Social Media Do’s & Don’ts
Social media is an amazing resource for brides and grooms to be, but it can also be an intimidating place for those new to the world of wedding planning. We’re not surprised to see the trend for shunning social gain in popularity as couples are not sure the best way to handle it on the big day.
As part of B.LOVED’s year-long partnership with Sheraton Grand London Park Lane we talked to our brides about their concerns about the role social media plays in their wedding day plans. We found that 90% of our brides feel overwhelmed by the volume and sometimes conflicting information out there, and almost a third of couples are planning unplugged (technology-free!) weddings to ensure their guests don’t miss out on key moments.
We invited wedding planner and social media expert Helen Eriksen to help us create a list of wedding social media do’s and don’ts, so you can be sure it’s one less thing to worry about on your wedding day!
PLUGGED VS UNPLUGGED
Weddings and social media are great for bringing people together, so perhaps it’s only natural that you might use social media to share memories and connect people ahead of your big day.
But unplugged weddings – where phones, tablets and cameras are banned from the day (or at least the ceremony) – are gaining popularity as couples invest more in their wedding and want guests to immerse themselves in the experience you’ve planned.
DO’S & DON’TS
Once you’ve made a decision on the role social media will play in your day the question is how to manage it on the day? We asked wedding planner and social media expert Helen Eriksen, of Socially Beautiful, for her top do’s and don’ts
DO let your guests know how you feel about the use of social media and communicate it clearly
DO include messaging on your invites, order of service, wedding day programs and signage
DO nominate one or two diplomatic friends to encourage guests to put their phone away if you’ve planned an unplugged day, or to share if you’re going all out with social media shares
DO create a wedding day hashtag if that’s your jam, and encourage guests to share images from your day
DO use social media to announce last minute updates like transport timings or weather
DO take selfies, but remember to enjoy your day!
DO speak to your photographer about any concerns you may have (after all you don’t want your ceremony images spoiled by a sea of mobile phones as you’re walking up the aisle)
DON’T be on your phone all day. Take time to enjoy the most special day of your lives and have fun!
DON’T spoil any surprises by posting about it before the big day. If you just can’t resist, then share sneak peeks rather than those all important details
DON’T substitute your professional photos for images your guests share on social media. They know how to best capture the important moments of your day
DON’T make your only contact through social media. Remember some guests might not be as tech-savvy as you, especially older generations
and finally… DON’T be afraid to go unplugged!
Suppliers
- Unplugged Wedding Sign: Orchard Berry
- Wedding Photo: 2nyce Photography
