UPDATED 2019 | Today we’re talking about social media at weddings. Here’s how to handle it… and be sure to subscribe here for the latest to your inbox!

Social media has changed the way guests celebrate at a wedding. Instagram this. “Like” this. Hashtag that. Disposable cameras are forever replaced by camera phones, which means everyone can share photos instantly online. Whether you love social media or loathe it, there’s one thing that’s certain: you can’t run from it. Read on for five ways to embrace social media at weddings so you can handle it like a pro!

1. Make Your Own Hashtag.

A hashtag on Twitter is a way to create a ‘category’ thread people can follow. For instance, you can create a hashtag for your wedding using your initials, names, or anything you’d like. The trick to a great hashtag is to make one that’s truly unique. If you pick something that’s too generic — like #JustMarried – you’ll have thousands of other messages to sort through on your feed. Make it something like, #EMMAandANDREWTietheKnot. You don’t have to set anything up — just pick the hashtag. Guests can then use the tag in their tweets by including #yourhashtag at the end of their message.

2. Encourage guests to take photos.

If you want to embrace social media at weddings, you must encourage guests to do it! Guests won’t want to share photos on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter unless you give them the go-ahead. Make it clear with signs or a chalkboard at your reception.

3. Have Guests Upload Their Photos

Make it easy for guests to share their photos! Invite your guests or closest friends to use an invite-only photo-sharing website (like Google Photos) that assigns an email address for guests to send photos to. You get to manage who can view the photos — even approve photos before they go live.

4. Be polite if you don’t want social media.

Some people do NOT want social media sharing at their wedding, and that’s up to the couple getting married. If you aren’t interested in people sharing the details of your wedding on social media, use a polite sign like this one from A and O Prints.

5. Print your Instagram photos after the wedding.

A great way to enjoy social media at weddings is to print the IG photos from your hashtag! Don’t let those memories get stuck digitally forever! Use Shutterfly (or other printing source) to print your photos. Turn them into stickers and use them as seals on your thank you cards.

You can also print photos to place in an Instagram photo album. This one is by Lorgie.

Social Media Wedding Tips

Social media at weddings is best utilized by guests, not the bride and groom. Enjoy your day — let your guests snap photos and make sure you’re in plenty of ’em!

And, guests, please be mindful of the professional photographers and videographers at the wedding. Give them space and stay clear of their shots. And, don’t share EVERY detail instantly on Facebook or Twitter. Uninvited guests don’t need a play-by-play, and you want to keep an element of mystery.

Also, never post any photos of the bride before the wedding (in case the groom might see!)

Fun Social Media Finds

Don’t stop there! Here are a few other social media finds we spotted on the web.

This pin, by EverydayOlive:

This sturdy wood hashtag sign custom-made by Hashswagg:

And lastly, this funny card by Spade Stationery:

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma

Now it’s your turn: what do you think of social media at weddings?