It’s wedding season! And with that, comes the influx of questions from our couples who have witnessed trends and behaviors at other weddings that they want to repeat or avoid on their big day. This year, we are seeing a lot of questions about etiquette. So, to kick off our summer etiquette series, we are going to tackle a big topic: Social Media. With the ever-growing popularity of social platforms, content creators, and next-day sneak-peeks, it’s important to be mindful of your social media activity both as a guest and as a marrier. To help ensure that everyone enjoys the special day and stays on their best behavior, here are five essential rules of social media etiquette for weddings:

For the Guests:

1. Start with the Ask. Before you post any photos, videos, or updates from the wedding day, ask the bride and groom if they’d like to be tagged in your posts. It’s a polite gesture and will show that you respect their wishes if they’d prefer that photos not be shared.

2. Don’t Ruin the Surprise. If you are getting married with a member of the couple and the couple has opted not to see each other yet, please DO NOT post photos of them to your stories without permission. This includes photos of their attire, their flowers, their accessories, or their hair and makeup. Don’t ruin the surprise; the end.

3. Respect No-Post Zones. Make sure to follow any guidelines set forth by the couple regarding no-post zones at the ceremony or reception location(s). Not only is this respectful of their wishes, but it will also prevent interruptions during important moments such as vows and speeches. The couple has likely hired professional photographers and will happily share their photos with you when they get them back.

4. Stay Present. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the day and start broadcasting photos of every moment. But it’s important to remain present and enjoy the moment alongside the couple. While you’re taking a few photos here and there, don’t forget to stay present with your eyes and heart.

5. Positive Vibes Only. The couple specifically invited you to the biggest day of their relationship so that you could surround them with love and positivity as they enter this new phase of their life. Stay classy.

For the Couple:

1. Set a Schedule. Set a timeline for when you’ll post sneak-peeks, photos from the day, and any other updates that your guests may need to be aware of. This will prevent double postings or accidental sharing of images before they were meant to be shared.

2. Tag Your Vendors. It is very kind to tag your vendors in photos of their work. This will ensure that they get the credit they deserve for their beautiful contributions!

3. Don’t Forget Thank You Notes. After the wedding is over, and the memories are safely stored on your Instagram feed or hard drive, it’s essential to follow up with your guests and show your appreciation for their presence and support. Don’t rely solely on social media to express your gratitude, but also take the time to write handwritten thank-you notes to each guest, thanking them for their gifts, kind words, and participation in your big day. It might seem old-fashioned, but a heartfelt thank-you note can go a long way in creating a personal and lasting connection with your loved ones.

4. Introduce Your Creators to Each Other. If you are going to hire a content creator to capture BTS of your day, please communicate that to your planner and your photographer before you sign on the dotted line. It’s important that everyone be on the same page about their roles in your big day.

5. Enjoy! Above all else, remember to enjoy your day without worrying about social media. There will be plenty of time after the wedding for you to share photos with your friends and family, so don’t let that take away from being present in the moment.

Questions? New Tips? Let us know!