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Get the legal stuff sorted -

Marriage law changes, depending on the country and even region, so the first thing you need to do is to contact your local clerk’s office.

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Get the legal stuff sorted -

Once legalities are taken care of, and you know you can go ahead with the wedding, it’s time to start planning things.

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Choose your online platform -

Luckily, there is plenty of choice when it comes to digital platforms. Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook Live, and Instagram Live are just a few.

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Get the tech sorted -

Ideally, you’ll have two laptops on during the ceremony. Set one up so the guests can face you, and the other from behind, for a more realistic view.

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Invitations -

Once you have a guest list, it’s time to send out the invitations. You can send a regular email or use a platform such as evite to send an online invitation.

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Invitations -

Make sure you give details of the platform used, and send any relevant links. For instance, if you use Zoom, don’t forget to include the meeting link and ID.

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Wedding dress -

Dress the part. It’s your wedding, so it’s time to glam up!

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Bride's hair and makeup -

If you’re currently in lockdown and you can’t get it professionally done, then the only alternative is to do it yourself.

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Bride's hair and makeup -

Look for professionals who can offer advice online. Alternatively, look for tutorials on YouTube.

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Flowers -

Flowers are usually used in the decor, not to mention the bridal bouquet. Get in touch with a florist and arrange for these to get delivered.

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Flowers -

You can either ask for a bouquet to be made or make your own bouquet–the latter being particularly nice if you have flowers at home.

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Vows -

Prepare your vows in advance, like you would in a regular wedding.

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Define a schedule -

Choose the order of events and communicate it to your guests. For example, you can have the ceremony, followed by a reception, and so on.

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Playlist -

Here’s the cool thing about virtual weddings: you can add a soundtrack to each stage of the event. Having a backing track to the ceremony and so on will make the difference.

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Music -

Of course, you will want everyone to have a good time, so a virtual DJ or band will do the trick.

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Run the ceremony -

Make sure you establish a time with your officiant to conduct the ceremony. Both the officiant, wedding party, and witnesses (if needed) log in a few minutes before the ceremony begins.

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Get a co-host -

Get someone you trust to co-host the ceremony. The person should be responsible for muting and unmuting guests, and other similar tasks.

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Set a time for guests to "arrive" -

It's important that all guests are unmuted at this stage, so that they can greet each other.

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Hush hush -

Before the ceremony begins, announce that you will mute guests.

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Wedding rings -

Exchanging rings is one of the most popular parts of the ceremony. Make sure everyone online can see it!

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The kiss -

Once you're pronounced married, guests should be unmuted so that they can cheer the newlyweds!

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Photos -

Try to get a photographer to capture your special day (from a safe distance, of course).

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Photos -

If you want to cover the wedding yourself, then a tripod is your friend. Just set a timer and you can take some really nice pictures.

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First dance -

If this is a part of your wedding, get your virtual DJ or band to play your song.

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Reception -

It’s time to party! Have a virtual drink with guests and get your virtual DJ or band to kickstart their set.

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The cake -

Without guests, you won’t be cutting a full-sized wedding cake. Perhaps you’re not even buying one. Since you’re going all DIY, why not bake your own wedding cake?

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The cake -

You can bake a simple cake and decorate it with fruit, flowers, or chocolate shavings. If you’re not much of a baker, you can always buy a cake mix and pre-made frosting.

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See also - Old wedding traditions that are no longer in fashion

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