Wedding Planning Tips, Your Event Career

Everything You Need To Know About Virtual Weddings

Updated 2024.

Key Points

• Virtual weddings take place online.
• The global wedding industry is expected to reach an estimated value of USD $505.57 billion by 2030.
• Benefits of virtual weddings include: their convenience, their flexibility for long-distance family and friends, and their budget-friendly nature.
• However, they can be tricky to plan, and finding an officiant willing to perform an online ceremony will require proper research.
• Another option is a hybrid wedding, wherein the couple has an in-person micro wedding while also live streaming the event to the rest of the guests (who make the majority).
• To pull off a successful virtual wedding, you’ll need: a computer, laptop, or phone with a working camera, a strong internet connection, a virtual officiant, and (optionally) a virtual venue.
• The 5 steps for planning a virtual event are: deciding on the format for the wedding, finding an officiant who can perform the ceremony, planning the ceremony details, sending out guest invitations, thanking everyone for attending after the event.
• The best free platforms to host virtual weddings on are: Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Twitch, Facebook Live, TikTok LIVE, Instagram Live, and YouTube Live.
• EventLive is a great, paid platform on which virtual weddings can also be held.
• The average virtual wedding tends to fall between $500 and $2,000.
• You can become a working event and/or wedding planner in as little as 3 months by completing QC Event School’s self-paced, online certification training.

Introduction

So, you’re thinking of having a virtual wedding? Congratulations! This is a big decision, but it can be SO much fun. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about virtual weddings.

We’ll start with the basics (what are they and what do they entail). From there, we’ll move on to more specific topics like choosing your location and planning your ceremony. Finally, we’ll give you some tips on how to make your virtual wedding perfect – and why a career as a professional wedding planner might just be the right fit for you!

Pro Tip: Ready to start your professional certification training? Enroll in QC Event School’s self-paced, online Event & Wedding Planning Course today!

Everything You Need To Know About Virtual Weddings – What Are They?

A virtual wedding is a wedding that takes place online, typically via video conference. This can be done through platforms like:

• Skype
• Zoom
• Facebook Live
• Twith
• TikTok Live
• Google Hangouts, etc.

The great thing about virtual weddings is that they can be done from anywhere in the world. To get an even better idea of what virtual weddings are, check out these real-life examples, courtesy of LoveStream!

How Do Virtual Weddings Work?

You and your partner will first need to decide on a time and place to get married. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to hire an officiant who’s willing to perform the ceremony virtually. Afterwards, the next step is to invite your guests! You can do this via email, social media, or even by sending out paper invitations.

Once you have your guest list finalized, it’s time to start planning the ceremony itself. This is where things can get really creative! Since you’re not limited by a physical space, you can really let your imagination run wild. Truly, this is the beauty of virtual weddings: the possibilities at your disposal are endless!

Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• You could have your ceremony in a beautiful virtual reality setting, such as a beach or a fairy tale forest.
• There can be interactive elements, like games or quizzes for your guests.
• You could even get married in outer space (okay, no really, but with the right background, it can sure look like it!).

Benefits Of a Virtual Wedding

• They’re incredibly convenient! You don’t have to worry about travel arrangements, accommodation, or any of the other logistics that come with a traditional wedding.
• They’re also great for couples who have family members who live far away! This way, everyone can attend the wedding without having to worry about the cost or time commitment of travel.
• If you’re on a budget, they can be a lot more affordable than traditional weddings! This is because you don’t have to worry about things like venue rental fees, catering costs, or decorations. In fact, the only real expense you’ll have is the cost of hiring your officiant.

Disadvantages

While there are many advantages to virtual weddings, there are also some disadvantages that you should be aware of:

• Virtual weddings can feel less personal than traditional weddings since you won’t be able to interact with your guests in person.
• They can be more difficult to plan than traditional weddings because you’ll need to account for the time difference if you have guests who live in different time zones.
• Not all officiants will be willing to perform a virtual wedding ceremony. As such, you may need to do some research to find an officiant who’s comfortable with this type of arrangement.

What’s Needed for a Virtual Wedding

In terms of everything you need to know about virtual weddings, this is a BIG one. In order to throw one, you’ll require:

• A computer or laptop with a webcam (or a smart phone with a good camera)
• Strong internet connection
• Virtual officiant
• Virtual wedding venue (optional)

Obviously, as with any wedding, you’ll also need the invited guests!

Micro Weddings With a Virtual Twist

When it comes to virtual weddings, another popular option is to have a “traditional” wedding in the micro sense – and then livestream it for the majority of your guests to watch. In this scenario, you’ll keep your in-person guest count limited to immediate family and your closest friends. Everyone else will be involved with your big day from the comfort of their own homes.

This option is great because it still allows you to have the personal, intimate wedding you want while also giving your guests the opportunity to “attend” and watch the ceremony. It’s the best of both worlds!

How to Plan a Virtual Wedding

If you’re interested in planning a virtual wedding, follow these steps

1. Decide on the format of your wedding. Will it be a traditional ceremony that’s livestreamed, or will it be a completely virtual event?
2. Find an officiant who is willing to perform a virtual ceremony. Not all officiants are comfortable with this, so you may need to do some research.
3. Start planning the details of your ceremony. If you’re having a traditional wedding, you’ll need to find a venue and take care of all the logistics that come with it. If you’re having a completely virtual wedding, you’ll need to decide on the format of your ceremony and what type of “decorations” you’ll use.
4. Send out invitations and start planning for your big day. Make sure to give your guests plenty of notice so they can clear their schedules and be there to watch your ceremony.
5. After your big day, you’ll still need to thank everyone for attending. You can do this by sending out thank you cards. Alternately, if you want to stick with the digital theme, you can send a quick thank-you message via text, email, Facebook Messenger, etc..

Pro Tip: Get fully trained, certified, and ready to book your first client in as little as 3 months. Check out QC Event School’s full list of self-paced, online certification programs!

Everything You Need To Know About Virtual Weddings: FAQ

Q: How much should guests give at a virtual wedding?

A: This is a tough question to answer because it really depends on the couple’s financial situation. If the couple is paying for their own wedding, then guests should give what they would normally give at a traditional wedding. However, if the couple is having a virtual wedding to save money, then guests can give whatever they feel comfortable giving. If the guests can’t afford to give money, then they can simply give their time by helping the couple with wedding-related tasks or by offering to be a virtual wedding day helper.

Q: Is it rude to not give a gift at a virtual wedding?

A: No, it’s not rude to not give a gift at a virtual wedding. In fact, many couples who have virtual weddings don’t expect gifts because they understand that not everyone is in a financial position to give. Of course, if you’re planning a virtual wedding and have guests that DO want to give a gift, that’s also totally fine! Just go into the process knowing that it’s not required – and probably shouldn’t be expected.

Q: How do you pick a location for a virtual wedding?

A: The great thing about virtual weddings is that they can take place anywhere in the world! All you need is a good internet connection and you’re good to go.

So, when it comes to picking a location for your virtual wedding, it really depends on what type of atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a beachy vibe? Then host your wedding from a tropical destination. Or, if you want something more laid-back, then you can host it from your own backyard. The possibilities are endless!

Q: How do you make a virtual wedding fun?

A: Here are a couple ways you can do to make a virtual wedding fun:

• Try to personalize the experience as much as possible. This means sending out personalized invitations, decorating your “ceremony space” in a way that reflects your personality and style, and even incorporating fun elements into your ceremony itself (like having a friend or family member sing a special song).
• Get everyone involved by asking them to participate in games or activities during the reception. This can be anything from playing trivia to dancing along with you as you have your first dance. The sky’s the limit—and your guests will appreciate being included in the fun!

Q: What are the best platforms to host virtual weddings on?

A: The most popular platforms for hosting virtual weddings (and live events in general) are:

• Zoom
• Skype
• Google Hangouts
• Twitch Live Streaming
• Facebook Live
• TikTok LIVE
• Instagram Live
• YouTube Live

All of these platforms are free to use, which is great if you’re on a budget! Alternately, if you want to go the paid route, there are also some great options out there. One of the best is called EventLive. With EventLive, you can:

• Create a beautiful virtual wedding website;
• Send out digital invitations;
• And even stream your ceremony and reception live.

They offer an All-Day Package priced at $50.00 USD, which is a great option if you’re planning a large virtual wedding. No matter what platform you choose, always make sure to test it out beforehand so you can iron out any technical issues before your big day. Nothing would be worse than dealing with unexpected technical difficulties on your wedding day!

Pro Tip: QC Event School has helped over 30,000+ students and grads launch successful careers in the event and wedding planning industry. Join the community today!

Q: How much does a virtual wedding cost?

A: There’s no concrete answer to this question because the cost of a virtual wedding can vary greatly, depending on a number of factors. If you’re planning a small, intimate affair, you can probably get away with spending very little. But if you’re planning a larger event with multiple cameras, live streaming capabilities, and so forth, then the cost will be higher. Fortunately, there are a number of affordable options out there, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget.

That said, it’s be safe to estimate that the average virtual wedding (done entirely online) would cost between $500 and $2,000. Of course, this number could be higher or lower, depending on your specific situation. In the case of a hybrid wedding (where it’s a micro wedding with minimal guests, being livestreamed to the majority of the guest list), then the cost noted above would be IN ADDITION to the cost of putting together the small, intimate, in-person wedding.

Q: How do you invite guests to a virtual wedding?

Q: When it comes to inviting guests to a virtual wedding, you have a few options:

• Sending out traditional invitations (either physical or digital);
• Posting about your event on social media,;
• Creating a website dedicated to your wedding, etc.

If you go the traditional route, make sure to include all of the relevant information that your guests will need – such as the date, time, and location of the event (which, in this case, would be a link to the platform you’re using). Should you decide to create a website, be sure to include all of the same information, plus any other details that you think your guests might find helpful. For example, you could include a schedule of events, a list of who’s who in the wedding party (with a pic and short bio), and so on.

No matter how you choose to invite your guests, make sure to do it in a way that is both efficient and stylish. After all, first impressions are everything – even when it comes to virtual weddings!

Q: Should guests dress up for a virtual wedding?

A: There’s no right or wrong answer – it really depends on the couple getting married and the overall tone of their wedding. If you’re planning a more casual affair, then it’s probably not necessary for your guests to dress up. However, if you’re going for a more formal vibe, then it might be a good idea to ask your guests to dress in their “Sunday best”. Just make sure that whatever you choose is communicated clearly so there are no surprises on your big day!

Q: What equipment do you need for a virtual wedding?

A: This depends on the size and scale of your virtual wedding. If you’re planning a small, intimate affair, then all you really need is a good internet connection and a webcam. However, if you’re planning something larger, then you might need additional equipment, such as:

• Multiple cameras
• Live streaming capabilities, etc.

Q: How do you decorate for a virtual wedding?

A: This will all boil down to your personal preference. If you’re going for a more casual vibe, you might not need to do much in terms of decoration. A simple backdrop will suffice.

On the other hand, if you’re going for a more formal affair, you’ll probably want to put a bit more effort into it. In this case, you’ll want to create a space that is both stylish and functional. So, that means finding a nice backdrop, setting up lighting, and so forth.

Q: Will you need vendors and/or supplier for a virtual wedding?

A: If you’re planning a small, intimate affair, you probably won’t need to hire any additional vendors or suppliers. If you’re planning something larger, however, then you might need to consider hiring a:

• Professional live streamer;
• A photographer and/or videographer;
• And/or a wedding planner.

Moreover, if you intend on having a hybrid wedding, you’ll need to factor in the cost of renting a venue, hiring a catering company, and so forth.

PRO TIP: Here are 7 secrets for finding the PERFECT vendors for your special celebration!

Q: Should you hire a professional wedding planner?

A: That’s entirely up to you! If you’re planning a small, intimate affair, you probably don’t need to hire a professional. But if you’re planning something larger and more complex, it’s probably a good idea to consider hiring someone who can help you with the logistics and coordination.

And if you’re planning a hybrid wedding? Then we definitely recommend hiring a professional wedding planner! After all, they’re are experts at juggling all of the moving parts that come with weddings. So, they’ll be more than equipped to handle anything that comes up.

Q: How much does a metaverse wedding cost?

A: Metaverse weddings are when the ceremony and reception take place in a virtual world, such as Second Life or Decentraland. The cost of these weddings can vary greatly, depending on the level of customization and design you want for your wedding venue. However, most metaverse wedding packages start at around $500 and can go up to several thousand dollars. In addition to the cost of the virtual venue, you may also need to pay for vendors and suppliers who specialize in creating bespoke items for your metaverse wedding, such as digital wedding dresses or customized avatars.

Q: Is a virtual wedding/metaverse wedding real?

A: In the case of literal virtual weddings, like metaverse weddings, the ceremony and reception take place entirely online and are not physically tangible. In fact, even the bride and groom are represented by their virtual avatars. It’s extremely important to note that at this time, most jurisdictions do not recognize metaverse weddings as being legally binding.

That said, for many couples, their virtual wedding is just as meaningful and significant as a traditional in-person wedding. The love, commitment, and memories created during a virtual wedding are very much real and can be cherished by the couple for years to come. So, while a metaverse wedding may not have physical elements like a traditional wedding does, it is still very much “real” (in the non-legal sense) in terms of the emotions and connections that are formed on that special day.

Q: Can I get married on a video call?

A: Yes, you can absolutely get married on a video call! So long as there is a valid marriage certification, the ceremony is performed by a valid officiant, and the necessary documentation gets all required signatures, the marriage ceremony will be legally binding – even if done all over a video call.

Q: Can I get a few virtual wedding ideas?

A: Certainly! Here are a few virtual wedding ideas to help you create a memorable and unique celebration:

1. Virtual Venue Transformations: Utilize video conferencing platforms to virtually decorate your venue. Use virtual backgrounds, digital overlays, or projectors to create a stunning visual backdrop that matches your wedding theme.
2. Interactive Guest Experiences: Engage your guests by incorporating interactive elements into your virtual wedding. Consider pre-wedding activities like virtual photo booths, live chat features, or even virtual games to keep everyone entertained and connected throughout the celebration.
3. Professional Live Streaming: Hire a professional videographer or livestreaming service to ensure high-quality audio and video for your virtual wedding. This will provide a seamless experience for guests who are unable to attend in person.
4. Virtual Wedding Favors: Send personalized wedding favors to your guests’ homes before the ceremony. It could be a small package containing items like custom masks, mini champagne bottles, or even a virtual photo album with special memories.
5. Virtual Reception Activities: Plan virtual reception activities that allow guests to participate from their own homes. This could include virtual dance parties, live music performances, or even a virtual toast where guests can raise their glasses together.

Remember – the key to a successful virtual wedding is careful planning, effective communication, and creating a sense of togetherness despite the physical distance. Get creative, think outside the box, and embrace the opportunities that technology provides for an unforgettable virtual wedding experience.

Becoming a Virtual Wedding Planner

Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to get started in this field! Weddings, after all, have always been in extremely high demand. What’s more – there’s no sign of that trend slowing down. In fact, according to LinkedIn, the global wedding market is expected to reach a whopping estimated value of USD $505.57 billion by 2030!

Steps To Take

1. Take a reputable course and get yourself certified in wedding planning. QC Event School’s self-paced, online Event & Wedding Planning Course is a terrific option for this! In as little as 12 short weeks, you’ll become a globally-certified International Event and Wedding Planning Professional™ (IEWP®). Plus, you’ll gain the know-how needed to launch your very own business!
2. Find ways to transition all of your skills and wedding planning services to the digital world. Doing this is quite simple – just consider the types of services you want to offer clients in-person, and see how many of them can also be done remotely as well.
3. Get yourself out there in the real world. This means attending industry events, establishing a professional network, marketing your business, booking clients, and planning all those beautiful virtual weddings!

Conclusion

Now you know everything you need to know about virtual weddings and are basically an expert on the subject!  Plus, you’re ready to help couples create their dream virtual weddings and plan the event of a lifetime. Virtual weddings aren’t just some passing trend or fad – it’s a rapidly growing industry with real potential career opportunities for those willing to take advantage of them. So, don’t wait – get certified today!

Turn your passion for planning into a profitable career. Enroll with QC Event School and begin your journey to success!

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