Prior to 2020, I cringed at the idea of inviting guests to a virtual wedding. I felt like it sounded like you were trying to save money on your wedding (nothing wrong with that!), while still asking for gifts from guests that aren’t able to attend in person (a little tacky).
However, times and technology have changed. This article even says that virtual wedding gifts should be the same as usual. Limits on the size of social gatherings, continued travel restrictions, and concerns for people’s health have made virtual weddings almost a necessity. Plus, they provide added convenience for guests that are older or unable to travel for whatever reason.
If you’re considering adding a virtual streaming component to your wedding, you might find yourself asking:
- What are the virtual wedding platforms?
- Should I have a Zoom Wedding? Which virtual streaming service is right for me?
- Are there other options to stream my wedding video for guests that can't attend?
- Which is the right virtual wedding platform for my needs?
- How do the virtual wedding platforms compare and contrast?
- Is it easy to livestream your wedding?
In today’s blog post, I’m going to compare and contrast the pros and cons of the main virtual wedding platforms to help you decide which one is right for you. You may have heard of a Zoom wedding, but there are other options!
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. That means I get a small commission if you purchase through this link. However, I promise to only share tools and products I truly love and would use for myself or recommend to my clients. Thanks for supporting the blog!
Choosing your Virtual Wedding Platform is one of the big decisions in 2020/2021 wedding planning. Don't forget to save this for later!
What is a virtual wedding?
There’s a broad spectrum of virtual weddings. It can range from a very intimate ceremony where you and your partner are in one place, the officiant is in another place (if your state allows), and your guests are all remote. Or, you choose to have an intimate wedding with immediate family and the officiant present while the majority of your guests attend from home. You can also go through all the major components of the wedding, from the ceremony to toasts, dances, and cake cutting while your guests attend it remotely.
One of the nice things about a virtual wedding, is that you can have varying levels of customization and interaction. Some platforms allow for one-way streaming which feels like they’re watching a live broadcast of your wedding. Others allow for greater customization and the ability to interact with your guests live. 2020 has had us all on our toes so the scope of virtual weddings is changing quickly. Like any wedding, it's your day. You need to choose what is right for you and your guests. There is no “wrong” way.
For yourself and guests who are attending “in person”: looking for wedding-worthy face masks? Shop my favorite ones in my post Pandemic Wedding Fashion.
Why should you consider a virtual wedding?
I talk more about why you should have a virtual wedding in this post, but it’s important to review them here. Guests still might not feel comfortable traveling when your wedding happens. Grandparents who are less mobile or have health concerns may be unable to travel but still want to help you celebrate. Or your sister just had a baby and she can’t travel.
In addition, local restrictions may not allow you to host as many guests as you had planned. Or you don’t have time to plan a large in-person wedding because your partner is about to be deployed or you want to start having a family. No matter what the reason, a virtual wedding can be a great solution.
And let’s face it. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that attending a meeting from the comfort of one’s home is convenient.
There are so many reasons to consider having a virtual wedding – it helps to think about your own situation and why it would be helpful for you to have a virtual component to your wedding.
Want 6 Steps to Make Your Virtual Wedding a Success? Click Here!
LoveStream by Bustld
Pros to using LoveStream:
When the pandemic began, Ryan and Samie Roberts, co-founders of Bustld, created LoveStream because they believed couples deserved to be able to include everyone at their wedding no matter what. So they created a custom platform that made it as easy and simple as possible for guests to watch their loved ones get married. Brilliant.
LoveStream generates a unique URL that allows your guests to watch the wedding from anywhere on your custom designed website that will house your live stream. Your guests won’t need to create an account, log in, or download an app like Zoom. There’s no limit to your guest count and all packages come with dedicated tech support to ensure your broadcast goes off without a hitch.
You can also add things like engagement photos, music or a link to your registry to make it a one-stop shop for your wedding. This feature could also be integrated with a wedding website if you already created one on something like Zola or Minted.
They have a variety of packages, making it more affordable for smaller budgets. Their Plus and Premium packages allow for multiple cameras (which I highly recommend) to allow for different camera angles for a more immersive experience. They also have a chat function that acts as a guest book to keep and look back on after the wedding ends. Each package has different levels of support and stream time to fit a range of needs and budgets.
This platform is best if you don’t want to interact with your guests as much but want a super simple way for them to view the broadcast. I recently spoke to their founder and love how their solution makes it super simple for guests to view the broadcast.
If you think LoveStream is a good fit for you, take advantage of my 10% discount! Click here and use the promo code VERVE10.
Cons of using LoveStream:
Like I just mentioned, this platform doesn’t allow for as much interaction between the hosts and the guests. It’s more like you’re watching a private live broadcast on YouTube, as opposed to a Zoom wedding. You don’t get to see each individual household that’s watching your stream. Some people see this also as a positive for the platform because they prefer it to be more of a one-way broadcast. It's up to you.
Wedfuly
Pros to using Wedfuly:
If you’re familiar with a Zoom wedding and want to be able to interact with your guests, Wedfuly might be a good option for you. The team at Wedfuly utilizes the Zoom platform to stream your live stream, making it a familiar experience for many of your guests.
Wedfuly offers one basic package with the ability to customize your needs with add-ons and upgrades. All packages come with a tech consultant and an A/V and ceremony rehearsal to work out any kinks and to ensure you and your participants feel comfortable ahead of the big day.
On the day of your wedding, Wedfuly will run the technical side of your wedding and act as your virtual Emcee (so important! I talk about the need for this in this post). They’ll mute guests, switch camera angles, cue your music, etc. If you’re using multiple cameras, you’ll need someone in person to put the cameras in place and to move them if necessary, etc.
One of the unique benefits Wedfuly offers is the ability to have a virtual cocktail reception or “table visits”. You submit them your pre-assigned “tables” ahead of time and they’ll assign those guests to a breakout room where you can visit with them on a more intimate level like you’re together at the wedding.
I worked with Wedfuly on my most recent virtual wedding and participated in another earlier this spring, and have been impressed with their production and technical skills.
Cons to using Wedfuly:
Because Wedfuly uses the Zoom platform, your guests will still need to download the app, log on, etc. They’re very good at making sure to mute all guests during the broadcast, but sometimes a guest might still find a way to unmute themselves for a couple seconds before they’re able to mute their mic.
iDOtv
Pros to using iDOtv:
If you’re looking for a truly custom experience that allows you and your guests to become the stars of a live TV production designed with graphics, titles, backgrounds and more, iDOtv would be a great fit for you.
Wedfuly’s team of producers come from a live TV broadcast background. They’ve built a custom platform that allows for your guests to watch the day unfold like they’re watching a professionally produced TV production.
Once you’ve booked the team, they’ll go over all the important details to make sure you look amazing both in person and on video. They cover everything – sound, lighting, blocking (a technical term for where you stand), internet, crew, communications etc. They’ll utilize their production checklist to ensure everything looks great on the big day.
If you have a planner, they’ll work with iDOtv’s technical director, set designer, and wedding coordinator to ensure all the details are taken care of and everyone’s on the same page. If you don’t have a planner, they’ll review the big picture with you during an initial consultation and then guide you on the next steps from there.
iDOtv is definitely a premium platform with all the bells and whistles. If you want to take your virtual wedding to the next level, iDOtv could be a good fit for you.
Cons to using iDOtv:
Unfortunately, the biggest con with this platform is the cost. iDOtv offers a premium service with a lot of customization and a bigger team; however, that level of customization and attention comes at a cost.Their packages start at $7,500, which is significantly more than the other two packages. Because of this, it might not be for everyone. However, the other packages don’t include a full production team, wedding coordinator, and set designer. Some of these roles can be filled by your wedding planner if you have one. You can see me in the picture below watching one of the screens. So think about how much help you already have and what kind of experience you want to create for your guests.
PLANNING A VIRTUAL WEDDING BUT DON’T WANT TO MISS A SINGLE DETAIL? GET MY FREE VIRTUAL WEDDING CHECKLIST!
Which Virtual Streaming Platform is For You?
The answer to this really depends on your budget and your priorities and goals for your wedding and the live stream. After that, think about what you need and what kind of experience you want to create for your guests. Also think about how much effort you want to put into it. This will be different for every couple.
All three platforms have their nuances that make them unique. They are all incredible platforms. As you can tell, better than a “simple Zoom wedding”. If you want something super simple where guests can log on to a private website to view your wedding, LoveStream is for you. Click here and use the promo code VERVE10 for 10% off. If you want more interaction with your guests, Wedfuly would be your choice. If you want a completely customized wedding experience with TV broadcast quality, then iDOtv is what you need.
Inviting guests to your virtual wedding and need wedding stationery? We love Minted!
In case you scrolled to the bottom…
I really believe there’s a virtual wedding platform for every couple. And in 2020, it's almost a necessity. Virtual weddings aren't going away anytime soon. When it comes to choosing the right platform, it all depends on what you need, how much effort you want to put into it, and your budget. There really are no “wrong” choices. They all have their nuances that make them unique.
If you want something super simple where guests can log on to a private website to view your wedding, LoveStream is for you. If you want more interaction with your guests, Wedfuly would be your choice. If you want a completely customized wedding experience with TV broadcast quality, then iDOtv is what you need. No matter what, you want to feel good about the virtual wedding option you choose. Luckily, these tech options have risen to the occasion when it comes to 2020 wedding needs.
Are you planning a virtual wedding? Don't forget to save this for later!
Don't forget to grab your virtual wedding planning checklist!
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Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. That means I get a small commission if you purchase through this link. However, I promise to only share tools and products I truly love and would use for myself or recommend to my clients. Thanks for supporting the blog!
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