Whether you're getting married somewhere far away or have guests who just can't make the trip, there are many reasons why some of your inner circles may not be there in person when you get married. The good news is, thanks to technology, there may be a way for your near and dear to see the wedding live without being physically there - by setting up a live broadcast for your wedding.
However, before you get your camera going, there are a few things to keep in mind. Read on for what you need to know about your wedding live streaming.
Why Live Streaming Couples
Hashtags, photo booths, and drone photography have already shown that technology is making its mark on weddings, so it's only natural that live streaming has become a big thing too. "We first saw a significant increase in corporate events, but now we are starting to see this trickle at weddings," says Nichole Wardle, director of sales and marketing for Longwood Venues + Destinations. It can come into play when family members are ill and cannot travel to the site, cannot afford to attend, or are tied up in some other way. Wardle says that those with a public persona, such as social media influencers, bloggers or TV personalities, may want to share the moment with their followers in real time.
"The brother of [a] bride was sent to Iraq and could not be there for the wedding," says Wardle. "She had access to Wi-Fi during the time of the wedding, so she was able to witness the ceremony and most of the day. This added a very personal and emotional component to the day."
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The label of the live stream
If you go the live streaming route, it's critical to remember that this should be treated as an alternative only for those who are sadly unable to attend the wedding, says modern etiquette coach Maggie Oldham.
Her advice? Don't offer it as an option in the invitation or invite a "B-list" to just look at (that would be a "big misstep," Oldham says). "The live broadcast should be a backup," he says. "It is neither one nor the other." That said, she recommends offering RSVP "no" guests the option to tune in to the live stream via a personalized email with the link and a note.
Avoid posting the link publicly or on your wedding website to protect your privacy, and make sure only those you've invited have access to it, Oldham says.
It's probably best to avoid the reception livestream as guests may not be happy with being in front of the camera if their inhibitions wane as they drink and dance the night away (it can also be very lonely for the person sitting in home to see everyone have a good time without being physically there). If one of your live streamers (say, a parent or close relative) insists on getting in on the action via a live stream, Oldham says you can put a cute sign on the tripod, like "Say Hello to Grandma , watching from Idaho, "to explain what a still camera is doing there to his IRL guests.
How to do it
Once you've settled on live streaming, you'll want to be sure to test the internet connection on the spot beforehand, according to Chip Dizárd, a photographer and live video streaming expert in Baltimore. "WiFi has improved over the years for live streaming, but a camera that can be connected to a laptop and a wired Internet connection works better with weddings that I've streamed live," he says. Also, many churches now have live broadcast capabilities. Ask if there is an additional fee to broadcast your ceremony if it is in a church. "A professional will be able to fix any problems on the day and work with the cameraman and photographer to make sure those who tune in feel part of the ceremony.
Do you want to DIY? You can always go the social media route with Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, or use dedicated live streaming services like DaCast or Livestream.com, says Cara Davis, author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot (you'll want to designate someone to set place a camera, phone or iPad on a tripod in an inconspicuous place to do this). "Alternatively, if you are hiring a videographer for the event, ask if you could live stream the wedding and make a recording rather than record and edit later," she says.
Make sure to test the internet connection in place before going live on the wedding day.