62 Monet Stunson & Lucas Kramer Monet Stunson & Lucas Kramer

Monet Stunson & Lucas Kramer

PHOTOGRAPHER: MICHELLE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHIE

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LIVE STREAM OPTIONS FOR YOUR WEDDING GUEST THAT CANNOT ATTEND

by Ashleigh Haney

Thanks to technology, there’s a way you can share your big day with your loved ones that cannon physically make it to your wedding. Live streaming is becoming more and more popular in the wedding industry due to the pandemic and restrictions on large gatherings. Whether you have guests who are unwell, unable to travel, or living across the country, streaming your wedding gives your guest list a backup option to still share the memorable moments of your day with you.

COST

Live streaming your wedding varies in cost depending on the route you are wanting to take. You can choose to do it yourself or hire a professional. This decision may be based on how many guests you think will be logging on and watching. Most couples choose a free platform as it is the simplest and most cost-efficient way to have your guests watch from home. If you have the extra money in your budget there are also streaming services you can consider like mystreamingwedding.com or Eventlive.pro. Other small costs may include tools to enhance the quality and sound of your video. To ensure your audio can be clearly heard by your online guests, you may need to purchase a mobile microphone for the device you plan to use. You also may want to consider a tripod so you can properly place your device where your guests can get the best view.

CHOOSE A PLATFORM

Some common live streaming platforms couples have been using are social media applications like Facebook live, Youtube Live or Instagram TV. These are all free options and can be accessed on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Other options you can choose from include Zoom, Skype, Facetime, and Google Hangout. Before choosing the right platform, make sure you do your research on the limitations when it comes to time length and the amount of people who can join. It’s important to evaluate all your options to see which platform’s benefits will give you the outcome you are looking for and to make your live streaming journey a success. Facebook Live and Zoom are highly recommended as most people already have accounts and are already familiar with accessing them.

CHOOSING WHAT TO STREAM

This is completely up to the couple on what parts of your wedding you want viewed by your online guests. You may choose to just video your ceremony as it is the most intimate portion of your day and that’s okay. Want to capture all your special moments? You can choose this option too! Make sure your designated live stream videographer knows when and where to place the tripod to catch it all. Let your guests enjoy the whole day from the first dance, toasts, cake cutting, and even the grand exit.

SAVE AND WATCH LATER

Some platforms and live stream services will allow you to save your recording after your day is over. This way you can watch your wedding on repeat and cherish the moments forever. This also gives your guests an opportunity to view your wedding if they are not available the exact day and time you are streaming. If you choose Facebook Live as your platform of choice, you will be able to save your live stream and upload it in your private Facebook group for your online guests to view when they please.

CLOSING TIPS

In order to protect your privacy, make sure only your invited guests have access to your livestream link. Send this link in a private Facebook group, email, or formal invite. It is recommended not to post the streaming link publicly. Test the platform you chose for your live stream ahead of time to ensure the camera, sound, and internet connection are all working properly and ready to go. It is better to take care of any hiccups now rather than mid wedding so your guests watching at home don’t miss any special moments. Have a plan on where you are going to place your camera to make sure the device is able to clearly pick up sound and is out of the way of the guests who are physically in attendance.