How to Host a Virtual Wedding at Home

STEP 1: SECURE A MARRIAGE LICENSE + LINE UP AN OFFICIANT

Whether you opt to exchange vows on your original wedding date or a new date altogether, the first step will be securing an officiant to conduct your ceremony—either in person and safely distanced or virtually! If you already had someone booked for your big day, perhaps they’ll be able to step right in with your new plan. Alternatively, a friend or family member could easily become ordained online for a truly personalized ceremony. Work with your officiant to design the ceremony structure, incorporating readings, vows and any other personalized elements. Again, make sure you research the laws in place in your area surrounding the issuance of marriage licenses.

Planner Tidbit: There’s never been a better time to reflect and prepare your own personal vows! Even if this was not your original plan, take some time to put your thoughts on paper and make this part of the ceremony extra personal.

Photo: Stoffer Photography

STEP 2: FINALIZE YOUR GUEST LIST AND SEND YOUR INVITATIONS

You’re invited! Decide which platform you’d like to stream your ceremony for guests (Zoom, Facebook or even Instagram are great) as well as a time for everyone to log in. Set up any information they may need to access your stream and send out fun digital invitations or emails—or hey, why not the real thing? Especially if you were already working with an invitation designer!

Planner Tidbit: Have fun with this! Play with the dress code (Sweatpants Optional? Formal from the Waist Up?), and encourage guests to BYOB (bubbly, whether champagne or sparkling juice!) for a toast.

STEP 3: THE DESIGN

Okay so maybe your apartment or house was not quite the ceremony backdrop you had in mind originally, but starting to think about your space as an event venue is so much fun! Contact your florist to see if you might be able to pivot your contract scope and order florals to decorate your home. You'll want flowers to wear or carry for the two of you, of course, but plan on additional blooms and greenery to dress up your space.

Think about the best location to flank the two of you as you exchange your vows. A nice open area with great lighting is key, as well as some type of structure to work off of. Here are our fav options:

Mantel
This is one of our favorites! So many homes and even apartments have mantels that are little hidden gems for a natural ceremony location. We say, the more the merrier here: load up the mantel ledge with tons of candles, blooms and greenery for a stunning backdrop. Glass candle holders with clean, white candles are ideal as they create that neutral glimmer while still letting the mantel (and you two) be the stars of the show. The Alina Large Glass Candle Holder is the perfect piece for this look.

Photo: Amanda Megan Miller

Photo: Jody Savage Photography

Staircase
We swoon over a couple on a staircase, and your guests will too! Bonus points if your staircase curves, but let’s be honest, any staircase provides a natural foundation to layer in decor at various heights and widths. You may have the Crosby Teak Lantern or the Priya Brass Lantern on your registry, and these are our favorite pieces to deck out a staircase. Fill them with flameless LED candles and scatter them down the edges of the stairway to create a little mock aisle as well!

Photo: Stoffer Photography

Photo: Natalie Probst Photography

Balcony
And if you’re lucky enough to have a gorgeous outdoor balcony, deck or patio, we feel like this is the obvious way to go! Tons of natural light and open air are the perfect marriage (pun intended) for decor. We advise keeping it simple and adding greenery and/or blooms for a lush look. If you’re not working with a florist, designate the ceremony area of your space with any existing planters and florals that you have, or even add some great quality faux stems that you can repurpose indoors after.

Bonus tip: If your balcony or porch overlooks a city street or your front yard, consider hiring a local friend to take photos and film the live stream from a safe distance away on the sidewalk or lawn.

Photo: Kristin La Voie Photography

STEP 4: PLAN, PLAN, PLAN

Next, put together an itinerary for the event, and be sure to think about ways you can customize it to bring out your personality as a couple. We’ve put together an outline for you below to help kick things off.

Photo: Eric Floberg Photography

4:30PM Guest arrival
Everyone logs in to your streaming platform of choice. Make sure to have your camera lined up to face your “ceremony area,” and don’t forget to make a playlist and have about 30 minutes of “prelude music” for this time.

5:00PM Ceremony time
Your Officiant should enter (in person or virtually) first! They can welcome guests before the two of you enter. You can have some fun here as well, entering separately or together, and changing the music to your processional song (make sure to end it before the ceremony begins). From here, your Officiant will take it away with the intimate ceremony the three of you designed as your friends and families watch on. Cue the happy tears!

Photo: Stoffer Photography

5:30PM Speeches
Be sure to chat with your closest family and wedding party members beforehand about giving a toast at your wedding. Now’s the time to sit down and let your loved ones share their sentiments with the group. This is where the “bring your own champagne” will come in handy so that everyone can toast together!

Planner Tidbit: Get super creative! Send little favor boxes to each guest prior to your wedding day with matching champagne flutes to bring to the wedding! Our favorite is the Tour Champagne Glass. Did you get engaged in Italy? Maybe email everyone the recipe for an Aperol Spritz so they can mix it up on their own and come prepared with your signature cocktail!

Photo: @heleniye

6:00PM Gifts
Remember, your guests are here to celebrate YOU! Be sure to include your registry information on the invitations, and take time to open and share your new items with your guests.

6:30PM Final Toast
One final toast and it’s time for you and your SPOUSE to enjoy the evening! We recommend ordering in your favorite meal—and of course, do not forget the cake!

Photo: Stoffer Photography

Photo: Amanda Megan Miller

STEP 5: DOCUMENT THE DAY

And regardless of where you choose to tie the knot, do not forget to document the day. Depending on the laws in your area, you may be able to safely work with a Photographer.However even if it’s just the two of you, you can use the self-timer feature on your phone to capture portraits of the day!

If you plan to get married at home, or are virtually attending an at-home wedding, we’d love to see it (and possibly share it!). Please tag #CrateWedding to share!