On the Rise: Digital Wedding Trends
As we hit the year-and-a-half mark of Zoom happy hours and virtual meetings, it’s safe to say that the pandemic has firmly pushed us over the edge into the digital era. What served as “enhancements” and “add-ons” before lockdown are now established event elements that bridge the gap between the authenticity of face-to-face interaction and the efficiency of virtual communication.
With no end in sight to the tech boom we’re living through, it’s time to get on board the virtual train before it leaves the station. Here are a few of the digital trends on the scene and how to incorporate them into your wedding business.
Streamline the booking + onboarding processes.
They say first impressions are everything, so beginning a new client relationship with clean and simple tech solutions can be the perfect way to demonstrate the stress-free experience to come.
Nora Sheils, the founder of Bridal Bliss and co-founder of Rock Paper Coin, confirms this growing trend, revealing: “The biggest trend I see in events actually comes into play before the event. It is the ability to confirm an event pro virtually. Signing contracts and making payments online has never been easier with platforms made specifically for the industry. COVID forced the wedding and event industry, which was mostly in the dark ages when it comes to tech, to shape up or ship out!”
Build excitement for the big day.
Receiving a wedding invitation is exciting, but the anticipation can fizzle out after it lives on the fridge for a few weeks. But, with tech, couples can keep the momentum up long after the RSVPs come in.
“We’re seeing a trend towards more robust wedding websites – they are becoming a place to visit more often before, during, and after the event,” shares Jordan Kentris, founder and creative director of A Good Day. “It can let guests into the couple’s story and interests. Sharing favorite places to visit (both for travel as well as in the city the event is being held), a highlight of the events menu, build community with other guests through a messaging wall & get the details for any live streams.”
Chateau Le Jardin Using Allseated VISION+
Include guests from afar.
There was a lot of buzz about live streaming wedding ceremonies last yea,r and—news flash—this trend is here to stay! Even as guest counts increase alongside vaccination rates, some guests are still more comfortable staying at home. Others simply may not be able to travel for a wedding. But that’s no reason to exclude them from celebrating love.
“My favorite digital trend that I’ve seen couples use is live-streaming their ceremony,” says Kristin Wilson, CEO of Our DJ Rocks. “This is such a fantastic option to include for those friends and family who are unable to attend your wedding or travel for whatever reason, but they can still feel the joy of watching you say “I Do” to your person!”
Wilson continues: “We’ve had couples who incorporate the live chat as well, having a trusted member of the wedding party interacting with the guests as things happen, so they can also socialize. Another great result of this is if you record the live stream, you can go back and watch the reactions of those friends and loved ones – something almost no couple ever gets to experience during their own ceremony.”
If your couples want to live stream their wedding, Sheils recommends making it as easy as possible for guests who may not be so tech-inclined: “Provide them with links and easy instructions. A day of or day prior reminder with the links and instructions are helpful as well, assuming you want to avoid a flood of questions! That being said, assign a point person. The last thing you will want to worry about on the wedding day is a tech glitch or other issues. If a planner or trusted friend or family takes the reigns, the couple will be able to enjoy the day without any added stress.”
When implemented properly, technology can enhance the client’s experience from the first inquiry to the big day itself. So as you learn about new digital wedding trends, keep an open mind and consider how they may fit into your business’ workflows — it’s never too late to try something new!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
