How to have a Social Media Savvy Wedding
It’s true social media has become a mainstay in today’s society, with people snapping selfies as they drive to work in the morning for Facebook status updates and posting pictures to Instagram of their awesome lunch. So the probability of someone not sharing your wedding experience on social media is highly unlikely. But there is no reason to fear people sharing your big day, by establishing a few ground rules with your guests; you can have a truly awesome experience.
How to have a Social Media Savvy Wedding
Image by Sweet Little Photographs
How do I get social?
Your guests on your wedding day are there to enjoy the experience you’ve created. Their point of view is unique, and what they capture might be completely different than what your photographer captures. Your photographer is there to capture your day artfully; your friends are there to capture the fun. And, those memories are something you want to cherish as well.
Everyone has their preference when it comes to which social media source they prefer. Create a hashtag for your friends to post all the wedding pictures and status updates to. That way after the wedding, those posts can be collected for your scrapbook. You’ll be able to see everything that was posted from your friends and keep those memories.
How to have a Social Media Savvy Wedding
Image by W+E Photographie via Southern Weddings
What about ground rules?
Absolutely establish ground rules. More and more brides are opting for an "un-plugged" ceremony these days, wanting guests to fully. If there are parts of the ceremony you want to be off limits then create directions for your guests and send it to them prior to the ceremony. Be upfront. Let guests know, you only want the reception posted on social media or you don’t want the first kiss captured. People will respect your requests and only share what you allow.
How to have a Social Media Savvy Wedding
Image by Kate Harrison Photography via Style Me Pretty
What if I need help?
In today’s market wedding planners are extremely socially savvy. Ask your planner or coordinator to help you craft a plan to dealing with social media at your wedding. Together you can create a strategy that best fits your needs.
There are also services now called “Social Media Wedding Concierge”. These services are designed to control social media for your wedding and share all of your social media from your perspective. They can work extensively with you to create boundaries for your guests, and keep you happy on your big day.
So don’t let social media frighten you or overwhelm you – it’s there to enhance our lives. And, it can add an extra special touch to one of the best days of your life.