What is a Hybrid Wedding?
May 13, 2022
Like other hybrid events that evolved during the pandemic, a hybrid wedding combines the traditional in-person elements with livestreaming for those who are unable to attend. Although a small intimate wedding is nothing new, conventional weddings were transformed into micro weddings due to restrictions imposed by COVID-19. Also known as nano weddings, these smaller ceremonies can feature a traditional wedding with the simplicity of an elopement, including officiate services, a reception, entertainment, and all over the course of several hours.
Virtual real-life weddings originally gained popularity during the pandemic, but due to the fact hybrid weddings offer a cost-effective way to celebrate a couple’s union with more family and friends, experts expect smaller livestream events are here to stay. By reducing in-person headcounts, couples are finding new ways to manage wedding costs while celebrating this special time in their life with others who are able to watch from afar. Since almost anyone can devote an hour of time to watch a virtual ceremony, online streaming allows more people than ever before to participate in a ceremonial virtual toast.
The Size of the Perfect Wedding is Changing
The average wedding size reached an all-time high in 2007 but was already declining in numbers before the pandemic. However, according to The Knot 2021 Wedding Study, the average guest list dropped to just 66 people in 2021, which was down from a 131 guest count the previous year. Nonetheless, some couples now consider mini-monies that include only the closest family and friends to be more practical than a traditional wedding. What has changed the most is that not everything has to be about the couple and today’s wedding ceremony strikes a healthy balance among planned events and the prospective attendees.
Wedding planners simply had to accept the fact that couples today have a lot of choices as to what their ceremony will look like. Moreover, many professional events service providers now offer a live streaming platform to match the look and feel of the couple's wedding day. In addition, live streaming works equally as well for other events before or after the wedding day, such as a bridal shower or reception dinner. If you are a social media influencer, then you may be familiar with Zoom, Google Hangouts, Facebook Live, YouTube Wedding Channel, and Instagram Live. Thankfully for the rest of us, there are experienced virtual event providers to help navigate the online technology.
How to Live Stream a Hybrid Wedding
There’s no doubt that live streaming your wedding is the most affordable option for including friends and family members who for whatever reason cannot attend. Plus, the virtual component to the traditional ceremony is a perfect answer for couples who have elected to get married at a special place that is not nearby. So as long as you can get cell service at your wedding venue, you will be engaged with friends and loved ones as you marry the love of your life. If the connection at the wedding venue is slow or spotty, consider purchasing a mobile hotspot for the month and you’ll know your guests are getting great reception.
Whether you choose to get married in an exotic location or have people that are close to you who cannot attend, you likely will want someone who can manage your live stream for you. After all, everyone in the wedding party has too much to think about to troubleshoot virtual streaming for your online guests. A professional platform provider can do it all, including assisting guests to get connected as well as helping you decide the perfect moment to Go Live prior to the start of the ceremony. At ProLingo, we truly understand the importance of having everyone on the same page well before the bride walks down the aisle.
If the thought of live streaming your hybrid wedding on your own stresses you out, consider partnering with a virtual event provider at ProLingo. We've been helping people host major events globally for more than two decades. To learn more about your options, call 800.287.9755 today.
