A few weeks ago, I attended my first virtual wedding ceremony. I love attending weddings for many reasons. Several courses of food, an open bar, and dancing the night away. So when I received the virtual wedding invite, I was curious how the couple would make the virtual audience feel connected with one another and part of the ceremony.
Instead of watching the ceremony alone, I gathered with two of my friends and turned it into a watch party complete with champagne toasts, taco dinner, and a specially ordered cake. (I love any excuse for cake)
We broadcasted the ceremony on TV for the setup, with the laptop open to view the comment section.
Rachel M. - Nicole C. - Rachel C. Photo taken by Rachel C.
Before the ceremony
The engaged couple sent a virtual save the date two months before the ceremony using the online invitation site Evite. The Evite invitation acts as more than just an invitation; it’s a mini-website that you can customize and build out with valuable information. It also contains a message board where attendees can share comments and photos.
Three weeks before the event, they sent out the official invitation, which was updating their Evite with the following information about the day of the ceremony.
- YouTube link to watch the ceremony. They shared this link in a few places on the Evite so no one would miss it.
- Links directly to their registries; Amazon and Target. The bride had set up both registries, so all purchased items were automatically delivered to their house.
- Link to their honeymoon fund.
- Social media hashtag so we could contribute photos and feel connected to the other virtual attendees.
On the day of the ceremony
The morning of the wedding ceremony, the couple shared a public note on the Evite to provide a few essential details for the day:
- A message expressing how happy they were for everyone to join.
- The YouTube link once again.
- A social media hashtag for everyone to use when posting photos online.
- A custom email address to send any photos to the couple.
The Wedding Ceremony
The entire virtual ceremony lasted around 45 minutes. It opened with a slide show of photos from throughout their relationship as well as engagement photos. The slide show also highlighted the couple’s favorite songs. Once the bridal party was ready to walk down the aisle, the slideshow ended, and we were welcomed by the alter that featured a rounded arch, white roses, and cascading eucalyptus garland. The ambiance was delicate and romantic.
During the ceremony - the couple did two things just right when it came to technology.
- The reverend had a small mic clipped to his tie, so the virtual audience was clearly able to hear the vows and the declaration of intent.
- They had a few different cameras placed around the ceremonial room. Then each camera changed positions, so throughout the entire ceremony, the virtual audience was able to see the whole room, close-up shots of the bride and groom, as well as the in-person audience from several angles.
Hearing the bride and groom express their vows to one another and see the room and guest from all angles created an authentic experience for the virtual audience.
One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was at the end. The entire bridal party walked down the aisle towards one of the cameras, and everyone interacted with the camera. The new husband and wife looked directly in the camera to thank everyone for virtually joining in on their special day. It was as if we were all together celebrating.
After the ceremony
Two days after the ceremony, they added a public note on their Evite, thanking everyone for joining the virtual ceremony.
For several days after the wedding, the couple shared photos on Instagram of the ceremony and from virtual viewers.
Attending my first virtual wedding ceremony was a success. The bride and groom clearly thought about the details of the day that would make everyone feel involved and connected. Make sure you have the right cameras and microphones the day of the event, overshare the details on how to watch the event, and share photos with one another, and keep everyone updated before, during, and after the event.
Congratulations to Marcus and Molly!
Photo taken by Rachel C.
I ordered this custom funfetti cake from Harvard Sweet Boutique in Hudson, Massachusetts.
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