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Everything You Need to Know About Live Streaming Your Wedding

everything-you-need-to-know-about-live-streaming-your-wedding

Live streaming has always been a useful tool for destination weddings and elopements – but in COVID times, these virtual broadcasts have become more popular than ever!

Whether you’re hosting an intimate celebration or have loved ones living abroad, live streaming your wedding is the perfect opportunity to ensure nobody misses out on your nuptials – even during a global pandemic.

So, where do you begin when it comes to live streaming your special day? From the best video streaming platforms to the etiquette involved, read on as we share everything you need to know about live streaming your wedding below.

Photo via Simply Lace Photography

What Does It Mean To Live Stream Your Wedding?

Simply put, a live stream is a video recording that is simultaneously filmed and broadcast in real-time via the internet. Live streaming your wedding means your loved ones will essentially be virtual wedding guests, and can watch your special day from home using their digital devices.

Most couples choose to live stream just their wedding ceremony, but you can also live stream other elements of your day such as your speeches or first dance. You can even live stream other wedding-related events like your engagement party or bridal shower

Why Do Couples Live Stream Their Wedding?

There are several different reasons why couples might choose to live stream their wedding, especially during the current pandemic. Thanks to COVID-19, live streaming has almost become our new normal!

You might want to consider live streaming your wedding if:

Photo via CYork Photography

How To Live Stream Your Wedding

Okay, now let’s talk logistics! What’s the best way to live stream your wedding in 2021?

From having the right equipment to making it easily accessible for your guests, there are a few key requirements for a successful live stream. Some wedding vendors (such as venues and videographers) offer live streaming services, but it’s also completely achievable to plan a DIY wedding live stream with the right knowledge!

Here are the 4 steps you’ll need to follow to get your live stream up and running:

1. Consider your live streaming equipment

While live streaming may seem high-tech, the equipment required is actually pretty minimal. You’ll need:

It’s not essential, but an external microphone can also be a good idea for outdoor weddings to ensure your recording isn’t impacted by wind or other background noises.

2. Choose your live streaming platform

Next, you’ll need to choose a video streaming platform to “host” your live stream and broadcast it out to your guests. There are a few different options available, including Zoom, Facebook Live, Vimeo, Google Hangouts, Instagram Live and Youtube Live. 

To help you choose the right live streaming platform to meet your needs, consider these practical details:

3. Delegate the job

Who will be responsible for setting up your live stream on the day? We’d recommend nominating a trusted friend or family member, and doing a practice run before the real thing. Your wedding planner or venue coordinator may also be able to do this on your behalf – be sure to check this with them in advance.

4. Give your guests access

Finally, you’ll need to invite guests to your live stream and ensure they can access it on the day. The best way to share your live stream details is via your wedding website. This will give your guests a central “hub” where they can find everything they need to know about your live stream in one easily accessible place.

You can either embed the live stream directly on your wedding website, or share the relevant link and instructions with your guests. 

Your wedding website should include all of the essential details your guests will need to know about accessing the live stream, such as: 

Ps – here at WedSites we support all of your favourite live streaming platforms, and can also help you track RSVPs online and make group announcements for your virtual event! Learn more about our virtual wedding features here.

Photo via Abbi Cooley Photography

Live Streaming Invitation Wording

Next, you’ll need to consider how you’re going to invite guests to attend your wedding virtually. You definitely don’t want anyone to feel snubbed, so it’s important to consider your wording.

Depending on the situation, you might choose to mention the live stream on your wedding invitations, or touch base with certain guests individually. Not sure how to best approach this? Here are some live stream invitation wording examples for some of the most common guest list scenarios:

If you’ve decided to elope or host a minimony

If you’re inviting the majority of your guests to attend your wedding virtually, your wedding invitations should reflect this. You’ll want to include all of the traditional invitation details (such as date, time and RSVP instructions), but let your guests know the wedding will be taking place virtually, instead. Don’t forget to include the relevant time zone, so that any loved ones living abroad can plan accordingly.

For example:

We’re going virtual!

You’re invited to
Steph and Sam’s
virtual wedding.

Saturday, October 5th at 3.30pm (AEST)

For live stream and RSVP details, please head to (insert wedding website link).

If you’ve had to downsize your wedding

If you’ve had to cut certain guests from your list due to venue restrictions, it’s best to reach out personally rather than sending a group announcement. Be sincere and apologetic about the situation, while sharing how much you’d love them to still be involved on the day.

For example:

Hi (Name),

Due to circumstances out of our control, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions for our upcoming wedding. To abide by our venue’s restrictions and to ensure everyone’s personal safety, we will be limiting our guest list to immediate family only.  

Please accept our sincerest apologies for having to cancel your invitation to our wedding. We will be live streaming our ceremony, and would absolutely love you to join us virtually on the day instead. You can find all of the details about this on our wedding website here: (insert wedding website link)

We appreciate your understanding, and look forward to celebrating with you in person as soon as we are able to!

Love, (Name and Name)

If your loved ones are unable to attend

If you’re going ahead with a traditional wedding but know there are certain guests who may be unable to travel or simply not comfortable attending, we’d suggest including a sentence at the bottom of your wedding invitations offering your live stream as an alternative option.

You can say something like:

We completely understand that some of you may be unable to attend in person due to the current pandemic. We have decided to live stream our ceremony, so that all of our loved ones can be involved in our special day. Find more details via our wedding website here: (insert wedding website link)

Photo via Tanner Burge Photo

Wedding Live Streaming Etiquette

Finally, keep these etiquette tips in mind to ensure your live stream runs smoothly from start to finish!

Photo via Asha Bailey

Nailing Your Live Stream

When done successfully, live streaming is a thoughtful way to involve all of your favourite people in this milestone event. Simply keep these tips in mind for a stress-free virtual wedding that your loved ones will appreciate, even if they can’t be with you in the flesh!

Planning your wedding during the pandemic? Read these 5 RSVP questions to ask your wedding guests during COVID-19 here.