Guideline for Virtual Wedding Ceremonies & Celebrations
The last couple of months has been tremendously challenging for couples who have had to rethink their wedding plans in light of the limitations posed by the worldwide Coronavirus Pandemic. If you postponed your wedding day, you can still remember the original date that you had in mind for your wedding. Don’t worry, it will still be as magical as you expected it to be. Perhaps are you ready to Virtually Get Married? And better yet, you may end up having double dates to celebrate your love every year. Actually, I myself got married twice with my husband (for different reasons as Covid-19) and I truly enjoy having a double date to celebrate us!
If you are comfortable getting married with only the presence of you and your loved one, in the coziness of your own home, and are ok with having family and friends witnessing your big day virtually, check out this Virtual Wedding Guideline. With the tips below, you will be able to plan your Virtual Wedding like a “Pro”!
1. Get the Virtual Marriage License.
Last April 18, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order allowing New Yorkers who want to tie the knot during the Covid-19, to obtain their marriage license remotely, and have ceremonies performed virtually. The response was so positive, that as per today, if you start the online process, you will only be able to book a virtual meeting with the City Clerck on October/November 2020. So, here are the steps for acquiring the Virtual Marriage License.
First of all, head to the Project Cupid Portal where you will find the links to the Marriage License application and all other relevant links.
How does that work? Start by completing your application online. Once you receive the confirmation number, create a NYC.ID account or apply for one through the Project Cupid Portal. Then get verified online and schedule a meeting with the City Clerk to review your application. On the day of your scheduled appointment, you will need to download the Microsoft TEAMS app if you use a mobile phone, log back into the Project Cupid website and enter a video conference with a clerk to complete your marriage license application.
What documentation is required to get verified? The couple must provide a valid photo ID document to confirm their identities and marital status.
What to expect from the Virtual meeting with the Clerk? Besides the couple being together in New York State during the conference, you will also need to answer a few personal questions related to the application
How much does the Marriage License fee cost? You will be required to pay online by credit card a $35 fee.
What happens after the virtual ceremony? After your private ceremony, you should log back to the Project Cupid Portal and upload your signed marriage license that has been signed by both spouses and the officiant.
According to Daniela from Once Upon a Vow, if this date is too late, she recommends to reach out to smaller marriage bureaus. Hot tip, no?
2. Connect with your Vendors.
You can start by reaching out to your Officiant and ask them to officiate your wedding through a videoconference platform, such as Zoom or Google meeting. Still looking for an officiant to conduct your ceremony? No worries, Dani from Once Upon a Vow are offering virtual ceremony services. Check out their website for more details!
Such an important occasion needs to be properly registered, no? Check with your photographer if they are providing remote shooting sessions. You will be surprised by what a great photographer can do while guiding you to pose remotely using your smartphone! Carol Biazotto is offering photo session service , cool no?
If you love some treats, talk to your Bakery and check if they can deliver a small cake or dessert. Our friends from Mini Melaine is offering nationwide shipment on their signature truffles! You can even have them shipped to your guests and enjoy the truffles with them during your Virtual Celebration!
Connect to your Make Up Artist and Hairstylist and check if they can share a few tips with you so that you can make your own hair and MUA. Sharon from SB Beauty is booking Virtual Make-Up Lesson, so exciting, no?
As a Floral Designer, I recommend that you also reach out to a professional to design a bouquet, boutonniere and/or centerpiece for brightening up this special day. If you are a Brooklynite, FLYING LITTLE BIRDS would be more than happy to create the florals for your virtual wedding and have it delivered contactless at your door. All included in our VIRTUAL WEDDING FLOWER PACKAGE -, check it out!
Do you and your friends love dancing? As you probably already know, the latest hit is to enjoy Live Dance Parties. Check with your DJ if they are offering this service and at the add at the end of your celebration a stream dance party so that you can dance with with your friends Not sure if your DJ can help? So reach out to. DJ Ben Boylen and share your thoughts with him. Ben will be delighted to create a package especially for you!
3. Details Matters.
The wedding gown - If you already have your dress and love it, why not to use it during your Virtual Wedding? Actually, why not to use it twice, if you are also rescheduling your wedding party? Oh yes, I hear you… This can also be an excuse to have a second outfit. So why not? Loulette Bride, a Brooklyn based Wedding Gown Studio, is now offering a Home Wedding Package, as option for brides who wants to rent a gown for their Home Wedding. And friends from Floravere, who offer a collection for the modern bride just started their sample sale with prices at over 75% off.
Drinks & Guests - A cool activity to plan with your guests is to the ingredients and recipe of your favorite cocktail . This way, you prepare the drinks together for a group toast. If you don’t have a favorite cocktail, you will certainly find a cocktail that speaks to you in the book “Women’s Drink”. All recipes inspired by Brooklyn Bars Elsa and Ramona and written by my dear friend Natalka Burian. And our friends from Waterfront Wines & Spirits, specializing in organic wines and craft spirits, are offering free delivery in Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Cobble Hill, and Downtown Brooklyn.
4. Get Organized and Create a Timeline for the Day.
Would you still like to have your first look, speeches, and toasts? Of course, you can! It is just a matter of planning ahead and communicating well with everyone involved.
Let’s Chat?
So are you ready to embark on Virtual Weeding? If you feel you need an extra hand to walk you through this and any other concern that you may have, feel free to contact me. Flying Little Birds is now offering VIRTUAL WEDDING COORDINATION SERVICES. From contacting your vendors to setting uP a Day of Timeline, we will have you covered, so that you can enjoy this day. Fill in the INQUIRE here more details or send an email for carol@flyinglittlebirds.com
Stay healthy and safe!
Warmly,
Carol Guedes
Carol@flyinglittlebirds.com