Due to the ongoing pandemic — and perhaps just out of convenience — many couples are opting to say, “I do” as part of a virtual ceremony.
And while a virtual wedding ceremony and reception aren’t exactly traditional, these online celebrations often include everything you would typically see at a traditional one: a ceremony, a reception and, yes, even a champagne toast.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to tie the knot online.
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1. Consult Your Local Clerk’s Office
Before the bells, bouquets, and kiss, make a trip to your local clerk’s office. Marriage laws vary across the country, making it incredibly important to book an appointment with the county clerk to ensure all the legalities of your marriage are handled properly and your marriage license is obtained. Once you’ve got that out of the way, the party can begin in earnest.
2. Choose Your Venue and Platform
Across the country, a number of high-tech venues have popped up, some of which offer 360-degree projection mapping capabilities that allow couples to recite their nuptials against a sunset beach or cherry blossom orchard backdrop. If you’re hosting at home, be sure to work closely with your hired planner or tech team to ensure all your specs are set.
When it comes to planning a virtual wedding, choosing your streaming platform is just as important as your venue. There are several platforms out there, such as Facebook Live, Google Hangouts, Zoom, and Instagram Live. Choose one that best suits your needs and which is easily accessible for your guests to avoid any day-of technical difficulties.
3. Create a Wedding Website
To keep guests informed of all things wedding-related in a one-stop-shop, know that creating a wedding website well in advance of your big day is a must. Not only will your wedding website provide important details, such as times, dates, and online platform access codes for your guests, but it can be of great benefit to you, too. With features like online RSVPs, a gift registry, and a helpful address collection tool, you can say goodbye to wedding planning woes. Plus, you can customize your website in your wedding colors and even add your engagement photos for all your guests to see.
4. Choose an Emcee
Every wedding needs an emcee — and that’s no different for a virtual wedding. While you and your betrothed are getting ready for your nuptials, your dedicated emcee will keep your virtual guests connected. This person can explain what’s happening behind the scenes and will walk your virtual guests through each and every segment of what to expect. Want to keep things “in the family?” Then choose a friend or family member with a bubbly personality who knows you well and who can keep your guests entertained.
5. Send Some Champagne
Just because you’re having a virtual wedding doesn’t mean you have to skip out on any marital traditions. The champagne toast, for example, is a wonderful tradition that lets your friends and family say a few words and wish you well. To help mark the occasion, send your virtual guests a celebration box in advance of your big day so they can celebrate with you. Typically, these boxes are packed with party props, small treats like cake bites, premade cocktails, or mini bottles of champagne. Indeed, these fun boxes not only create excitement around your big day, but they can also make your guests feel a greater part of it.
Celebrate Good Times — Online
Ready to plan a virtual wedding? From the venue to the champagne toast and everything in between, you’ll be well on your way to saying your virtual vows in no time with these tips.
