Couples need not cancel their wedding plans when they can plan a virtual zoom wedding at home.
While public gathering is still limited to no more than four people per group, it doesn’t mean that the preparations and planning should have to stop. Without putting wedding guests at risk amid the pandemic, a zoom wedding is a perfect chance to divert the stress of planning a big ceremony to focusing on what matters most, celebrating love.
Create online invitations
Whether you are setting up a webpage or a simple e-card, an online platform with clear time and date for guests to RSVP is cost- and hassle-free. They are also easily personalized and corrected. Just make sure to include the zoom link to your wedding.
Pick the right time and day
Pick the best time and day for your special day while considering a few important points when planning a zoom wedding. For example, the weather and time zone differences of guests if they are logging in from across the world.
Set up your guest list
Deciding between a big or small wedding has its pros and cons. Zoom meetings cap at 100 guests but having a guest list that big also poses a few issues such as people talking over each other or having to mute everyone entirely. Troubleshooting connections and technical difficulties are also other problems the bride or groom shouldn’t have to worry about on their special day. A small wedding in contrast makes the event easier to organize and creates a more intimate moment to share with each other.
Regardless of the size of your wedding list, make sure everyone has access to a Zoom account and a good internet connection which is essential to planning a zoom wedding.
Set a dress code
Another item to add to the e-invites is a dress code. Although the ceremony will most likely be watched in the comfort of the guests’ home, it won’t be uncommon to take selfies and screenshots of everyone in the chat room. Have a little fun with color ordinated outfits and backgrounds for guests and give them an excuse to dress their best, even if they can’t be physically present.
Get the wedding dress and cakes
Without the pressure of entertaining guests, you can save money on venue and catering and veer the funds into the perfect wedding outfits, cakes, and decorations all of which will be a stunning showcase for guests to appreciate.
Set up & decorate the ceremony location
Whether the wedding is hosted in the living room, backyard, or at a private venue, a few essential points to consider are lighting, decor, and connectivity. A location with large windows or a sizable space for setting up lighting and decorations like a ceremony arch, cake stand, drapings, and flowers will make sure that the wedding doesn’t fall short of the ‘wow’ factor.
More importantly, access to charging ports and a good wifi connection will enable devices to host the perfect zoom wedding.
Create a memorable experience
Just because plans have changed, it doesn’t mean settling for second best. This is the perfect opportunity to get creative and have fun with guests’ performances and gifts. Involve guests by sending gifts bags such as small bottles of wines and knick-knacks in elegant packaging to join in on toasts and pre-arrange guest performances and speeches for everyone to watch live. This creates an intimate connection to the event even when they are a distance away.
Plan a wedding ceremony rehearsal the day before
Though the tradition of a physical ceremony has taken the form of a virtual space, the occasion still calls for a rehearsal where participating guests can easily log on and coordinate their speeches, join in on the bride’s dress rehearsal video chat. This is also the perfect time to make sure that everyone has a webcam and mic on their device.
Get familiar with the zoom features
Probably the most important part of the planning process is familiarizing yourself with the zoom software. Test run the features to avoid any last-minute confusion for example:
- How to add guests to the event
- How to enable your webcam and mic
- How to switch to different guests with the” screen share” function
- How to record your wedding
Hire a photographer / videographer
A downsize in luxury doesn’t mean a lesser need to capture the memorable occasion. Especially during such a unique time, a collection of photos and videos will be a precious gift for the bride and groom and their loved ones to look back on during a period of ‘new normal’.