For most lovebirds to-be, a piece of the delight from arranging their weddings accompanies the sharing of their “Big Day” with family and friends.
Present day advancements in low-cost communication, such as live streaming, provides an alternative to hosting a traditional wedding, as well as, the option of live streaming a wedding to accommodate anyone who’s unable to attend due to poor health, distance, cost or work. Oh, and, it’s always a good idea to plan a wedding with the expectation that a few invitees won’t be able to attend the ceremony for a variety of reasons.
Broadcasting “I do” (wedding ceremony) over broadband allows booked up, shut-in or far-flung loved ones to witness a couple tie the knot from virtually anywhere in the world.
Expert Live Streaming Services
Few organizations currently offer a comprehensive portfolio of end-to-end broadcasting options. Some supply their own equipment and support personnel, while others establish partnerships with freelance videographers who coordinate, set-up, and broadcast the live event. Boutique live streaming service providers place a greater emphasis on helping couples develop a thorough social media strategy — coordinating with the photography and videography vendors.
Various DIY Broadcasting Options Available to Choose From
For couples on a budget, managing all aspects of live streaming a wedding can be overwhelming. However, there’s a host of resources available to you, e.g., Skype, Apple’s FaceTime, IBM Cloud Video and Google Hangouts to name a few. Nonetheless, before jumping in, it’s important to bear in mind a few fundamental elements required to live stream a wedding:
- Reliable Wi-Fi or broadband connection
- Camera-equipped laptop, desktop computer, smartphone or tablet
- Live streaming service provider that supports high-quality video transmission
- Tripod mounts, if you’re using a smartphone or tablet device
Additionally, it’s highly recommended to plan and test your set-up ahead of time to guarantee the sustained quality of your video stream. Ensure that your video camera or mobile device is in a place that captures all the activity yet is likewise off the beaten path of guest activity.
Furthermore, disable any screen savers or sleep functions on the equipment to reduce the chances of experiencing an interruption during the live broadcast. Finally, make sure the guests have the link or landing page where your stream will be available, along with any passwords required to access the live stream.
When Planning to Live Broadcast a Wedding
Depending on your budget or preference, either hire an expert videographer with experience setting up and managing the event (end-to-end) or do it yourself with help from a knowledgeable friend.
Safeguarding that all points of failure are addressed well in advance of the service, regardless of whether you hire an expert. A best practice is to test and re-test the reliability, speed, and performance of the set-up so the broadcast is optimized to perform as intended. Oh, and, be watchful concerning copyrighted music performed amid your ceremony.
In addition to these considerations, it might likewise be reasonable to make your live stream accessible only to those whom you’ve invited to your wedding, meaning, 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” has changed human traditions and conventions. The effect of living in a web-based society and live streaming require contextually appropriate engagement.
While online broadcasting can be a great vehicle to bring people together who are separated by distance, care must be taken to get the most out of the experience. Thorough preparation and observing proper etiquette are both critical in making sure that all goes well on your Big Day!
Live streaming is the easiest way to broadcast your wedding. Today, a home computer, iPad, Android tablet or a smartphone can deliver high-quality HD video, allowing content to be created without expensive video equipment.