Virtual wedding (streaming): 10 keys, 5 tests & checklist

Streaming your wedding lets you include loved ones from afar. With these 10 keys, 5 pre-event tests and a 15-point checklist, you’ll get clear audio, stable video, and zero stress.

Contents

1. Platforms (3 options) & 2 links
2. Solid internet (3 rules & numbers)
3. Audio first (4 decisions)
4. Cameras & framing (2 angles + 5 tips)
5. Moderation & etiquette (6 rules)
6. Music & rights (3 legal paths)
7. Privacy & recording (4 settings)
8. Full rehearsal (5 tests)
9. Express rundown (−60 min to +10 min)
10. Technical checklist (15 points)

1) Platforms (3 options) & 2 links

• Private/interactive: Zoom, Google Meet (ideal to see/hear guests).
• Public/unlisted: YouTube Live, Vimeo (better stability and quality). Set to unlisted for privacy.
• Social: Facebook/Instagram Live (high reach, limited controls).
• Always share 2 links: primary + backup (same invite, two buttons).
• Include time, time zone, and dress code in the digital invite (yep, online has a dress code too).

2) Solid internet (3 rules & numbers)

• Wired uplink (avoid Wi-Fi). Keep a 4G/5G hotspot as backup.
• Target speed: stable 10–20 Mbps upload for 1080p; minimum 5 Mbps for 720p.
• Power: surge-protected strip + UPS for modem/PC/encoder.

3) Audio first (4 decisions)

• Close mics: lavaliers for officiant/couple or a shotgun at 1–2 m.
• External recorder or DJ console out for a backup track.
• Latency/echo test: disable nearby monitors and “room” speakers.
• Levels: peaks between −12 and −6 dB; enable wind filter outdoors.

4) Cameras & framing (2 angles + 5 tips)

• Angle A: wide shot of the ceremony (tall tripod).
• Angle B: close-ups for vows/rings (mid tripod).
• Fix white balance; avoid breathing auto modes.
• Shutter 1/50–1/60, low ISO; stabilize with tripods/rigs.
• Lighting: soft fill if indoors/night.
• Set orientation: backs to the sun so faces are even.
• Keep spare batteries & cards labeled.

5) Moderation & etiquette (6 rules)

• Assign a moderator (not the camera op).
• Mute attendees at start; unmute only for key messages.
• Share netiquette (emoji applause, questions in chat, don’t share the link).
• Enable host-only screen share if playing a video.
• Send reminders 24 h and 10 min before with the link.
• Take chat screenshots for the album.

6) Music & rights (3 legal paths)

• Royalty-free/licensed music for streaming (library licenses).
• Live band/choir with a platform-safe repertoire.
• Offline version: if using commercial music, record locally and share an edited recap later to avoid blocks.

7) Privacy & recording (4 settings)

• Unlisted event or password-protected.
• Disable downloads and anonymous chat if available.
• Record in two places: cloud + SD/SSD.
• Send the replay link + a 20–30 photo highlights album within 2–3 days.

8) Full rehearsal (5 tests)

1. Test speed and switch to backup network.
2. Audio check (levels, wind, echo, mute).
3. Switch between cameras or reframe.
4. Moderator walkthrough (chat, admit, record).
5. Run the processional and key timings.

9) Express rundown (−60 min to +10 min)

• −60 Tech setup and protected power (UPS).
• −40 Network test, private stream, level trim.
• −20 Open room; “Starting in 10” screen.
• −10 Moderator message (etiquette + cam/audio).
• 0 Ceremony starts.
• +10 Closing/thanks and recap announcement.

10) Technical checklist (15 points)

• Links: primary + backup
• Wired uplink + hotspot backup
• Upload ≥ 10 Mbps stable
• UPS for modem/PC/encoder
• Close mics (lavalier/shotgun)
• Secondary audio recording
• 2 cameras (A wide, B close-ups)
• Solid tripods + spare batteries
• Fill lighting indoors/night
• Assigned moderator & script
• Netiquette sent with invite
• Privacy: unlisted/password
• Music rights verified
• Full rehearsal 48–72 h before
• Replay and highlights scheduled