Weddings at the moment are, shall I say, different from what we’re all used to. But this can actually be for the better in more ways than one. The virtual wedding is taking over, folks!

On-trend weddings take virtual meetings and seeing people from around the world to a whole new level. Especially when micro-weddings are also becoming more popular for wedding couples who want the perfect (and small) venue but also want the entire family to join in, too.

That relative who couldn’t make the wedding due to inconvenient flightpaths can now enjoy your big day just like everyone else. The couple who couldn’t find a sitter now doesn’t have to. The wedding of the year that was going to have to be postponed again is back on the books and thriving (it’s yours).

As a wedding photographer who’s seen it all from the micro wedding to the extravagant wedding, I wanted to bring you 8 tips for how to make the most out of your virtual wedding so your day can be just as perfect as you envision it to be.

1. Check the Legalities for Your Area

   When creating a virtual wedding, the first thing you need to do is check the local area and the laws on weddings.

   For example, as a wedding photographer based in Philadelphia, I know the laws allow for a marriage license that lasts for 90 days within the state of Pennsylvania. A bonus is that the marriage can be a Quaker self-officiating nuptial or a traditional ceremony with an officiant.

   So, when it comes to a virtual wedding, there’s no need to organize an officiant (as long as you have your Quaker Oats on standby).

2. Book Your Vendors

   Now you’ve got your license you’ll need to contact your vendors. That’s right, even a virtual wedding needs a couple of vendors.

   For example, you’ll need a photographer who can capture beautiful memories of your day, your vows, and your virtual guests all at a safe distance.

   As well as this, you may still want to use a florist to decorate your wedding room or your garden as well as a baker to create the perfect sweet wedding cake treat to cut and enjoy whether it’s for a micro wedding or a large-scale white do.

3. Choose the Right Platform

   Next on the checklist of 8 tips for how to make the most out of your virtual wedding is getting the right video hosting for the job. There are plenty to choose from including the classics such as Zoom and Skype.

   However, one platform that stands out from the rest in the virtual weddings I’ve had the pleasure to photograph is Wedfuly. Without trying to sound like an advertisement, it’s quick and simple because a fixed price will get you unlimited guests, tech support, a guide, an expert, and more. That is one less thing to worry about for your virtual wedding!

4. Expand Your Guest List

   When you pick the right virtual screen to share your special day, you have no limits on who can attend; that distant cousin you’ve only met once, the best friends who moved abroad, and many more smiling faces.

   As the wedding couple, you’ve got full reign; if you want to keep it small, you can consider a micro wedding but if you do want every cousin and second cousin and the cousins 20-times removed to attend, you can!

   If you’re not sure what a micro wedding is or how you can organize the perfect micro- day to share your vows on, have a little read of my other article “5 Essential Tips to Help you Downsize into a Micro-Wedding”.

5. Send Out Virtual Schedules with Your Invites

   Virtual invites are just as important as paper ones. And, even if you want to send out the paper invites with RSVP cards, you’ll need to be able to virtually invite each guest, too.

   Whether it’s providing a special Zoom ID or using the e-vite service from Wedfuly. The key thing is to make sure the virtual wedding invite includes the schedule for the day.

   Many people are aware of the traditional ceremony and wedding breakfast-do but might be confused when it comes to the virtual “I do’s” just because it’s all new. So, make sure you let people know the plan for the day (because there doesn’t have to be anything traditional about it!).

6. Consider Who Needs the Extra Help with the Tech

   There is an inevitability that there will be some technophobes virtually attending your wedding, too. We all have at least one in the family!

   And we all want them to come and enjoy the day. So, it’s a case of making sure you know who they are and trying to make arrangements. For one, Wedfuly includes technical assistance in their package.

   Otherwise, it could be a case of asking some friends and family in the local area to safely host watch parties, enjoy the celebration together and relax as no technology foibles happen in the background of your vows.

7. Test the Video and Audio Before the Nuptials Start

   When you know everything and everyone is set up on their devices, you can do some behind-the-scenes work in your virtual wedding chapel.

   This can involve your wedding rehearsals, ironing out any A/V kinks in the fabric, and making sure all the right components (you as the wedding couple) are perfectly in frame for all to see until the tears of happiness start to shed.

   If this means getting yourself a small microphone and a stand to have beside you both so everyone can hear each vow, then go for it; at least you’re aware of what you need for the big day. Once again, this is where Wedfuly comes in handy, they have tech runs before your ceremony to make sure everything runs smoothly.

8. Send Out Some Unforgettable Keepsakes

   One of the best things I saw in a recent virtual wedding and micro-wedding event was a special box of inclusions for the day. And, when I say inclusions, I mean small gifts that everyone can eat, use or keep just to make the day that little bit more special.

   Remember the baker I mentioned earlier? Instead of going for the usual 3-tiered cake with the wedding couple planted on the top, why not consider lots of small cupcakes and sending them out to everyone you love.

   There’s also the option to send small candles to light together, jewelry to wear together, petals to throw, bells to ring, and something to keep the little ones occupied, too.

   With your virtual wedding, whether it’s a micro wedding or an all-out big one, the choice is yours!

Having a virtual wedding doesn’t have to be about finding how you can make your guests enjoy your day. While that can be part of ensuring your wedding day is perfect, it really is about how you want to celebrate coming together as a couple. And, if that means having the day to yourselves, having pictures captured of you both in your wedding attire while relaxing in the sun or snow, then consider how a virtual wedding can bring that vision to life.

To find out more about all the ways you can capture your wedding in the perfect light, have a look at some of my other blog pieces here at Heather McBride Photography:

• Tying the Knot in Philadelphia’s Powel House

• The Benefits to Eloping your Love Rather than Having a Traditional Wedding

• 5 Essential Tips to Help you Downsize into a Micro-Wedding