First off, 2020 Brides that have been affected by the global pandemic, you deserve a hug and a glass bottle of wine because this sh*t is stressful! After months of planning all the details—the dress, seating charts, the flowers–it’s definitely upsetting (to say the least) to not have the event you originally planned. Even if your venue allows you to forward with a wedding celebration, your guest list will most likely be cut to ensure the safety of your friends and family, especially the older more compromised family members. Because of this (and more), a lot of couples are postponing for later dates in 2021–but that doesn’t mean that you need to wait until next year to marry your partner. In fact, you can have a super special virtual wedding in the very near future.
Virtual weddings with a later-date party are becoming extremely popular, and they’re a way to have your initial guest list included in your special day. With streaming services like Zoom, you can have up to 1,000(!) people tuning into your wedding. Ahead, New England-based Wedding Planner, Erica Trombetti of Infinite Events, shows how you can make your big day feel special and romantic while doing it in a safe way!
1. Send Your Guests a ‘Virtual Wedding Kit’
Your guests might not be able to be with you, but that doesn’t mean that they have to feel like they’re disconnected. “We have been sending out virtual kits to guests that cannot attend to make them feel like they’re a part of the celebration,” Says Trombetti. People want to celebrate you and extra touches will make them feel included.
“Prior to the wedding, we send out little boxes, with detailed instructions on how to join, how to make your signature cocktail so everyone can toast with you after the ceremony, and a personalized note from the newlyweds,” says Trombetti.
If you’re stumped on creative ways to tell your guests, Zazzle and Etsy have great postponement and virtual wedding invitations that will spark inspiration for how to tell your guests that the plans have changed, and how to tune in. Also, make sure your wedding website is up to date in case your guests need any additional information.
2. Set the Scene
Since you’re streaming your wedding for all of your guests to see, you might want to think about what decor you’ll be working with. No need to go over the top for the entire day or night, but a little decor that they can see in the frame will go a long way over Zoom.
“This is the fun part! Couples can splurge a bit and make it special by doing a special arbor or having some flowers to flank the altar,” says Trombetti. Talk to your florist; a lot of companies are working with brides to put together a backdrop for the virtual ceremony to take place. This will not only help make the day feel thought out and special, but it will also make for beautiful photos.
If you don’t want to invest a ton of money, balloon arches are easy to assemble and make a bold statement, without too much effort. If you’re having a small reception with your immediate family and want to do a little DIY, Trader Joe’s has great prices on flowers. Get a few bouquets together and spread them out around your tables. Pro tip: Pre-made bouquets are nice, but look for the seasonal bundles. You can break them out and arrange them into beautiful and unique centerpieces.
This may seem obvious, but Trombetti stresses not to forget about your bouquet and boutonniere. You don’t need to go all out with these elements, but choose something that will make you feel special. Make sure to keep the boutonniere in the refrigerator until you’re ready to walk down the aisle and your bouquet in shallow water.
3. ‘Get Ready’ with Your Bridal Party
The morning of, support your local bakery and have catering brought into the house and treat it like your actual wedding day. If you and your fiance are staying in the same house, try to get ready in separate rooms. This will help build up the anticipation and will make seeing each other when you walk down the aisle feel that much more special.
If your bridesmaids can’t be with you at a safe distance, send them matching pajamas or shirts before the big day to rock during an on-camera call. The morning of your virtual wedding, have your party Zoom in and ‘get ready’ with you. The girls will be able to keep your nerves down and you can all virtually sip on mimosas together as you get ready to marry your best friend.
4. Dress the Part
Your original wedding dress might be too formal for your new virtual location, but that isn’t any reason to panic. “This is where it becomes extra special,” says Trombetti. “With that second dress you’ve been eyeing, we say go for it and get it for this intimate ceremony!” If you’re planning on having a bigger celebration in 2021, save THE dress for that day and try one of these fun and chic dresses. If you’ve ever wanted to have a jumpsuit moment or a fun, sparkly number but went with a more formal dress, now is the time to rock it!
5. Capture the Moment
Talk to your photographer, depending on states and their comfort level, they might be able to attend and offer you a customized package to capture the event, socially distanced of course. These are special moments that you will not want to forget–and will be talking to your grandkids about one day.
One thing you should try to avoid is using your phone for photos. “There’s always that one friend with a decent camera that is willing to show up or let you borrow their camera,” says wedding and lifestyle photographer, Joe Laurin. Even if the person behind the camera isn’t great, you’ll still be able to capture the moments through a better lense. Or, you can get creative! “Another throwback is disposable cameras. They’re unpredictable with results, but the nostalgia of film adds something special to your final prints,” says Laurin.
If video is something you’re into, you can record the entire ceremony on Zoom, but Laurin recommends finding as many go pros as possible to record the event. “One to three should be plenty to set up during key moments like vows and speeches,” he says. Set them up throughout the space so you can get different angles and perspectives. “Remember, you’re not aiming for an artistic masterpiece, but more for the audio of what’s said during these special moments,” says Laurin.
6. Don’t Forget Your First Dance
Even if you plan on having a 2021 reception or renewal of your vows in front of everyone, you shouldn’t skip your first dance as a couple for your virtual wedding. Guests love to see a couple come together after their ceremony and have that intimate and special moment.
Trombetti suggests going right into the first dance after the ceremony and before your virtual cocktail hour. You will still have the attention of everyone and afterward can get the party started. If you start wandering off for photos or to interact with others, you might get some drop-off and your first dance is a special moment you don’t want people to miss.
Show us your bridal style on Instagram @Lulusweddings using #lulusweddings–and shop our selection of wedding wear for the big day!
Join The Conversation (0)