Whether you want to get married on a paradise island like Bali or if your loved ones can’t attend, there are plenty of reasons to livestream your wedding day. Thanks to the many options of video streaming apps and services, live streaming is becoming easier than ever, letting you share the special moments with those you love close and far. 

Live streaming has become extremely popular in recent years, and it’s likely a trend that will be here to stay. However, before you purchase a camera on eBay, let’s look at our tips on how to live stream your wedding like a pro so your guests online won’t be left with awkward angles of you during the dance floor. 

And the best part? Live streaming a wedding is usually free and is easier than you think. All you need is a cell service or wifi at your wedding venue, and you’re ready to go on your big day. 

How Much Does Streaming a Wedding Day Cost?

The costs of live-streaming a wedding day may vary and depend on whether you use a mobile phone, upgraded equipment, or hire a professional videographer. Even though we’ve mentioned that live streaming is free, we recommend investing in a few upgraded equipment for optimal sound and image quality. 

The options for quality live streaming continue to grow, with various options ranging from USD 400 to USD 3000, depending on your needs. This price range will easily get you all the little tools that make an exceptional livestream, such as pre-recorded guest messages, pre-ceremony slideshows, and even post-wedding experiences you can watch over and over. 

Best Live Streaming Platforms

With the rising popularity of live streaming and the “stay at home” impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no shortage of platform options if you’re looking to live stream your wedding. The most common streaming platforms include Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Instagram Live, Amazon Twitch, Twitter Periscope and Zoom. Livestream options from Vimeo and Ducats are also excellent options. 

Indeed, if you hire a professional, they’ll handle all the technical stuff. Another option is to use a dedicated streaming service for weddings. These services can handle everything from setting up the cameras to sound equipment to host the wedding. 

Live Stream Your Wedding for Free

It’s entirely possible to set up a live stream for your wedding at no cost as long as you have helping hands. We suggest getting one or two of your most tech-savvy family members or friends to assist you with the task. 

• Facebook live – offers free streaming for any number of participants and lets you show off your event for eight hours after pressing the “start live video” button. 
• Zoom – A free Zoom account lets you broadcast on a private cloud for 40 minutes for up to 100 participants. You can also subscribe to a monthly “pro” Zoom account for USD 14.99 for additional allowances or increase your bandwidth for up to 500 participants, which costs USD 50. 
• Google Meet—Previously known as Google Hangouts, Google Meet is another free tool that is easy to access as long as you have a Gmail account. The standard Google Meet only lets 25 people join a video call, but they often offer exceptions to this rule, so make sure to check it out. 

Your Live Stream Equipment 

You can stream your big day via smartphone, laptop, tablet or the latest GoPro. It’s all up to you on what device to use, but make sure to clean the lens before streaming. 

If you have an outdoor ceremony, consider getting an external microphone with a sound baffle. A low-cost version that plugs directly into a smartphone usually costs under USD 50. A baffle (also known as a Wind Shield) can help cut the noise from guest chatter, light breezes, and distracting background noises. 

If you want to take it even further, you can add radio mics for you and your fiancé. This will guarantee great sound. But unless you already have the right gear, it is usually best to ask a videographer for help. 

Setting Up Your Live Stream Equipment 

After you’ve considered the ideal POV of your wedding, you can start determining the best equipment suitable for streaming. Consider the shape of your ceremony setup, the number of expected guests, and who will assist you with this process. You’ll also need to consult with your photographer so you’ll know what to expect. Here are some of our tips for the best live stream plan for your special day:

• If you want to stream your event low-key, ask a front-row guest to log into the streaming service and hold their phone up during your ceremony. 
• For a more effective, hands-off route, set up your device on a tripod and let a guest start the stream during the ceremony or party. 
• If you have plenty of space, place the camera next to the officiant to create a gorgeous behind-the-scenes perspective. Set up a tripod at height level for the ideal angle to capture your vows.
• You can also get creative by putting a camera in a bouquet, sending it up a drone or clipping a camera in a best man’s jacket pocket or at the wedding bar. 

Other Important Details

After planning your streaming setup thoroughly, remember to think about your audience. Take some time to look directly at the camera during the event; this will ensure your guests feel engaged. They should feel like an important part of your celebration. 

You can also record your live feed, as most streaming services offer this option. However, you must choose to keep the recording during the beginning of the live stream. Many couples said they enjoyed seeing what their virtual guests experienced, so you should also consider it.