Grandma in London cannot fly to Accra. Your brother in Houston could not get leave. With a livestream, they can still watch you say your vows. Since the Covid-19 years, streaming weddings has become common for families spread across continents.
What to stream and who
Most couples stream the main ceremony: the church service, the traditional engagement or both. Some stream the speeches and first dance as well. Streaming the whole reception is usually unnecessary and harder to manage. Many videographers now offer livestreaming as part of their package, using cameras connected to streaming software. For a simple stream, a reliable friend with a good phone, a tripod and an external microphone can do the job. Do not ask a guest who also wants to enjoy the wedding.
Internet and platforms
The biggest risk is a weak connection. Test the venue’s internet in advance. If there is no reliable Wi-Fi, use a dedicated mobile data router with a strong signal and plenty of data. Have a backup device on a different network.
YouTube Live, Facebook Live and Zoom are popular. YouTube and Facebook are easy for viewers to join and can handle large audiences; Zoom allows relatives to see each other and wave. Choose a platform that older relatives can use, and test it with them before the day.
Sound and links
Viewers can tolerate a slightly blurry picture, but not sound they cannot hear. Connect to the venue’s sound system or place a microphone near the officiant and the couple. Send the link and the start time, with time zones, a few days before the wedding. Post it in family WhatsApp groups and on your wedding website. Assign someone to answer viewers’ questions during the stream.
Privacy and recording
Decide whether the stream should be public or private. A private or unlisted link prevents strangers from watching. Respect guests who may not want to appear on camera. Record the stream so relatives in different time zones can watch later. Many platforms save the video automatically. A livestream will never replace being in the room. For the aunt who held you as a baby and cannot travel, seeing you at the altar from her living room may be the next best thing.
