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Thinking About Livestreaming Your Wedding? Here are Five Questions to Ask to Avoid Pitfalls:

Our Wedding Films

June 25, 2020

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We at Lifetime Films have maintained our acknowledged leadership in wedding videography by keeping up to date with new developments in the field. Livestreaming may be the most important new development we’ve seen in our 30 years’ experience. We have devoted our brand, care and individualized attention to avoiding the pitfalls inherent in this technology. We have received several questions from couples about broadcasting weddings to guests so that they can witness the event from the comfort (and safety) of home. Have additional questions about livestreaming with Lifetime? Reach out to us, we’re happy to discuss! 

Q: Will there be a backup plan? Or did everyone just miss my wedding?

A: Although very reliable, livestreaming is not a perfect science. Especially as we continue into the season of outdoor events, WiFi and connectivity issues can be common. If you plan to livestream your wedding, we encourage you to have a hotspot or other reliable WiFi option. The team at Lifetime always carries personal WiFi equipment to ensure we stay connected. Platforms like Zoom and FaceTime not only have limitations to the number of attendees who can log in, but it can also be tricky to retrieve your preserved video (if one is even offered at all). When selecting a livestreaming platform or service, be sure to ask about a backup system. For example, in the event there’s a problem or delay during the live broadcast, Lifetime uploads a new edited back-up file within two hours. Nothing is lost, and the edited wedding is still yours to keep (plus the live streaming fee is reimbursed). 

Q: What about sound? 

A: It’s one thing to see all the action of a wedding, but if your audience can’t hear the vows or ring exchange, is it really worth doing a livestream? Using a laptop or phone with a livestreaming service would be appropriate to catch the music, the annunciated vows, and cheers as you walk up the aisle as a married couple, but oftentimes they do not have the capacity to capture a soft-spoken minister, the quiet laughs as you exchange vows, or a whispered “you look beautiful” once a bride reaches her groom. If you want to ensure your virtual guests hear the little moments in real-time, the streaming device needs to be placed away from background noise and an external mic can be helpful, especially for outdoor weddings. 

With that in mind, each one of Lifetime’s livestreaming includes a separate audio engineer, with separate mics on the groom, officiant, podium and musicians. Your family and friends will be able to hear everything crystal-clear as it happens.

Here is a livestreaming example with mixed audio of the vows and ring exchange.

Q: Can my virtual guests interact with the event? What about wedding crashers?

A: We’ve all heard the horror stories in the news about Zoom meetings being interrupted by hackers. To ensure no wedding crashers show up on your livestream, we set a website place card with the bride and groom’s picture, the date and start time of your event. This can only be accessed through a private link you provide to your guests. An assigned password of your choice can be added (for even more security). If you choose; your guests may leave well wishes before, during or after the broadcast.

Q: But wait, is there more?

A:  Shortly after your wedding takes place, Lifetime re-edits the entire wedding day, including prep, guests’ arrival, photoshoot/cocktail party, and toasts at the reception. We call this “The Next Day Edit.” This version also is available online as a packaged with the livestream.

Q; Why Lifetime?

Choosing how to move forward with wedding plans during these unprecedented times is difficult, but your family and friends shouldn’t have to miss out on your union just because of travel or gathering restrictions. Lifetime ensures an HD picture and crystal clear sound to make your virtual guests feel like they’re celebrating with you.

Here are the advantages Lifetime Films offers:

  • Personalized WiFi hotspots with a full back-up plan
  • Dedicated sound engineering with mics for the best in audio quality
  • “Next Day Edit” with additional footage from the entire event
  • Private and secure links (no weddings crashers)
  • Optional guests interaction before during or after the broadcast

To learn more and see if your date is available reach out: Contact Us

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Explore the Blog

From tips on videography to our latest wedding sneaks, you'll find it all here. 

Welcome!

Photo courtesy of Steve Lyons