Why should I hire a professional to live-stream my wedding?

If you are stressed or frustrated because you can't invite everyone you want to your wedding, you may be considering live-streaming your wedding so that those that can't be there in person can still celebrate with you. There are two main ways to do this. You can have a friend or family member stream with a cellphone or webcam over Facebook or YouTube. Or you can hire a professional that specializes in live-streaming.

Here are some of the aspects of livestreaming and how they differ from a "DIY" solution, versus hiring a professional:

Video Equipment

Although cellphones and webcams have gotten significantly better in recent years, they simply cannot compare to a professional level camera such as a DSLR, mirrorless, or cinema camera. This is especially true in difficult filming situations such as low-light, bright sunlight, over long distances, and around large numbers of people.

Audio Equipment

Cellphone and webcam microphones are not designed to capture clear audio in the unique situations found at weddings. Professional audio equipment is designed to capture audio from specific sources, providing the audience with clear and crisp sound, no matter the conditions.

Streaming Platform

Facebook and YouTube provide free-to-use platforms to live-stream, but they have total control over your bandwidth, video quality and can also deactivate your stream if you use any copyrighted material such as music or movies. A private and secure professional streaming platform is not bandwidth or quality limited and cannot be shutdown for streaming licensed material.

Skill and Experience

A wedding is a unique event that requires good timing, capturing the right angles, keeping the camera steady and in focus, and not disrupting the in-person guests. A professional has studied, practiced and honed these skills through years of experience.

Viewer Experience

Putting all of these things together culminates into what the online viewer will actually experience during the live-stream. A livestream from a cellphone or webcam will feel, look, and sound exactly like what they are, a cellphone or a webcam. A professional live-stream, however, provides a truly immersive experience that allows the online guests to feel like they are actually there celebrating with you.

If you’re ready to learn more and have a conversation about how we can help you and your guests have the best wedding experience, click below to contact us.