If you exchange vows in a virtual ceremony, don’t let your online wedding end after saying, ‘I do.’ Instead, plan a fun-filled virtual wedding reception to celebrate your prominent day guests following the live-streamed ceremony!
First, let’s find out why today’s couples prefer to choose an online wedding.
Online weddings have become more common in recent years due to COVID-19. That’s because social distancing restrictions led couples to forgo traditional weddings.
However, today’s couples are discovering that while a virtual ceremony may seem a little out of the ordinary, it can be just as memorable as a conventional wedding, with little effort and innovation.
Online weddings are also on the rise because they help couples and families to reduce wedding expenditures. For example, zoom meetings allow more people to join in without paying for seating, catering, and other arrangements.
But how to make an online wedding a successful and memorable event?
These ideas are just a few ways to personalize and make your marriage ceremony online enjoyable for you and your guests.
The best thing about these ideas is that you don’t have to spend a fortune. Most of these ideas need automated tools and templates, which are readily available online.
A virtual invite should go out at least a month before your online wedding. In the case of a hybrid wedding, you will need separate invitations for the virtual and in-person guests.
Include the dress code your guests should follow to feel comfortable throughout the virtual ceremony. A wedding website can provide additional details and access to the wedding registry.
Following the invitation, mailing a surprise package to each virtual guest a week before the wedding is a great reminder. The virtual guests will love the gesture and ensure they attend the event. This surprise gift may be as simple as a miniature wedding cake wrapped in a beautiful box or as extravagant as a Champagne bottle.
Every couple wants to receive a different gift from five other guests! That’s where an online registry comes into play. Creating an online wedding registry will ensure that your guests choose other gift items and the ones you truly need. Pick from several online tools and options to make things convenient for your guests. Some couples also consider a charity campaign or a fundraiser to donate money to the causes close to their heart.
Another way to make your online wedding memorable is to create a virtual guestbook. Your virtual guests will happily leave notes and post videos and pictures. Consider it as an online library of the most important moments from your online wedding with messages from friends and family. This digital guestbook version will always stay with you to remind you of the fun-filled event.
There are many ways to create a virtual guestbook. A quick search online will give you easy access to unique guestbook templates and styles to create a guestbook that matches your style and preferences.
Another popular way to spice up a marriage ceremony online event is to design and play virtual games. Both the couple and the guests can participate in these games. For instance, include games like Pictionary, charades, two truths, and a lie. What you want to have in the event is up to you and your virtual guests.
In addition, setting up a virtual photo booth is a fun and interactive way to keep guests happy. Like an authentic photo booth, a virtual one allows guests to snap selfies and group photos with unique filters and digital props. These photos will be a delightful reminder of your online wedding.
A marriage ceremony online doesn’t mean your guests will stay hungry throughout the event. Seasoned caterers are now launching exciting menu items for serving at-home wedding guests. Of course, that means you must plan your wedding money as you do for a conventional wedding. However, it doesn’t have to be a luxurious three-course dinner.
Look for local vendors who are happy to serve ‘dinner in a box’ or curated meals, including a selection of cakes and cocktails. Most of these caterers offer Zoom wedding menus with free delivery.
Don’t forget to thank your online guests with a virtual thank-you card. This gesture will show your gratitude to the guests. Couples either personalize each thank you card or send out a blast email to all participants. Don’t forget to add fun messages and pictures from the event.
People often wonder why there is so much buzz around online weddings. We are sure now you know what the hype is all about. However, a virtual ceremony doesn’t have to be dull. Incorporating these exciting ideas will ensure that you have the perfect online wedding.
Many states now allow couples to apply for and receive a marriage license via video conferencing. That implies your online wedding is just as valid as any other traditional wedding. However, remember that most states require two witnesses and an ordained officiant to be present in the online wedding event to consider it legal.
If you want to know more about how to make your online marriage exciting and memorable, contact us today. We recommend some of the best ideas to make your online wedding more exciting.