It's Complicated: Social Media and Your Wedding


If it didn't get posted on Instagram, did it really happen?

Wedding party takes a selfie

Ken Kienow Wedding Photography


We've all been there... You're sitting on the couch, mindlessly scrolling through your Instagram feed while Netflix plays in the background, and there it is: another engagement ring in your face.

It goes without saying that social media is a HUGE part of everyday life. But when it comes to your own Big Day, how much is too much? We've put together a guide for perfecting the art of social media before, during, and after your wedding festivities.

Wedding guests with a selfie stick

Randy + Ashley



Announce Your Engagement

Newly engaged? Congrats! Odds are, you're going to want to shout out your newfound engaged-ness from the rooftops moments after saying "YES!" But we're willing to bet your parents, grandparents, and best friends don't want to find out such big news via social media.

Even if you and your shiny new fiancé plan on keeping the news to yourselves for a bit, your nearest and dearest will certainly appreciate a call before the the rest of the world hears about it.

Bride holds out left hand so you can see her new engagement ring

Demi Mabry Photography


Consider Wedding Hashtags

When you're in the midst of wedding season, it may seem as if wedding hashtags are a fine art. From the simple (#AndersonPartyOfTwo) to the punny (#HappilyEverRadford), creating a wedding hashtag is a cheap and easy way to keep all of your wedding-related social posts in one place.

But remember: Wedding hashtags are not essential! Especially if you opt for an "unplugged" wedding (more on that later). And although it's nice to see all of your guests' photos show up on your feed, having a custom hashtag means you have no control over what photos get posted. Hellooo unflattering/embarrassing moments!

Wedding hashtag sign

Lovers of Love


Encourage All to Unplug

These days, thanks to technology overload, many couples are opting to have "unplugged" weddings.

Simply put, unplugged weddings are ceremonies and/or receptions that are technology-free. Encouraging your guests to leave their phones in their pockets and leave the photography to the professionals keeps everyone in the moment.

Another reason to consider an unplugged wedding? There's nothing worse than getting your photos back from your photographer and seeing a dozen phones, tablets, and bulky cameras ruining that otherwise frame-worthy shot of your first kiss. #FirstWorldProblems

Matt Brown Photography


Say Buh-Bye to the Comparison Game

Social media does an excellent job of helping us stay connected, but at some point or another we all seem to fall into a pit of comparison and self-doubt. Especially after a late night of stalking that seemingly perfect influencer's wedding at a French château. But what you don't see is all the family drama, delayed flights, and flowers that were delivered in the wrong color (it happens!) that occurred along with those "perfect" photos.

When you find yourself playing the comparison game, don't be afraid to log off. Throw on a face mask, sip some vino, and remember that as long as you get to marry your special someone, nothing else matters. We also recommend the following mantra: I refuse to compare my behind-the-scenes to somebody else's highlight reel…


Ditch the Details Overload

While most people enjoy milestone posts that excitedly let them know "there's only 100 days to go!" or that you've finally "said yes to the dress!" be wary of oversharing every last detail of your planning. Save your wedding-shoe woes and guest-count conundrums for in-person convos over coffee (or wine!). Your Twitter followers will thank you.

The Foundry | Elkin Cardona Photography


Make Your Pins Private

You know that Pinterest board you've been using to plan your future wedding for the past 6 years? Make that thing private, yo! That pinning spree you went on last Friday night might let people in on the flashmob you and your SO are planning. And there's nothing more exciting to your wedding guests than the element of surprise!


Keep The Big Day Phone-Free

From the morning mimosas to the post-vows processional, you'll want to be fully immersed in every single moment of your special day. Years from now, you won't remember taking the time to update your Instagram Story, but you will remember the sweet look on your new husband or wife's face during the first dance. However, if you'd like to give your friends and followers a quick glimpse behind the scenes, ask a member of the bridal party to snap a few photos and upload them for you.

Evangeline Lane


Save the Filters for After The Honeymoon

Your photographer will likely take several weeks to get your photo album back to you, so you'll no doubt be dying to see that killer shot of your first kiss as newlyweds. Athough you can scroll through your hashtag while sitting at the airport, there's no shame in waiting to post the perfect "Just Married!" picture until you're back home.

You've got a lifetime of wedding sharing ahead of you—why not up soak the newlywed bliss as long as you can?!




Filed under Expert Advice, Photography

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Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor

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