HOW TO LIVE STREAM YOUR WEDDING

EVENTLIVE WAS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR LIVE STREAMING WEDDINGS

HOW TO LIVESTREAM YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY

CHOOSE YOUR LIVE STREAM POINT OF VIEW

Start by thinking about POV. The Point of View (POV) is all about angles! It means choosing a place to put your device so that virtual guests get a great view of the proceedings. Do you want them to view your ceremony close-up, from afar, from the side, etc.? You’ll want to choose a location that gives them a clear view but also doesn’t obstruct other participants, or your photographers.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LIVE STREAM EQUIPMENT

You’ll determine the best equipment set up by considering your ideal POV, how many in-person guests you expect, the shape of your ceremony set up, and who you have to assist with this process. You’ll also want to consult your photographer so that you’re fully aligned on placement and expectations. Follow these tips to find the best live stream plan for your event.

• If you decide to go low-key, ask a front-row guest to log into a streaming service, share the link, and hold their smartphone up as you say your vows. Recent Android and iPhones all contain optical and electronic image stabilization features which will make it easier for your at-home attendees to watch.

• For a more hands-off but effective route, set up a device on a tripod and have a guest start the stream as the wedding party takes their places. This way, the camera won’t joggle, and your virtual guests can feel like part of the crowd. The cost for a lightweight standing tripod can range from $30 to $, or you may be able to borrow one from your photographer—or you can connect a selfie stick phone mount.

• Positioning a camera aisle-side in the second row of seating can be unobtrusive but effective. If you’re using a tripod, then give it its own ‘seat’. This will ensure it isn’t jostled. Once the guests of honor are in position, the person responsible for the live stream can nudge it out into the aisle slightly to give your virtual guests a clear view that matches what all your other guests can see.

• If you want to go for a slightly fancier setup, place the camera on a tripod behind the last row of guests and film them as they arrive. A nominated guest can keep the camera pointed towards the back of the venue as the wedding processional takes place. After you are in position for your ceremony, your live streaming buddy can move the camera to the center of the aisle facing your ceremony backdrop. They can then zoom in on you two to give your virtual guests an unparalleled view. Then as you walk up the aisle after your vows, you can wave to the camera (and an attendee can move it at the last second so you can make your way past).

• If you have plenty of space, placing the camera next to the officiant creates a beautiful behind-the-scenes perspective. Set up a tripod at head height for the perfect angle as you say your vows. Your virtual guests will be able to look out on the processional and all your in-person attendees ahead of your ceremony.

• A fun alternative involves a GorillaPod and placing your device among your ceremony florals above you. This will give your guests a unique perspective and is guaranteed not to block anyone’s view. For this option, you will probably want to set up a ‘remote start’ or have the feed running ahead of time so that you can place the camera in advance and guests later join you when everything is all set up perfectly.

• You can get really creative if that’s your style—consider adding a camera in your bouquet, sending up a drone, placing a smartphone in the best man’s jacket pocket, or at the bar. If you decide to stream via a zoom call you could place numerous smartphones around your venue to add extra viewpoints for your at-home attendees.

IMPORTANT DETAILS TO CONSIDER

With your streaming setup all planned, don’t forget about your audience. Make sure to take a few moments to look directly at the camera throughout the event; this will make your guests feel more engaged. They should feel like a valued part of your celebration.

You can also decide if you want to keep a recording of your live feed. Most streaming services offer this option, but it must be selected at the beginning of the live stream. Many couples tell us they enjoy seeing what their virtual guests experienced at a later date, so it’s highly recommended!

HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR LIVE STREAM AUDIO 

1. Check for nearby devices which might cause interference (like cell phones).

2. Be mindful of background noise. Switch off anything noisy, like fans or air conditioners, and place the microphone away from rustling dresses!

3. Angle the microphone to directly face the person(s) you want to hear best.

4. Check if your device has a setting for Ambient Noise Reduction. If so, use it!

5. If you’re using a laptop, make sure the mic is plugged into the microphone jack and not the speaker jack. You can also try unplugging the power cable and switching to battery power for less audio interference.

BEST PRACTICES FOR INTERACTING WITH YOUR VIRTUAL WEDDING GUESTS

You have the option with most streaming platforms to decide ahead of time if you would like participants to be able to join in via audio so that everyone can hear them clap, oooh & ah! For most wedding live streams, the virtual guests are automatically set to mute, and they have their own cameras turned off. 

You can also decide if only people with the link can join your live stream. This is important if you want to keep your stream private. If you want guests to join in via video and audio (using Zoom, Google Meet or GoToMeeting), then you should only give your link to specific participants.

If you are streaming more of your wedding than simply the ceremony, then there are multiple opportunities to invite virtual guests to participate:

• Start the video experience ahead of your ceremony start time and have virtual guests join unmuted so that they can greet each other. Ask all your in-person attendees to say hello as they pass the camera on their way to their seats.
• Share the live stream link with all your guests whether or not they are attending in person—that way they can dip into the live feed during cocktail hour or after the ceremony to hear comments from virtual attendees and make everyone feel part of the buzz.
  
  
• After the speeches, you can create a virtual shout-out. Ask key at-home guests to prepare something they want to say and then create a loose run order, so they know when they will be called upon to share their thoughts. This is also an awesome time for you to ask in-person attendees to address your virtual guests too.
• Make your stream interactive by letting virtual wedding guests know that a member of your wedding party will read their chat messages to the crowd at a certain time.
• Want to do something extra special for your virtual guests? Ahead of your wedding day create an ‘absent buds’ care package to ship them ahead of time. You can include a formal virtual participant invitation, a copy of your program and wedding favors, a cocktail mix so they can enjoy your signature cocktail, and your wedding cake recipe formulated for cupcakes. Ask your virtual guests to dress up if they wish, so they feel fully involved.