Social media now plays a part in almost every stage of wedding planning. Couples use it to discover venues and suppliers, announce their engagement, gather inspiration and share photographs after the big day.
Used thoughtfully, social media can help friends and family feel involved and provide a brilliant collection of informal moments. However, without a few simple boundaries, it can also become distracting or result in photographs being shared before you are ready.
The benefits of social media at a wedding
Social media makes it easy to share the excitement with friends and relatives who cannot attend in person. Photographs, short videos and updates can help them feel connected to the celebration, even from a distance.
A wedding hashtag can also bring guests’ photographs together in one place. Choose something short and distinctive, then include it on your invitations, welcome sign or table stationery so guests know what to use.
These informal photographs can capture moments that the couple may otherwise miss, from guests getting ready and travelling to the venue to reactions during the speeches and celebrations on the dance floor.
Things to consider before the wedding
The biggest concern is distraction. If guests are watching the ceremony through their phone screens, they may miss the atmosphere and occasionally obstruct the professional photographer or videographer.
An unplugged ceremony can be a good solution. You can politely ask guests to keep their phones away during the ceremony and reassure them that there will be plenty of opportunities to take photographs afterwards.
Privacy should also be considered. Not every guest will want their photograph shared publicly, particularly where children are present. If you know somebody would prefer not to appear online, make sure their wishes are respected.
You should also decide whether guests can post photographs immediately or whether you would prefer to share the first images yourselves. No couple wants to discover that their dress, ceremony or wedding announcement has appeared online before they have had a chance to tell important friends and relatives personally.
Respecting your professional photographs
Your photographer and videographer may have guidance about when and how their work should be shared. Always credit and tag them where requested, and avoid adding filters or making alterations to professional images without permission.
Suppliers invest a great deal of time in creating their work, so tagging your venue, photographer, videographer, florist, entertainment and other wedding businesses is a lovely way to acknowledge everyone who contributed to the day.
Set some simple boundaries
You do not need complicated social media rules. A brief message on your wedding website, order of service or welcome sign can explain what you would prefer.
You might ask guests to:
- Keep phones away during the ceremony
- Avoid posting photographs until after the ceremony
- Use your chosen wedding hashtag
- Ask permission before sharing photographs of children
- Tag and credit your professional suppliers
If you want updates shared during the day without constantly checking your own phone, ask a trusted friend or member of the wedding party to take responsibility. This allows you to remain present and enjoy the celebration.
Creating memories away from the phone
Not every wedding memory needs to live on social media. Printed photographs give guests something physical to take home, while a professional online gallery allows the couple to view, download and share images after the event.
At Pro-Pose, every photo booth booking includes unlimited prints and an online gallery of high-resolution photographs. Guests can enjoy the experience without reaching for their phones, and everyone appearing in a photograph can take home a proper printed keepsake.
Social media can be a brilliant addition to your wedding when it is used in a way that suits you. Set a few clear expectations, respect your guests and suppliers, then put your phone away and enjoy the occasion you have spent so much time planning.