As states and towns turned dials on limits of people who could gather outdoors and indoors, brave couples grabbed the safety bar as if on a rollercoaster and took the ride toward nuptials that suited their souls and relationships. One after the other, engaged couples joined hands to take their vows, sealed them with kisses and turned to face their loved ones, arms upraised in joy. And many of their loved ones cheered from their small squares on a Zoom screen.

This is the era of the virtual wedding. Countless wedding budget experts have advised cutting down the guest list as a way for wedding couples to save money on their big day, but bringing the headcount from 300 down to 10 or 20 calls for some grand scale etiquette shifts. Guests who were invited to the original wedding (which is not happening anymore) surely have questions: We're still invited to the next one, right? Can we bring our kids? Yes, some guests will still be unable to read the room, even in a pandemic.

Adjusting wedding plans brings with it many emotions. Sadness could be expected but escaping the stress of a supersized wedding could also bring relief. COVID-19's impact on weddings is mighty and highly individualized. That's where virtual wedding etiquette can make a difference. It creates structure for today's weddings, guiding wedding guests who may be confused, technologically challenged or possibly resentful for making travel plans that now need to be refunded.

"The good news is that couples (and their guests) still had the opportunity to celebrate the event," says Jenny Orsini, owner of Jenny Orsini Events. "Maybe the landscape wasn't traditional, and maybe technology lent a helping hand, but love did win during COVID, and I hope it will continue that way."

Central to all virtual weddings is the need for clear and considerate communication. "When things are uncertain, it's always best to get the word out to your guests that you are still finalizing details and will keep guests abreast of any changes to the wedding celebration," says Orsini. "Guests understand, and we never saw a guest who was uninvited take it personally." The key to good etiquette here is respectful wording in a message sent to everyone on your original list. No using "word of mouth" to tell still-invited guests about the new plans; people can fail to tell others who are invited, and may tell people who are not. Don't tempt chaos.

"Many couples also made sure to tell their 'disinvited' guests that they hope to celebrate their union on a future date, with everyone," says Orsini. "They also offer Zoom/virtual options so that guests can watch the wedding ceremony."

Create a standout virtual wedding that makes it rewarding for guests to log in and share your big moment, with these etiquette tips:

--Make it easy to log in. Send clear instructions, links and contact information for a wedding party member or volunteer to help others "get in the room." Orsini mentions that professionals can be hired to shoot and stream the wedding, following safety protocols.

--Start on time. It's never proper to leave guests waiting awkwardly while you take an extra 20 minutes to style yourself or take photos off-camera.

--Set a scene, and begin with a welcome sign thanking all guests, especially those joining in virtually, for the honor of sharing your big day.

--Make sure the sound works properly, and that virtual guests can hear your vows and ceremony details.

--Thank-you notes are a must, even if guests were only able to be there virtually.

Look for companies that offer interactive wedding packages. Guests are shipped an all-encompassing bundle with "thoughtful wedding-related items inside, such as food, champagne flutes for the toast, mini bottles of champagne, even a wedding favor," says Orsini. "This really makes the guests at home feel present and really involved in the ceremony and reception while they are on Zoom or watching the wedding unfold on YouTube."

As for wedding guest etiquette, yes, it is proper etiquette to dress nicely for the virtual event. No yoga pants with a T-shirt. Styling, accessorizing and face-shaving send the message that this is an important event. Honor the invitation. If the couple sent you a link to their Zoom, without express permission to share that link, honor their guest list by not posting that link or sending to other people. Further, it's good etiquette to send the couple a gift. It may be your choice to send a smaller cash gift amount as a token, but the trend is to send a monetary gift that is closer to what you would give if you had attended in person. Many wedding couples have lost their nonrefundable deposits during this pandemic, and if you can afford to start them off with a bit of generosity, that would be lovely.

And for all involved in weddings, enjoy being able to celebrate love, and know that when better days come -- and they will -- it will be another chance to celebrate!