The Social Media Savvy Bride
From the second the question is popped, there are many moments that you wish to share with your friends and family - and in our current world there are many ways to do so! Social Media can be a bride’s best friend or a very confusing world, and we are here to break down some of the do’s and dont’s of social media for you.
DO Make an Engagement Post
Making an engagement post has become the norm, with 73% of brides today making some form of an announcement over social media. You can make a post on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or all of the above! Usually the post is of the ring, or proposal with some form of context about how he popped the question.
DON’T Make an Engagement Post before Telling Close Family and Friends
While we definitely recommend making a fun engagement post on social media, be sure to share your engagement news with close friends and family BEFORE you announce it to your general social network. Traditionally it is your immediate family that knows first, you should also share the news with children (if you have any), and other family members first. This can avoid the possibility of any hurt feelings.
DO Use Pinterest for Wedding Inspiration
Pinterest is a great way to browse thousands of ideas for decor, food, attire, flowers, you name it. This social media platform allows you to create a virtual inspiration board(s) that can be shared with others and have collaborators to also help pin ideas. Pinterest also is a great way to discover potential vendors and shops.
DO Create a Wedding Website
Wedding websites are a great addition to the social media savvy bride. Websites not only provide you the opportunity to create a beautiful sneak peak into the theme and vibe that guests can expect at your wedding, but it is also a hub where all information regarding the wedding can be found! Wedding websites hold the answers to all the questions that a bride does not want to be bothered with time and time again.
Wedding websites can include links to all of your other social media pages, provide travel details (directions and accommodations), a wedding timeline, some engagement photos, who the wedding party is, and links to your registries.
DO Keep it Traditional With Some Things
While a website is a great hub to share information, try and keep some traditional components! Still send out Save-the-dates, Invitations, and Thank you cards. These are nice mementos of your wedding, and some family members may not be as tech savvy as you think.
DO Have a Custom Hashtag (and share it early!)
A social media savvy bride should consider creating a custom hashtag for the big day. Having a hashtag that all guests can use, allows all photos from the day to be found in one convenient place on Instagram. An easy rule when thinking of a custom hashtag is to have it make sense, keep it short, and make it memorable. You can inform guests about the hashtag in a variety of ways. Having little reminders on your website is an option, on your program, or on signs throughout the venue.
DON’T Post About Every Little Detail
Planning a wedding is an exciting time with so much going on, from cake tasting to dress shopping. With all this excitement try to keep in mind that you may want to try and avoid making posts about every little planning detail. By keeping wedding posts and updates to a minimum, you will still create that element of surprise for your guests, and keep them out of the loop of all the fun details.
DO Tell Guests Your Technology Expectations
When can guests use their phones? What are they allowed to post? This varies for each wedding, ultimately it is up to the bride and groom to decide and inform their guests about their technology expectations. Many couples wish for no phone use during the ceremony, which is their choice, they want guests to enjoy the moment and not be staring at it through a screen. Cutting out the use of technology must be clearly communicated to guests either through the website or program.
In terms of what and when to post, some couples enjoy real time posts, while others would rather keep it secret and be the first to post something. One thing to be careful of is to ensure that no posts of the bride are made before the ceremony. The trend here is key - just clearly tell your guests what your wishes are!
DO Check in with the Photographer
Finally, make sure that you check in with your photographer about what you can and cannot post. Often the photographer may wish to complete all edits and final touches on their photographs before you share them with everyone. Finally, be sure to give credit in any posts of their work.
Otherwise, Happy Posting!
- Kristina