Have you noticed the post that was making the rounds on Facebook, where the wedding officiant announces, “You are now pronounced man and wife. You may now update your Facebook Status.”
This is of course, an exaggeration. Nevertheless, we all know that every event, ceremony and celebration is incomplete until it becomes a part of the online world today. Social media has crept into every aspect of our lives, and weddings are not left behind.
And with this factor comes a whole new list of what is right and what is wrong. If you are worried about how much networking is alright so you do not ruin the mood at your wedding, and how to make sure you do not overstep any boundaries, we have help.
Here are the four cardinal rules of social media etiquette for couples, where weddings are concerned. Do not break them, and you will do just fine.
#1 Remember that it is more personal to do things the traditional way
Your friends may not mind receiving your wedding invite via email, or posting their RSVP on your wedding website. But remember that the old-fashioned pen and paper style is more personal. Go for traditional wedding invites and telephone calls where it is necessary. This will be better received.
#2 Be sensible about what you put online for everyone to see
You certainly want to show off your engagement ring, and may feel tempted to tweet or post every update on your wedding plans. Resist the temptation. Remember that not everyone is as excited as you are, and may feel you’ve intruded their space with too much information. Be especially careful about posting negative comments about people or plans, as news travels quickly, even if the person isn’t online. Don’t end up in a fix, where you will regret what you wrote.
#3 If you don’t want people to post your wedding details, mention it explicitly
We can perfectly understand it when you say you do not want people glued to their phones during your ceremony and reception. But, don’t assume that they will do so. If you don’t want to feel disappointed when you see them tapping away at their phones all the time, make sure you tell them so. Consider putting up a humorous board that suggests your wedding is a social-media free zone, if you are dead against it. However, it is better to be understanding and expect them to post occasionally. If you do not want your wedding pictures to go online before you upload them yourself, make sure that your guests are aware of this.
#4 Share your wedding hashtag information
This is the best way to make sure that all your wedding pictures are in one place. Share your wedding hashtag with all the guests at your wedding, and request them to upload the pictures with the tag. To do this you can either add it to your wedding invitation, or put it up on your wedding website. You could also mention it on the welcome board at your venue, for those who may have missed making a note of it.
Hopefully this clears the air on how to enjoy social media in moderation, so it doesn’t take over your wedding day. For more valuable wedding tips and advice, keep visiting us on Best for Bride.
I have been to weddings that use the hashtag system for photos. At first I didn’t really like the idea, but then when I realized that others will be sharing our wedding experience with their friends and it would be a good way to get unique images from our wedding, I was all for it.
With so much getting posted online instantly, I can see how you might want to be safe about things, especially your own wedding day.
Very good advice and this can be something very important for privacy AND safety of those attending the wedding.
Very important. You know that you cannot control ALL of the photos and social media interaction, but it is a good idea to try and limit it.