It was only a matter of time before social media infiltrated one of our most scared traditions – weddings. With some couples now live tweeting from the altar, it’s fair to say that the time has come.
This does not mean that weddings have been ‘ruined’ by social media, nor is it something to be afraid of as a bride, or groom, to be.
Rather, it’s simply best to be in control of the way in which social media is used on your special day. You may also want to keep an eye on your own posts, just to ensure you don’t become the victim of mass de-friending.
Don’t:
[list style=”square”][list_item]Spend the day on your smart phone. Your wedding day will be one of the most important days of your life, so switch off your phone and enjoy every minute of it.
Changing your relationship status on Facebook to ‘married’ can wait, and your followers on Twitter don’t need to know that that you’re waiting at the altar for your bride.[/list_item][list_item]Overshare. Although this is generally a great motto by which to live your life, it is particularly important when it comes to weddings. It’s understandable that you’re incredibly excited about this big change in your life and everything that comes with it, from engagement to your honeymoon.
However, your friends don’t need to know that you just changed your mind about the colour scheme for the ninth time, nor do they need to see sixty-seven photos from the morning after.
Your wedding will always be most important to YOU, so if you feel the need to document every detail along the way perhaps invest in a diary and leave your friends on the interweb in peace.[/list_item][list_item]Choose Facebook over Mailbox. The advent of Facebook event invites has made our social lives a lot more exciting and easier to co-ordinate. However, when it comes to weddings, paper always wins.
If you want to save money then go with a double sided card instead of six separate pieces, or use black ink instead of 24 carat gold – don’t use Facebook instead.[/list_item][/list]
Do:
[list style=”square”][list_item]Explore Pinterest for ideas. Never used Pinterest before? Never fear, like most apps it is extremely easy to work out. Once you have, feel free to spend hours browsing ideas for everything from your bridesmaid’s hairstyles, to canapes and table centrepieces.
Create Pinterest mood boards to share with your wedding planner to ensure you are both on the same page.[/list_item][list_item]Consider having an ‘Unplugged’ Wedding. You may think it will make you look horribly old fashioned, or worse, like hippies, but having an unplugged wedding may be the answer to your worries.
Simply have the MC request that all guests switch off their phones and cameras for the day, or, have a sign at the entrance saying something along the lines of “We invite you to be fully present at our wedding – please switch off phones and cameras.”
This way you won’t need to worry about guests uploading photos you’re not happy with, or making it awkward for friends who weren’t invited and can simply enjoy your special day.[/list_item][list_item]Create a hashtag. If you have opted against having an ‘unplugged’ wedding, or are allowing guests freedom with electronics during the reception, consider have a unique ‘hashtag’ for your wedding.
For example, #HarrylovesSally or #SmithWedding. This way you can find all photos that have been uploaded by your guests at the click of a button and can enjoy those until you get the prints from your professional photographer.[/list_item][/list]
by Jessie Goldie
