Social media is a great tool when planning your wedding. Comparing, contrasting and creating ideas can all be done with your smartphone or iPad. The super-savvy social media bride will already be using Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram, but will also want to have her own wedding website.
My Wedding and Wedding Window are both great (and free) websites. From vendors to dresses and everything in between, these websites will help you organize all of your ideas, photos and contact information in just a few clicks.
Once your wedding planning is complete, it’s time to decide how large a role social media will play on your wedding day. If you’re a couple that posts, pins and tweets on a daily basis, you may be excited at the idea of incorporating social media into your wedding.
The basics
Let your guests know of your social media preferences as early as possible. If you’re comfortable with adding your dos and don’ts on your invitations, go for it. If not, let your guests know before the ceremony what sort of social media rules you have. Perhaps ushers can spread the word as guests enter the ceremony or include a line or two in your wedding programs.
It may also be helpful to create specific Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts for your wedding in order to insure your personal accounts aren’t flooded with posts and shares from your friends and followers.
Share only information and photos publicly that all of your friends and followers can enjoy – whether they’re on the guest list or not. This avoids hurt feelings.
Getting started
Create a specific hashtag: If you’re a couple that loves social media, this is a great way to collect all of the special moments in one place. It can be as short or as long as you like, but share your wedding hashtag with your guests as early as possible. You can include it at the end of your invitation, or have a line in your day-of wedding program. (Before you share your hashtag with your friends and family, check that your hashtag hasn’t already been used on social media.)
Designate a social media chief. Wherever you want to share your photos and well-wishes (such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram), it’s a great idea to designate one or two people to handle this for you. This may be a bridesmaid, groomsman or close relative. Of course, bride and groom need to take some time to chat with them ahead of time to iron out expectations.
For those friends or family members who can’t attend your wedding day, a live stream of the festivities is a great idea. Ustream (http://www.ustream.tv/) is a service that helps you share your wedding day, especially if you’re having a destination wedding.
Memo to wedding guests
Be aware of your surroundings
It’s great to capture special moments, but avoid taking photos or videos that interfere with the professional photographers and videographers. The bride and groom are paying a pretty penny for professional shots!
Think before you tweet
Even if the bride and groom want you to tweet, tweet, and tweet some more, it’s still not a good idea to snap a photo of the bride and groom doing tequila shots. Only share moments they’ll cherish (and remember in the morning).
Stay in the moment
Don’t let the day be all about snapping pictures or choosing filters. Beware of constantly checking your phone.
Originally published in Today’s Bride magazine, Spring/Summer 2016.
