Hybrid Weddings: What They Are and How To Host One

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Hybrid Weddings: What They Are and How To Host One

Most of us know the axiom, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” It may sound a little cliché, but nothing’s proven the saying truer than weddings in the COVID-19 age. Couples are incredibly inventive. They’re adapting traditions to make them work for smaller, socially distanced events. The hybrid wedding is one great example – it combines the ceremony and reception and adds livestreaming into the mix. What does this new format include, and how can you make it work for your celebration? Keep reading for a quick guide and tips for a successful hybrid wedding.

Ceremony and Reception Plus Livestream

Wedding Wire Canada’s Diane Hall described the hybrid wedding as one of 2022’s top emerging trends. Most versions include an intimate ceremony and reception with livestream access for other guests. The format gives equal attention to both the in-person and virtual components. Couples pay as much attention to the online guest experience, making it memorable and enjoyable. In-person guests include close family and friends only – usually no more than 10 attendees total. But they can include as many online guests as their budgets and bandwidth allow.

Event planning pro Jeff Stillwell described to Brides a few other benefits of hybrid weddings. Couples desire to include friends and family in their celebrations. That’s why Stillwell foresees hybrid events becoming the norm in the future. They offer the flexibility to include whoever you want. There’s no handwringing over cutting down a guest list, and likely no hurt feelings.

Crafting a Unified Guest Experience

It’s important to make online guests feel included and enriched like in-person attendees. Accomplishing this goal requires minding all the details, from invites to the food. All guests, whether in-person or online, should receive the same type of invite. You can choose either paper invitations or electronic versions. But Stillwell suggests the former so that virtual guests receive something tangible.

Setting a single dress code for everyone creates a sense of unity. If you need a refresher on guest attire, Wedding Wire Canada has an excellent primer. But there are many other things you can do to craft a unified experience. One way is assembling a virtual guest package. You can include anything you like, but you can’t go wrong with a mini wedding cake, a printed program, and some bubbly. Be sure to send it about a week before the big day.

Depending on your budget, you may be able to go a little grander. Most weddings in 2020 and 2021 skew more on the semi-formal or casual side. That gives you plenty of leeway, especially with your food. Want to serve in-person and online guests the same meal? Get a caterer that can do both. And as with a traditional wedding, be sure to account for special dietary needs – allergies, low-salt, and so forth.

Meanwhile, you’ll also want to think about tech logistics. Shop around for livestream services that fit your needs and budget. Remember to test-run your equipment in advance. And choose a photographer to capture both your in-person and virtual attendees.

Time To Think About Time Zones

Planning a hybrid wedding sounds simple, right? The Knot reminds us that time zone differences can cause snags if not accounted for. If you’re saying “I do” in St. John’s but half of your guests are in Vancouver, you’ll need to set a time that accommodates both. Need to sort out time zones? Time and Date can help with that.

Planning Your Hybrid Wedding

Hybrid weddings may be the wave of the future. After all, you get to share your special day with loved ones while keeping them healthy and safe. Integrating online guest participation isn’t difficult, but it requires some thought about logistics. Also, giving yourselves plenty of planning time is vital. When you’re done, you’ll have a memorable, meaningful, and fun event.

Hybrid Weddings: What They Are and How To Host One

Most of us know the axiom, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” It may sound a little cliché, but nothing’s proven the saying truer than weddings in the COVID-19 age. Couples are incredibly inventive. They’re adapting traditions to make them work for smaller, socially distanced events. The hybrid wedding is one great example – it combines the ceremony and reception and adds livestreaming into the mix. What does this new format include, and how can you make it work for your celebration? Keep reading for a quick guide and tips for a successful hybrid wedding.

Ceremony and Reception Plus Livestream

Wedding Wire Canada’s Diane Hall described the hybrid wedding as one of 2022’s top emerging trends. Most versions include an intimate ceremony and reception with livestream access for other guests. The format gives equal attention to both the in-person and virtual components. Couples pay as much attention to the online guest experience, making it memorable and enjoyable. In-person guests include close family and friends only – usually no more than 10 attendees total. But they can include as many online guests as their budgets and bandwidth allow.

Event planning pro Jeff Stillwell described to Brides a few other benefits of hybrid weddings. Couples desire to include friends and family in their celebrations. That’s why Stillwell foresees hybrid events becoming the norm in the future. They offer the flexibility to include whoever you want. There’s no handwringing over cutting down a guest list, and likely no hurt feelings.

Crafting a Unified Guest Experience

It’s important to make online guests feel included and enriched like in-person attendees. Accomplishing this goal requires minding all the details, from invites to the food. All guests, whether in-person or online, should receive the same type of invite. You can choose either paper invitations or electronic versions. But Stillwell suggests the former so that virtual guests receive something tangible.

Setting a single dress code for everyone creates a sense of unity. If you need a refresher on guest attire, Wedding Wire Canada has an excellent primer. But there are many other things you can do to craft a unified experience. One way is assembling a virtual guest package. You can include anything you like, but you can’t go wrong with a mini wedding cake, a printed program, and some bubbly. Be sure to send it about a week before the big day.

Depending on your budget, you may be able to go a little grander. Most weddings in 2020 and 2021 skew more on the semi-formal or casual side. That gives you plenty of leeway, especially with your food. Want to serve in-person and online guests the same meal? Get a caterer that can do both. And as with a traditional wedding, be sure to account for special dietary needs – allergies, low-salt, and so forth.

Meanwhile, you’ll also want to think about tech logistics. Shop around for livestream services that fit your needs and budget. Remember to test-run your equipment in advance. And choose a photographer to capture both your in-person and virtual attendees.

Time To Think About Time Zones

Planning a hybrid wedding sounds simple, right? The Knot reminds us that time zone differences can cause snags if not accounted for. If you’re saying “I do” in St. John’s but half of your guests are in Vancouver, you’ll need to set a time that accommodates both. Need to sort out time zones? Time and Date can help with that.

Planning Your Hybrid Wedding

Hybrid weddings may be the wave of the future. After all, you get to share your special day with loved ones while keeping them healthy and safe. Integrating online guest participation isn’t difficult, but it requires some thought about logistics. Also, giving yourselves plenty of planning time is vital. When you’re done, you’ll have a memorable, meaningful, and fun event.

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