Live weddings: “I do” in the digital age
For most lovebirds, part of the delight of planning their weddings comes with sharing their “Big Day” with family and friends.
Today’s advances in low-cost communication, such as live streaming, provide an alternative to hosting a traditional wedding, as well as the option of streaming a wedding live to accommodate anyone unable to attend due to media issues. health, distance, cost or work. Oh, and it’s always a good idea to plan a wedding with the expectation that some guests won’t be able to make it to the ceremony for a variety of reasons.
Broadcasting “I do” (wedding ceremony) via broadband allows secretive, locked-in, or estranged loved ones to witness a couple marry from virtually anywhere in the world.
Expert in live streaming services
Few organizations currently offer a comprehensive portfolio of end-to-end transmission options. Some provide their own equipment and personal support, while others establish partnerships with independent videographers who coordinate, prepare and broadcast the event live. Boutique live streaming service providers place a greater emphasis on helping couples develop a comprehensive social media strategy, in coordination with photography and videography providers.
Various DIY transmission options available to choose from
For couples on a budget, managing all aspects of a wedding live stream can be overwhelming. However, there are plenty of resources available to you, including Skype, Apple’s FaceTime, IBM Cloud Video, and Google Hangouts, to name a few. Before you jump in, though, it’s important to keep in mind a few fundamentals needed to live stream a wedding:
- Reliable Wi-Fi or broadband connection
- Camera-equipped laptop, desktop, smartphone, or tablet
- Live streaming service provider that supports high quality video streaming
- Tripod mounts, if you’re using a smartphone or tablet
Additionally, planning and testing your setup ahead of time is highly recommended to ensure sustained quality of your video stream. Make sure your video camera or mobile device is in a location that captures all the activity but is also out of the beaten path of guest activity.
Also, disable any screen saver or sleep features on your computer to reduce the chances of experiencing an interruption during live streaming. Finally, make sure guests have the link or landing page where your stream will be available, along with any passwords needed to access the live stream.
When planning to live stream a wedding
Depending on your budget or preference, hire an expert videographer with experience organizing and managing the event (from start to finish) or do it yourself with the help of a knowledgeable friend.
Ensuring all failure points are addressed well in advance of service, regardless of whether you hire an expert. A best practice is to test and retest your configuration’s reliability, speed, and performance so that your stream is optimized to work as expected. Oh, and keep an eye out for copyrighted music being played during your ceremony.
In addition to these considerations, it might also be reasonable to make your live stream accessible only to those you’ve invited to your wedding, ie use a live streaming service provider that offers password-protected access.
Saying “I do” in the digital age
Social media and the widespread adoption of “social technology” have changed human traditions and conventions. The effect of living in a web-based and live streaming society requires a contextually appropriate engagement.
While online streaming can be a great vehicle for bringing people who are separated by distance together, care must be taken to get the most out of the experience. Thorough preparation and adherence to proper etiquette are critical to making sure everything goes smoothly on your Big Day!
Live streaming is the easiest way to broadcast your wedding. Today, a home computer, iPad, Android tablet, or smartphone can deliver high-quality HD video, allowing you to create content without the need for expensive video equipment.