impact your video feed. Testing your connection and ensuring all your guests have already made user accounts under the desired platform prior to your big day will make for an easier experience on both ends. 

2. Children and pets can potentially impact your guest’s attention span. However if you’re planning to save the video feed once things are finished… watching the replay is just a click away!

3. Those who are not as tech savvy may need additional assistance with creating a user account (e.g., Facebook or Zoom). Also…practicing good communication skills and keeping an optimistic attitude can save you from falling into the trap of pre-wedding frustration.   
​
In all, live streaming has its evident pros and cons. Each wedding is different, and should this unique 21st century option carry more benefits for your guests, it may just be worth joining the hundreds of couples who have already used it!

Connecting to family and friends using the Zoom meeting platform is fun and easy!  However there are a couple of technical considerations that should be taken care of before the event to ensure you have a wonderful and glitch-free Zoom meeting experience.  Please check out our list of best practices below!

Before the Meeting

• Be sure you have a strong connection to the internet.  

It’s always best to plug in using an ethernet cable.  Wifi is the 2nd best option, followed by a cellular connection.  You can go to www.speedtest.net to test your internet connection.  You should have at least a 2.5mbs download and upload speed.

• Close unnecessary tabs in your browser, close unnecessary applications  and turn off notifications such as Email or messaging
• Login to the Zoom application using your personal login info the day before the event.  Make sure that you can connect your audio and video in the application.  That way you will be ready to join the meeting on the day of the event by clicking on the link in the zoom invite that was sent to you.
• Tips for testing your video and audio connections before the event:  
  • There are video and audio preferences that you can adjust to match your setup, choose your webcam, etc... These are most easily accessed by clicking on the disclosure triangle next to the audio and video options at the bottom of the screen. Most of you will be using the built in camera and microphone of your laptop, tablet, cell phone or computer.  
  • Use a headset with a built-in microphone if possible for the best experience
  • If you have any issues connecting with Zoom, please visit the Zoom technical support website at this link to view videos on how to use Zoom:  https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765
  • Very limited technical support will be available during the Ceremony from the Video Production company.  Please be sure to review these instructions and connect with the Zoom platform at least a day before the event.
• The host will start the Zoom meeting 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.  If you try to login before, you will not be able to access the meeting.
• Position your camera properly

If you choose to use a web camera, be sure it is in a stable position and focused at eye level, if possible. Doing so helps create a more direct sense of engagement with other participants. 

• Lighting should come from in front of you or from the side, in order to best light your face.  Try not to have a window or sunlight behind you. Keep your background clear of distractions
• Limit distractions

You can make it easier to focus on the meeting by turning off notifications, closing or minimizing running apps, and muting your smartphone. 


During the Meeting

• Mute your microphone 

To help keep background noise to a minimum, make sure you mute your microphone when you are not speaking.

• Be mindful of background noise

When your microphone is not muted, avoid activities that could create additional noise, such as shuffling papers.

• Look at your webcam, not at the screen
• Be yourself! Use gestures and mannerisms that you would typically use in person
• If you want to speak at the end of the ceremony, click on the participants icon at the bottom of the screen.  A window will open with various non-verbal feedback options.  Click on the “raise your hand” icon and the host will unmute those with their hands raised.  See picture below for more info:

***** For those of you that are scheduled to speak during the ceremony:

• Use a headset with a microphone if possible.  The standard headsets that come with an iPhone work great.  You can also use AirPods or other wireless earbuds.

 

• The host will connect with you 30 minutes before the event begins through Zoom to ensure he can see and hear you.  Please be ready to login to the meeting 30 minutes before the event time.  The host will make you co-hosts so that you can easily be found by him during the zoom meeting.

 

• The host will unmute you when it is your turn.  You will get a notification that says that the host is asking you to unmute.  Once you unmute, you can begin speaking.