How to set and enforce digital rules for your wedding
By Kristen Fischer
CTW Features
Your wedding, your rules. But not everyone knows what you want – and don’t want – posted online. Want to set the social media boundaries firmly to ensure your big day goes off without a reveal that you don’t want? Think about your wishes, and then find a way to let guests know. Otherwise, you could have some well-meaning posts inadvertently spoiling the event.
Privacy, Please
Brittny Drye, editor-in-chief of Love Inc., says to convey that some couples want to preserve that moment when they’re first seen. This is why it is important to request that wedding party participants do not post it online.
“The first look is a really emotional moment for a couple, whether that happens right before pictures or as you make your way down the aisle,” Drye says. “Make sure that moment is fully savored by communicating a strict no-posting rule as you get ready with everyone who sees you and have your wedding party reinforce it.”
Hashtags: A How-To
Another digital rule is to use a hashtag for your big day. Make sure you pick one that’s completely unique and let wedding guests know what it is, so your pictures aren’t filed under multiple hashtags. When people are not on board, pics can get lost in the mix and live online forever without being properly filed. That’s why a handy sign posted when people enter the ceremony and reception space can be such a benefit.
“Before creating a hashtag, search for it on Instagram to make sure it’s not already in use so when you search, only photos from your wedding weekend will pop up,” Drye says.
Got the perfect hashtag in mind for your big day? You have to then let guests know before they start posting under another hashtag.
“Share your wedding hashtag with guests via your wedding website, on treats in the welcome bags, a custom Snapchat filter, or signage décor,” Drye says. You can even specify the hashtag prior to the big day, she added.
Unplugging
Want to skip hashtags and social media posts all together? Some couples are opting for a wedding day – or at least a ceremony – that is not broadcast online. The key to that is letting guests know ahead of time, because they may not know about your wishes for a private affair.
“If you want an unplugged ceremony, there are some really cute messaging options to put on a sign for guests to see as they enter,” Drye says. One example she likes: “Oh Snap! There’s plenty we don’t want you to miss…please NO photos until after the first kiss!”
Keith Phillips, a photographer with Classic Photographers, has another sign idea: “Unplugged Ceremony, Please refrain from using your phone during our ceremony, we want everyone to be present and in the moment with us. Thank you!”
He has seen couples place a small disclaimer on their programs to get the point across as well.
“It’s also a good idea to have the officiant make a statement at the beginning of the ceremony to politely reiterate your request,” Drye added.
“Once your ceremony is over, you can let everyone know it is okay to use their phones by putting signs around the reception venue,” Phillips says.
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