There is nothing quite like gathering friends and family together for your wedding day. Surrounding yourself with people you love can make your special day that much better, and you’ll cement memories in a place that will last a lifetime.
However, the idea of a “traditional wedding” has changed over the last few years.
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Many people opt for virtual weddings instead of having people gather in person. While virtual weddings saw a huge boost in popularity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, some couples now choose to go that route to save time, money, and stress.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of planning involved in a virtual wedding. You still need to decide on things like where to host, who to include, what to wear, and how you will include your guests, so everyone feels connected.
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It can be even trickier if you want your special day to be truly unique and to showcase your personality. Thankfully, by combining technology and creativity, you can come up with some one-of-a-kind ideas to make your virtual wedding memorable for everyone involved.
Choosing the right venue is often the first order of business for any couple planning to get married. Some of the most common locations include everything from churches to barns and from vineyards to country clubs.
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However, one of the perks of hosting a virtual wedding is that you might be able to choose unique locations that wouldn’t accommodate many people. There are jaw-dropping spots all over the world that are perfect for an intimate ceremony but wouldn’t be accessible for a large guest list.
Choosing a location that fits your personality and sense of style will set the mood and give off the aesthetic you want for your guests. You can even stage things exactly how you want them for your stream, paying attention to things like
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You want your guests to feel like they are there with you, even if they’re thousands of miles away. So, don’t be afraid to think outside the box with your location, but make sure your guests still feel like they’re right there with you.
One of the best ways to make your virtual wedding seem more personal is to offer something tangible to your guests.
That starts with sending out unique, fun invitations. Consider splurging in other areas since you’re likely saving money on other aspects of your big day (including food, hiring a band or DJ, etc). The sky’s the limit when it comes to how creative you can be with your wedding invites. If one of you is an artist, design the invitations yourself!
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Or, commission someone to create custom invitations for you that feature your pictures, your family tree, or even a unique watercolour painting. The more unique your invitations, the easier it will be for people to remember your big day, even though it’s virtual.
You can also make it special by adding a few “instructions” to your invitations, including encouraging your guests to dress a certain way. On platforms like Zoom and Skype, you can still see everyone who has logged on if they have their camera on. Setting a fun theme or enabling a “dress code” can make for a fun experience for everyone on the screen.
In addition to unique invitations, consider sending out virtual “celebration boxes” that can make everyone invited feel like they’re right next to you. It lets them know how much they are appreciated and how much you want them to be a part of your big day. What you include in your celebration box is up to you, but some unique ideas include
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The more your guests can feel like they’re involved in your day, even if they’re thousands of miles away, the more memorable it will be.
Speaking of getting your guests involved, there’s no reason they can’t celebrate right along with you from their living room. Encourage and plan for participation throughout the day.
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During your ceremony, for example, ask people ahead of time if they might sing a song, share poetry, or read a Bible verse. If you choose to have a reception, ask others to make toasts or share stories about your relationship.
Even having a curated playlist on a platform like Spotify can make people feel more involved. Give them control over the music and they can play the perfect song at any given moment throughout the day.
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Whether you’re trying to save money, time, or reduce the stress around planning your weddings, going virtual is a fantastic option. You don’t have to give up the intimacy of your big day or the feeling of support from friends and family.
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Keep these ideas in mind for your unique wedding, and you’ll create an experience that you and your guests will remember long after everyone logs off!