For many people, livestreams are part of everyday life. Social media influencers, eSports gamers, musicians, artists, and other creative professionals use livestream-capable platforms to reach their audiences. You may not have a million followers on Instagram, but you can broadcast your big day by following some useful tips.

Is Livestreaming Right for Your Event?

Brides’ Kelsey Butler discusses a few reasons why couples stream their weddings. They may have family who are ill, deployed for military service, or cannot travel due to other limitations. Writing for Zola, Jenn Sinrich points out that livestreaming is very useful for a destination wedding. With only 50 to 65% of invited guests attending destination nuptials, streaming can help those unable to attend feel included in your special day.

Livestreaming also lets you think outside the box if you can’t host your wedding as planned. BBC News tells of one newlywed Singapore couple concerned about potentially exposing their wedding guests to the coronavirus after returning from China. With their main event only days away, they chose to livestream from their home to their venue. This may be a great option if you’re unable to get to your venue for any reason.

Quick Pointers on Streaming Etiquette

Ultimately, you should be transparent and honest about the reasons you want to stream your wedding. The last thing you want to do is broadcast it for people whom you’d never invite. To ensure this doesn’t happen, Butler recommends giving your livestream link only to guests who send their regrets. Do not publish it on public areas of your wedding website, either. If you must post it online, make sure it’s in a password-protected area that only invited guests can see.

Essential Equipment You Need To Have

Since the first online broadcasts in the 1990s, livestreaming technologies have grown significantly. In many cases, all you need is a device with a high-quality camera and a fast internet connection. TechRadar mentions newer stream-friendly smartphones like the later iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, and recent Google Pixel models. But if your phone was manufactured in the last few years, you don’t need to run out and buy a new one.

If you don’t want to use your phone or don’t have a capable smartphone, you can also stream with tablets and laptops. Digital Camera World lists several recommended camera models, with many priced under $100. Those streaming with a cellphone, tablet, or another mobile device should include a tripod in their setups. Streaming outdoors calls for a good-quality external microphone, which you’ll need to place near the ceremony space to capture dialogue.

Other Advice To Consider

After you’ve chosen your equipment, you must follow a few more steps to ensure a successful stream. Butler strongly recommends talking to your venue about your plans. The vendor may have in-house streaming capabilities or charge you a fee for streaming. You should also alert your musicians or performers just in case they’re not okay with their portion of the ceremony being broadcast. Don’t forget to include some interaction with your stream. You don’t have to run a live chat with it, but you can put up a sign listing who’s watching near the tripod. Your guests can say hello to those tuning in at home. Finally, make sure you test and confirm that your internet connection works well before the ceremony.

Livestreaming has grown as an accessible technology over the last 20 years. Once for just the technologically savvy, anyone can broadcast with a high-quality device and a fast internet connection. Livestreaming allows loved ones who can’t attend your wedding to watch you exchange vows, cut your cake, and share your happiness from far away.