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A Modern Couple’s Guide to Virtual Weddings

modern guide to virtual weddings

Written by Mandi Forrester-Jones

Weddings

May 24, 2024

Hey there, lovebirds! Ready to make your wedding day even more special? Virtual weddings are the perfect way to share your celebration with loved ones from around the world, even if they can’t be there in person. With a bit of planning, the right marriage celebrant and the right tech, your wedding can be an unforgettable global celebration. So, let’s talk about virtual “I do’s”!

Why Choose a Virtual Wedding?

So, why add a virtual component to your big day? Picture this: you, your partner, and all your favourite people – especially those significant family members and friends who can’t be there in person – celebrating together, even if they’re on the other side of the world. It’s a fantastic way to make sure everyone you care about can share in your special moments, making your wedding day even more inclusive and memorable. Plus, the virtual format allows you to record the entire ceremony, so you can relive the magic and share it with everyone who couldn’t join live, ensuring no one misses out on your love story.

Planning Your Virtual Wedding

Let’s get into the planning details for your hybrid celebration. Start by picking a date and time that works for both your local and overseas guests – remember those time zones! To make sure everyone is comfortable and engaged, consider using polling solutions or surveys a few weeks in advance to ask your virtual guests about their preferences for which video platform to use. This can also help you gather availability for planning key moments. Choose a reliable platform like Zoom or Google Meet for the ceremony. When rehearsing, make sure to also rehearse the virtual aspects to ensure everything goes smoothly on the big day. Don’t forget to let your virtual guests know they’ll be encouraged to share stories, photos, and videos. Adding personal touches to your virtual setup will make it feel special for everyone involved.

Technology Essentials

To make sure your virtual guests have a front-row seat to your big day, you’ll need to nail the tech setup. Think high-quality cameras, clear microphones, and good lighting. Consider the position of your cameras so that virtual guests get a great view of the ceremony. You might even consider having two cameras and switching between these views depending on what’s happening. Having a dedicated person to manage this aspect can be a game-changer, and you can even include a portable camera to move around and capture different angles. Enlist a tech-savvy friend or hire a professional to handle the technical side so you can focus on enjoying your day. It’s very important to test the technical setup during rehearsals to ensure everything works perfectly. Always have a backup plan ready – you never know when tech might throw a curveball!

Engaging Your Guests

Getting your virtual guests involved is key to a memorable virtual wedding. Send out digital invitations with all the details and get ready to celebrate! Here are some tips to make sure your virtual guests feel as much a part of the ceremony as those attending in person.

Host a Virtual Chat: Designate a host for the virtual chat who can comment on what’s happening during the ceremony and encourage guests to use inbuilt emotes. This host can keep the energy up and make sure everyone feels engaged.
Share Photos and Stories: The chat host can have pre-prepared photos and stories about the couple to share with virtual guests, adding a personal touch and keeping everyone connected.
Acknowledge Virtual Guests: Have the celebrant share with the live wedding attendees who is joining virtually. This is especially important if significant family members or friends can’t be there in person.
Encourage Story Sharing: The chat host can encourage virtual guests to share their own stories about the couple during natural breaks in the ceremony, ensuring everyone can focus on the main moments.
Inform Live Guests: The celebrant can let the live guests know that the ceremony is being streamed and provide details on how they can watch the recording later.
Create Virtual Keepsakes: Consider creating a virtual guestbook where online attendees can leave messages, or a shared photo album where guests can upload pictures from their virtual viewing parties.
Interactive Elements: Include interactive elements such as virtual toasts or a moment where virtual guests can unmute and cheer for the couple.
Post-Ceremony Catch-Up: Organise a virtual reception or catch-up session after the ceremony where virtual guests can interact with the couple and other guests, sharing in the joy and excitement.
Capture all the laughs and love with screenshots and selfies – these are the moments you’ll cherish forever. Making sure your virtual guests feel included will create a truly memorable and connected celebration for everyone.

Incorporating Traditional Elements

Who says you can’t mix tradition with tech? Bring on the unity candles, sand ceremonies, and cultural rituals – just with a digital twist! Whether you’re honouring your heritage or starting new traditions, there are plenty of ways to incorporate meaningful elements into your virtual celebration. Go ahead, let the traditions begin!

Additional Considerations for Your Virtual Wedding

Guest Technical Support: Ensure your virtual guests have the support they need to join the ceremony without any hiccups. Provide clear instructions ahead of time on how to access the virtual platform, and consider having a tech support person available to assist guests with any issues that arise before or during the event.
Virtual Invitations: Make your digital invitations as special as traditional ones. Use beautifully designed e-vites and include all necessary information, such as the virtual platform link, date, time, and any instructions for the guests.
Virtual Dress Code: Encourage your virtual guests to dress up for the occasion. This helps them feel more involved and part of the celebration. You can even suggest a colour theme or style to add a cohesive look to your event.
Virtual Backgrounds: Provide downloadable virtual backgrounds themed to your wedding. Guests can use these backgrounds during the ceremony to create a more festive atmosphere.
Sound Checks: Make sure to test the sound quality from different parts of the venue to ensure your virtual guests can hear everything clearly. High-quality microphones are essential, and positioning is key to capturing vows and speeches.
Engagement Activities: Plan engagement activities that involve both live and virtual guests. This can include live polls, games, or a virtual guestbook that everyone can contribute to in real time.
Gift Sharing: Consider a way for virtual guests to send gifts or messages during the ceremony. This can be done through a wedding website or a special platform set up for the event.
Hybrid Catering: For a fun twist, arrange for special treats or party favours to be sent to your virtual guests ahead of time, so they can enjoy them during the ceremony, creating a shared experience.
Live Streaming Platform: Ensure your streaming platform can handle the number of guests you expect and offers high-quality video and audio. Look into platforms specifically designed for events if you have a large virtual guest list.
Backup Internet Connection: Have a backup internet connection ready to go. This could be a mobile hotspot or a secondary internet provider, just in case your primary connection fails.
Virtual Entertainment: Consider including virtual entertainment such as a live musician or DJ who can perform during the reception for both in-person and virtual guests.
Post-Ceremony Highlights: After the wedding, create a highlight reel or a photo album that includes moments from both the live and virtual components of your wedding. Share this with all guests as a keepsake.
Thank You Notes: Send personalised thank-you notes to all your guests, acknowledging their participation, whether in-person or virtual. This can be a digital note or a traditional card to show your appreciation for their presence and support.
Environmental Considerations: Highlight any eco-friendly aspects of your wedding planning, such as digital invitations and reduced travel, which can resonate well with guests who value sustainability.
Virtual Wedding Coordinator: Consider hiring or appointing a virtual wedding coordinator who can oversee all aspects of the online component, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and guests have a seamless experience.

Your love knows no bounds, and with a virtual wedding component, neither does your celebration. Embrace the possibilities of technology to create a wedding that’s inclusive, meaningful, and absolutely unforgettable. If you’re ready to start planning your hybrid wedding, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we’ll make your wedding dreams a reality!

Brisbane is an absolute gem when it comes to wedding destinations. With its glorious weather, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder so many couples choose to tie the knot here. But when’s the best time to say “I do” in Brisbane? Each season has its own unique vibe and influences how your big day feels, so let’s dive into what each time of year has to offer.

Spring weddings (September – November)

Spring in Brisbane is pure magic. As the city bursts into bloom, the air is filled with the scent of fresh flowers, and everything feels new and exciting. It’s no wonder spring is one of the most popular times for weddings in Brisbane. The weather is pretty much perfect, with temperatures sitting comfortably between 15°C and 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

If you’re dreaming of a garden wedding, spring is definitely your season. Picture yourself surrounded by lush greenery and colourful blooms at a venue like the Brisbane Botanic Gardens or New Farm Park. These spots are absolutely stunning in spring, offering the perfect natural backdrop for your big day.

When it comes to wedding attire, spring gives you so much flexibility. Brides can go for light, airy fabrics like chiffon or organza that float beautifully in the breeze. Pastel colours and floral patterns are a great choice for bridesmaids, adding to that fresh, springtime feel. For the guys, think light-coloured suits in shades of grey, blue, or beige—something that complements the relaxed yet elegant vibe of the season.

Spring is also a florist’s dream come true. Flowers like roses, peonies, and daisies are in full bloom, meaning you’ll have plenty of gorgeous, fresh options to choose from for your bouquets, centrepieces, and decorations. Plus, because these flowers are in season, they’re usually more affordable—bonus!

One thing to keep in mind is that spring is super popular for weddings, so you’ll need to book your venue and vendors well in advance. And while the weather is generally lovely, Brisbane’s spring can sometimes be a bit unpredictable with the odd rain shower, so it’s worth having a backup plan just in case.

All in all, if you’re after a wedding that’s fresh, vibrant, and full of life, spring in Brisbane is your perfect match. Just be sure to plan ahead to secure your dream venue and keep an eye on the forecast!
Summer weddings (December – February)

If you’re all about fun in the sun, a summer wedding in Brisbane could be right up your alley. Summer here is all about bright sunshine, long days, and a lively, festive atmosphere. However, it’s also Brisbane’s hottest and most humid season, with temperatures often hitting 30°C or higher, and the possibility of those famous afternoon thunderstorms.

Despite the heat, there’s something undeniably joyful about a summer wedding. The bright, sunny days are perfect for beachside or waterfront ceremonies, where the sparkling water and blue skies create a stunning backdrop. Imagine exchanging vows with the ocean breeze in your hair at a gorgeous spot on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast—just bliss.

Given the summer heat, choosing the right attire is key. Brides might want to go for breathable fabrics like silk or crepe that keep things cool and comfortable. For the groomsmen, linen or cotton suits in lighter colours are the way to go—think beige, light grey, or pale blue. And don’t forget the accessories! Hats or parasols can add a stylish touch while offering some much-needed shade.

Summer is also a fantastic time to embrace bold, tropical flowers. Frangipani, orchids, and hibiscus are all in season and thrive in the summer heat. These vibrant, exotic blooms can add a splash of colour to your bouquets and décor, perfectly matching the lively energy of a summer wedding.

But let’s be real—Brisbane’s summer heat can be intense, so it’s smart to plan your ceremony for the late afternoon or early evening when things start to cool down a bit. Make sure your guests stay hydrated and comfortable by providing plenty of shade and maybe even some fun, refreshing drinks. And since thunderstorms can pop up, having an indoor backup or a sturdy marquee on standby is a good idea.

In short, if you’re after a wedding that’s full of energy, fun, and sunshine, summer in Brisbane is hard to beat. Just be prepared to keep cool and have a plan B in case the weather decides to surprise you!

Our top 3 wedding venue picks for Summer
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Autumn weddings (March – May)

Autumn in Brisbane is an absolute delight. The weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 26°C, making it a sweet spot between the heat of summer and the cool of winter. The air is crisp, the humidity drops, and the city is bathed in a warm, golden light—perfect for a romantic, relaxed wedding.

One of the biggest draws of an autumn wedding is the beautiful natural light. The sun sits lower in the sky, casting a soft, golden glow that makes for stunning photos. Imagine capturing those picture-perfect moments at places like Mount Coot-Tha or the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, where the views are just breathtaking, especially in autumn.

When it comes to attire, autumn opens up a world of possibilities. Brides can opt for dresses with rich textures like lace or even capes that add a touch of drama. Deep, earthy tones such as burgundy, forest green, and navy work beautifully for bridesmaids, complementing the season’s natural colours. Grooms can go for darker suits in shades like charcoal, navy, or tweed, adding a sophisticated, autumnal touch.

Autumn is also fantastic for florals. Seasonal flowers like dahlias, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are in full swing, bringing rich colours and textures to your arrangements. Pair these with autumnal foliage—think deep reds, oranges, and yellows—and you’ve got a stunning, cohesive look that screams autumn.

Another big plus for autumn weddings in Brisbane is the generally stable weather. You’re less likely to face the extreme heat of summer or the unpredictable showers of spring. However, as the evenings can get a bit chilly, especially later in the season, it’s a good idea to plan for some warmth. Outdoor heaters, cosy blankets, or even a fire pit can keep things snug and comfortable for your guests.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding with warm, rich colours, comfortable weather, and a relaxed, romantic vibe, autumn in Brisbane is your go-to season. The combination of beautiful light, stunning settings, and mild temperatures makes it an ideal time to say “I do.”

Our top 3 wedding venue picks for Autumn
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Winter weddings (June – August)

Winter in Brisbane might not be the first season that comes to mind when you think of weddings, but it’s a hidden gem! With temperatures ranging from 10°C to 21°C, winter in Brisbane is mild, dry, and perfect for a cosy, intimate celebration. Plus, the cool, crisp air and clear skies create a serene, almost magical atmosphere that’s perfect for your big day.

One of the best things about a winter wedding is that you won’t have to worry about the heat—say goodbye to sweaty brows and melting makeup! Brides can embrace heavier fabrics like velvet or satin, which not only keep you warm but also add a touch of luxury. Long sleeves, capes, or elegant wraps are perfect for adding warmth and style. Grooms can opt for dark, rich suits in colours like navy, burgundy, or classic black, adding a sharp, sophisticated look.

Winter also offers some unique floral choices. While some flowers are out of season, winter blooms like camellias, hellebores, and proteas bring a unique beauty and texture to your arrangements. Pair these with rich greenery and you’ve got bouquets and centrepieces that perfectly match the season’s more muted tones. Adding seasonal foliage, like eucalyptus or pine, can also create a gorgeous wintery vibe.

Another great thing about winter weddings in Brisbane is the availability and affordability of venues and vendors. Since winter is considered the off-season for weddings, you’ll have a better chance of securing your dream venue and getting your top-choice vendors, often at a lower cost than during peak wedding seasons. This can also mean more flexibility with dates and possibly saving on your overall budget—who doesn’t love that?

Winter days might be shorter, but that just means you can take full advantage of the beautiful early sunsets. An evening ceremony or reception can be beautifully lit with candles, fairy lights, or even a roaring fireplace, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for a winter wedding. Just be sure to have some heating options available and consider offering warm drinks like mulled wine or hot chocolate to keep everyone toasty.

So, if you’re looking for a cosy, intimate wedding with a touch of magic, winter in Brisbane could be your perfect match. With clear skies, cool temperatures, and a unique, romantic atmosphere, a winter wedding might just be the best-kept secret in Brisbane.

Our top 3 wedding venue picks for Winter
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Your season, your way

Deciding on the best time of year to get married in Brisbane really comes down to what kind of vibe you’re after. Each season brings something unique to the table—from the vibrant blooms and fresh air of spring to the cosy, intimate charm of winter. By considering what each season offers and planning accordingly, you can create a wedding day that’s not only beautiful but also perfectly tailored to your style and preferences.

Whether you’re drawn to the lively energy of summer, the warm colours of autumn, the fresh, blooming beauty of spring, or the serene, cosy feel of winter, Brisbane has it all. The key is to embrace the season’s unique elements and make them work for you. And remember, no matter what time of year you choose, the most important thing is that your wedding reflects your love story and creates memories you’ll cherish forever.

So, here’s to planning a wedding that’s as special and unique as your love—whatever the season!

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