From inviting to unplugging, read on for a timeline of the do’s and don’t’s of using social media to plan your wedding!
Exploring
If you’re looking for inspiring wedding ideas, Pinterest is definitely the most helpful (and addictive) social media tool available! Click here to read our post on how to get started and make the most of Pinterest’s features for your wedding planning.
Connecting
Supplier Facebook pages, Twitter accounts and blogs offer a great way to get to know the work and personalities of local professionals. Due to the interconnected nature of the wedding industry, it’s likely you’ll discover a fabulous cake designer through an inspiring photographer, a unique stationery supplier through a beautiful gown designer and so on. These platforms are also the best way to stay up to date with local wedding events, competitions and special offers.
Inviting
Electronic save the dates are a popular way to announce your upcoming wedding without breaking the bank, but when it comes to the official invites, we recommend sticking to tradition. There’s something special about receiving a hand-addressed envelope in the mail. A call or email is a good way to follow up on any outstanding RSVP’s.
Sharing
Want to let guests know a change in venue? Keep it to emails or private messages to ensure those who aren’t invited don’t feel excluded. Try not to overshare on social media – unless you’ve invited all of your Facebook friends, everyday wedding details are best kept to your bridal party and family. It’s also nice to keep some surprises for the day!
A wedding website is also a great way to keep everything in one place and provide guests with updates.
Unplugging
Make sure that members of your bridal party don’t accidentally spoil the first look for you or your partner by posting photos before you have walked down the aisle!
If you would like guests to “unplug” for the ceremony, provide a sign at the entrance to the venue, a note in your program or ask your officiant to say a few words before the processional. Here is one suggestion for phrasing:
“The greatest gift you can give us today is to be truly present, so please turn off all cameras and mobile phones for the ceremony. We have asked a professional photographer to capture this special moment so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy it with us.”
This will make it easier for your photographer to do their job and ensure all guests have an unobstructed view.
Updating
The moment you’re announced as partners for life is one to remember forever, but we recommend holding off on the official social media status update until you’ve arrived at the reception! It could send the message that it’s more important for your social media connections to know your marital status than it is for you to enjoy the experience with the people who matter most – your partner and guests.
Capturing
The first few hours of the reception often signal the end of your professional photography package, so your guests will play an important part in capturing the rest of the evening! Keep track of everyone’s photos by creating a hashtag for Instagram or Flickr account for guests to upload photos to post-event. It will be fun to look through them while you’re waiting for the professional prints.
Honeymooning
Whilst your friends and family will be happy to know you’re having a great time on the honeymoon, don’t spend so much time telling everyone about it that you don’t get to truly enjoy it! This is a unique opportunity to switch off from the rest of the world and bask in each other’s company without interruption.