The number of marriages has fallen dramatically, with figures showing that weddings dropped by one-third after the pandemic. But as COVID-19 continues to disrupt our plans, unfazed couples chose to get creative with their preparations.
Destination weddings, simulated bridal showers, micro-weddings, virtual marriages, and other creative plans have risen in popularity in recent months. Virtual weddings could be beneficial not only for your safety and overall health but also for several factors. For instance, planning a wedding typically takes 13 to 18 months before the big day. For a virtual event, though, you can get everything in place in a matter of weeks. It is the ideal option if you prefer a shorter timeline, making it an excellent time-saver.
The lower the total, the more money you’ll save; thus, having this type of wedding is also cost-effective. It would not only have an impact on the cuisine, reception, setup, and printing, but you can also strip out certain suppliers and costs, such as transport, caterers, and live performers.
Naturally, choosing to include loved ones on their big day is a must for almost everyone. Thus, if you’re nervous about social distancing, health safety, trimming your budget, or have a travel-prohibitive destination wedding, virtual weddings are your best option.
However, scheduling the immersive celebration of your dreams could be a bit tricky. Here are some key reminders to keep in mind as you go through the process.
Choose your space
To successfully perform a simulated wedding ceremony, choosing the perfect wedding venue is crucial, may that be local, within your private property, or in a more traditional setting.
If you stream from your own house, a local outdoor spot, or a more conventional marriage location, consider taking several precautions to ensure that your day is ready for the camera. Select a place that doesn’t only look amazing but also appears beautiful when captured on film. Think of the areas that would make you feel more relaxed, comfortable and provide a pleasant open space with optimal lighting.
For instance, if you’re filming from an outdoor space such as a greenhouse, lavish florals can seem redundant. Therefore, if the backdrop is quite plain, incorporating flowers, candles, and hanging lights could do the trick.
Coordinate with wedding vendors
Just because the original plans may have been cancelled doesn’t mean some vendors won’t help. For example, photographers, videographers, floral designers, and glam team are some whom you could still fit in the budget. Consider setting up a virtual consultation and have them send you their past projects and portfolios. It would also be helpful to discuss the details of their service and packages to give you more options that would fit your preferences.
Have a theme in mind
Chances are, with or without the pandemic, you may already have a wedding theme in mind. The perfect wedding you’ve been dreaming of doesn’t have to be a casualty of the pandemic, too. Ensure that you communicate this well with your coordinators to give them ample time to make a few adjustments to ensure that you still get the wedding you deserve. Even if you’re downsizing, chances are they’ll always be eager to make your day extra sweet and stunning.
Choose the right platform
You must choose among available technologies for the platform you want your wedding to be held in to. For instance, video conferencing and live streaming enable everyone to see and interact with one another, enhancing the immersive nature of the special event.
Don’t forget your wedding invitations
Receiving exclusive marriage invites will not only be interesting for visitors, but you can also inject a few tricks to encourage them to get creative as they go through with the experience. For instance, asking them to dress up, have a bottle of wine or champagne, and even participate in the ceremony and socialize with other guests will make the virtual event more exciting.
In creating your invitation layout, ensure that you provide the necessary details such as the link, date and time, and other important information you wish to include. Additionally, it is also a good idea to have all of these details on your wedding page. Remember to double-check whether the sound and scenes are audible and understandable, particularly if your plans change. If you’re entertaining visitors that aren’t as technologically savvy, try contacting them to ensure they are adequately guided and instructed on what to do days before the event.
Just because things are slightly different now doesn’t mean you have to abandon all efforts to make the experience worthwhile. Apart from traditions, the primary goal of this solemn ceremony is to rejoice and celebrate your love and the life you’re about to have with each other. Remember to keep it straightforward, stay true to yourself, and most importantly, enjoy your special day!