The do’s and don’ts for posting everything about your wedding from engagement to the Big Day on social media.
DON’T announce your big news on social media before telling your family and close friends. While it’s totally okay to post a ring selfie, post it after telling those close to you - don’t make it your official engagement announcement. Make sure that before you start posting any photos or status updates, you give your loved ones a call so they’re the first to hear the news. It’s so important that they hear the news directly from you. If you don’t, we guarantee you’ll be hearing about it for a long time.
DO post a photo of your engagement ring {after you’ve informed all the appropriate family and friends}. Everybody will want to see your new ring, so indulge them with a #ringselfie.It’s the perfect way to show interstate family and friends your new bling. Just be mindful of spamming your friend’s and family’s feed though — two or three posts are more than enough.
DON’T let social media be a substitute for real invitations. E-vites and Facebook events are a fantastic, fun and affordable option to invite guests to a bachelorette or bachelor party, and maybe even your save-the-dates, but they’re definitely not the right way to invite your loved ones to your nuptials. {Also remember Nanna won’t be on social media.} Sending a ‘thank you for coming’ message to your guests over Facebook won’t cut it either. This is where old-fashioned stationery and a handwritten thank you comes into play.
DO be sensitive to the people in your network that you can’t invite. Even if your budget is limitless, you’re probably not going to invite all your Facebook friends or everyone who follows you on Instagram or Twitter – so think before you post and be sensitive to those who won’t be getting an invitation.
DON’T share your registry on social media. Not only for the simple reason that not everyone is on social media, and the fact that maybe your post may be overlooked, your registry should be on your invitation so guests know where you’re registered. It can also look a little tacky putting it out there to everyone what you want as gifts.
DO use social media to find photographers, dress designers, florists and venues etc. Look up how many followers they have, read any reviews available, and check out their photos to get a glimpse into their style. Follow anyone you’re thinking of hiring and bookmark any posts that you're loving as a visual reference.
DON’T spend your wedding day on your phone. Even if you do have a wedding hashtag, avoid indulging in endless Instagram photos or tweets. If you’re constantly looking at a screen, it’s not only rude to your guests, you’ll also be missing out on all the memorable moments. Ask a bridesmaid, friend or relative to be in charge of posting a few social updates throughout the day, and remember that your photographer and guests will take plenty of pictures for you.
DO create a hashtag and inform your guests what you want them to post {and not post} on social media. If you don’t want your partner to see you in your dress before your nuptials, ask your bridesmaids not to post anything before your walk down the aisle. And if you want to keep your ceremony and vows private, it’s best to let guests know your feelings about posting.
Written by our guest writer, Nikki Yazxhi, editor and creator of BellaMumma.