Lately we have been getting a lot of questions about live streaming a wedding and I totally get it! You want all of your closest family and friends to be able to witness you saying 'I do,' but trying to wrap your mind around the tech can be completely daunting. Am I right?
Before we dive into all the super fun tech, let's talk about WHY you may want to consider live streaming your wedding.
1. You're Having A Small Wedding
Maybe your not keen on having a big wedding, but still want your friends and family to feel included in the day. Why not invite them to celebrate with you 'virtually?' That way you can keep you wedding 'intimate,' while still including all the people who care about you!
2. You're Having A Destination Wedding
It's no secret that destination weddings will limit your guest count and there will always be those guests who either can't afford to travel or can't get off work. Just because they can't attend, doesn't mean they can watch from the comfort of their own home!
3. Important People Can't Make The Trek
As much as I hate to say this, there is almost always at least one important person who can't make it to your wedding. Maybe grandma is getting older and isn't able travel to your wedding, or maybe your BFF just had a baby and can't leave him/her at home. Once again, let them watch virtually!
Okay, now that we've established WHY you may want to live stream your wedding, how in the world do you go about it?
OPTION 1: Hire A Virtual Wedding Pro
A pro will handle all the details, so that you don't have to worry about it. Our very favorite out there is called Lovestream and they will make live streaming your wedding a breeze! Not only to they handle all the 'tech' side, but you are able to setup multiple views for your guests, have a 'virtual' guest book, and they will sent it all to you after the wedding.
It's also insanely easy for your guests, as they will create a custom link for you to send. All your guests need to do is simply click the link to watch you say 'I Do!' I don't know if you have every tried to 'zoom' with your grandparents, but making this as simple as possible is seriously a must.
And now for the good news! We have a discount for you. Whoahoo!
Simply head on over to LoveStream and enter code ASHLEY20 to receive 10% off the package of your choice. If you looking to live stream, this is hands down going to be the simplest approach.
OPTION 2: Use Your Videographer
If you have already brought on a videographer for your wedding, don't be scared to ask them to live stream it! They will already be videoing the day, and many videographers have 'live streaming' packages that you can simple add on.
If you go this route, just be sure they give you specific details as to how guests will be able to view the video. Also be sure to ask if you need to have someone available to be on 'tech' support for your guests who are not present.
OPTION 3: The DIY Approach
Sometimes bringing on a pro isn't within the budget and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. If you are looking for a free DIY live stream option, below are the best free platforms I would recommend.
Facebook / Instagram Live:
There is no fancy 'tech' needed for this one. Simple set up a phone on a tri-pod, (You don't want it shaking the whole time from someone moving their hand) and go live as soon as your ceremony starts. Be sure that you are either Facebook friends with all of your guests or you make your profile public for the day; otherwise, not all your guests will be able to watch.
The only downfall to going live on one of these platforms, is that your guests will all need to have an Instagram or Facebook account.
Zoom:
At this point, we are all familiar with zoom, as it's one of the most popular video conferencing apps available. With zoom, you will simply need to create a meeting and share the meeting ID and password with all of your guests. If you go this route, there are a few things I would recommend:
Be sure to have someone available to troubleshoot with your guests as they all try to login. Once again, think about Grandma here!
Encourage your guests to put their zoom on 'Speaker View,' so that they see a full screen of the wedding, instead of all of your guests.
Ask your guests to mute their computer, otherwise your guests won't be able to hear you very well
Last but not least, be sure you have your meeting set to record, as you are going to want to be able to go back and watch your video at a later date!
I sincerely hope that helps you navigate the process of live streaming your upcoming wedding. Feel free to reach out and let us know if you have any questions here.
Disclaimer: This point may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase. With that being said, we only recommend products that our couples use and that we completely trust and believe in.
