It’s becoming more and more common for social media to play a role in weddings. Brides and grooms are encouraging their guests to tweet, post, and share the happy day with the world—and it provides them with sentiments and candid shots that wouldn’t have been captured otherwise. Here are some social media do’s and don’ts for all the parties involved in the big day.
BEFORE THE CEREMONY
Couples
Right off the bat, a big no-no is to post news about your engagement before sharing the news personally with family and close friends. You don’t want to risk any hurt feelings at the outset.
As you unfold your plans to future guests, let them know how you feel about social media at your wedding. For instance—no thank you during the ceremony, yes please during the reception. And make plans to communicate your wishes in multiple ways—in the invites, the wedding programs, and at the reception.
As you go about planning all of the details, leave something to the imagination for your guests. Don’t tweet pix of every decision, like bridesmaid dresses and cake design. Instead, intrigue your guests with hints and teasers as to what is to come.
To encourage your guests to post and tweet, create your own unique hashtag for your big day and include it in the save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and again at the reception.
Bridesmaids/Family
Snap away as you’re getting ready beforehand, but hold back from posting any pix of the bride in her dress. You wouldn’t want the groom to see his bride before he’s supposed to!
DURING THE CEREMONY
Couples
Make your wishes known if you want guests to post/tweet immediately or if you’d prefer to make the first posts yourselves. Also, there’s nothing wrong with asking for a completely tech-free ceremony.
Guests
Silence your phones!
Consider enjoying the moment with the couple, rather than seeing the event through your viewfinder. Let the professional photographer capture these shots. If you do take photos during the ceremony, save the actual posting for afterward.
Leave your tablets at home. They’re just too big to use at an event like this.
Stay out of the photographer’s way. Don’t lean out of the pew to snap a pic of the ring bearer and block the photographer’s once-in-a-lifetime shot. Give them the space they need to work.
AFTER THE CEREMONY
Couples
The first photo you post will likely be widely viewed and shared. Make it a good one, so think about what you’d like it to be.
Don’t clog everyone’s news feed with 400 pix from your wedding. Post a few good ones, then direct people to your site to view them once you’ve gathered them all.
Guests
Don’t post unflattering content or pictures, especially of the new couple. It would be nice, too, to ask for the couple’s permission before posting any pix or tagging them.
It’s best to put the phone away completely if the party goes late and things start to loosen up!
© Jill Bremer 2016