Sharing your big day with your closest family and friends is a wonderful tradition. But in the age of social media your wedding may be making its debut for all (even the uninvited) to see. It may seem like the sharing by socially media savvy guests is out of your control but here are a few tips to make it your own.
Facebook: Set up a Facebook Page for your wedding. Do this before you send out your ” save the dates”. Place your engagement photos here, create events, and update new wedding information through this page. Place the link on your “save the date” and invite them to like the page. Let them know if they have any questions or want to post something, to do it on this page. This will help to keep your personal page less cluttered and keep unwanted prying eyes out of your business. Many relatives want to see your updates about the wedding but you may not want to become friends with them on your personal page. This will keep everyone happy without you having to hurt anyone’s feelings. Facebook also has privacy settings that allow you to approve posts before anyone else can post to your page. This will come in handy when people get camera happy at the reception!
Twitter: Twitter is easy, just set up a hashtag or even a full account on twitter and people can tweet the night away! Display the twitter handle or hashtag at your wedding so guests know what to use.
Instagram: Instagram is like twitter. Set up a unique hashtag, preferably the same one you are using on twitter to allow people to share their favorite photos. With all of the fun filters Instagram offers a way for your guests to play photographer for the night! And it sure beats those outdated disposable cameras.
Keep it simple! Don’t over complicate the hashtags. And use the same ones for all social media.
Check your hashtags before you set them up! Many people have the same name. If you want the hashtag #mikeandsarahswedding, search to see if it has already been used. If it is taken, use last names or initials to differentiate yourself. You don’t want to check your photos the next morning and see someone else’s wedding.
If you are not social media friendly and would like your guests to refrain from posting pictures and videos just ask politely. Instead of a sign with your hashtags have a sign that reads “we ask that you please respect our privacy and refrain from posting our photos and videos on social media”. Your guests know you and they will respect your privacy if they truly care about you.
Lastly, have fun and allow your guests to have fun with social media too! When all is said and done you will be thrilled to have the extra photos. You can print them and make a collage or turn the photos into books for your family and friends. You can also direct people who couldn’t make it to your sites to take a look at what they missed out on.
