Technology Reshaping Weddings

Jan. 22, 2016

Technology changes everything. Horses give way to cars, sailboats to steamships, volumes of Encyclopedia Britannica to online Wikipedia.

Advances in technology have changed weddings, as well; ubiquitous camera phones and social media mean pictures of the couple can be online before their first kiss as a married couple.

But don’t stop there. Think bigger, like sending the whole ceremony into cyberspace. Thanks to the likes of Skype and Facetime, those who can’t make the proceedings can still be a part of the big day.

“That can be particularly useful for those who have destination weddings abroad or for instances where elderly relatives are unable to attend,” said Madeline Begley of Events to Remember.

Or forget cyberspace and catch the action from near space.

“Drone photography is really big,” said Begley. “You get great images, different than what you’ll traditionally see. It’s made for the beach. Traverse City is gorgeous, with its vistas of water, beaches, vineyards and fall colors.”

Greg and Kim MacMaster of Eagle Eye Drone Service have shot aerials of weddings across the region, from Manistee to Petoskey, Traverse City, the Homestead Resort, Shanty Creek, Castle Farms and elsewhere.

“Beach shots are a huge draw for wedding parties, especially for fly-in videos,” said Kim.

“Some of the money shots are high over the water looking back on a cliff, hovering over water near a gazebo, second story balcony shots and flying backwards along the beach as the bride and groom walk into the sunset,” she added. Sometimes they can shoot aerials of the venue prior to the event and, when these are combined with the aerials and stills from the event itself, it can make for a final video that’s a nearcinematic experience.

Barb Ellis from the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor said videos can be edited and uploaded so quickly that what happened just hours ago can be part of the proceedings.

“They can show video of the rehearsal or golf outing at their reception,” she said.

If it’s unique video shots you’re looking for, “Some brides put Go Pros in their bouquets or on different people,” said Begley, which can enable viewers to see different aspects of the wedding. Selfie sticks have replaced disposable cameras and the use of unique hashtags means everyone can easily find all the photos online.

Smartphones mean apps can be used to send messages to all guests, such as announcing it’s time to cut the cake or start the dancing. When the DJ is ready to make the music happen, there are even apps that mimic mixers. Goodbye records and CDs, hello laptops and iPads.

“We had a DJ recently who did mixing on an iPad app with virtual turntables,” said Sarah Hagen of Castle Farms in Charlevoix.

If there’s a song the bride and groom want that the disc jockey doesn’t have, not to worry; they can easily download it from iTunes or Amazon. There are even apps to request songs, so face-to-face interaction with the DJ is optional.

The same holds true for others hired for the occasion. Event planners say they sometimes don’t meet the bride and groom until the day of the wedding, and maybe don’t even talk to them until then.

“Folks look online [at facilities.] They do everything initially online. I’ve had multiple conversations by email and text,” said Mitzie Hoeh of Treetops Resort in Gaylord.

Online interaction can be used in a multitude of ways.

It’s becoming more socially acceptable to send invitations via email or other online means. Wedding websites like TheKnot.com offer couples the option of creating their own wedding website, complete with an RSVP page. Some offer options such as having guests select their dinner choice from a pull-down menu.

Facilities are utilizing online media for their purposes as well.

“We rely on technology for a lot of our marketing efforts,” said Dani Mullen of Chateau Chantal. That includes making extensive use of social media such as Yelp and Trip Advisor. “We see what people are looking at and how they find out about us,” she said. “We convey that we have a special place, perfect for people who are looking for a simple ceremony, to elope or renew their vows.”

Tech is even helping do-it-yourselfers execute most of their special day themselves.

“They look on Pinterest and see something and say, ‘I can make that,’” said Hoeh.

“Or people come in and use their iPhone for all the music.” Last summer Hoeh was talking to one bride about her plans for music the day before her wedding and she offhandedly said, “I’ll do it tonight.”

So what’s left? Begley said she’s worked with Alpha 3D Professionals of Traverse City, using 3-D printing to create cake toppers and place cards, and they’ve even had discussions about using the process to create replicas of the newlyweds for topping the cake.

“It could be pricey, but would be something no one else has,” she said.