Skip to main content

With social media and technology, things are constantly evolving – first we had Friendster, then Facebook, now Snapchat – it’s hard to keep up! But there are a few hard and fast rules for social media and cell phones at weddings, it just takes some careful communication to be sure your guests are aware.

The only time it's appropriate to check your Facebook feed:  When you change your status at the altar from Single to Married!  Photo by Continuumweddings.com

The only time it’s appropriate to check your Facebook feed: When you change your status at the altar from Single to Married! Photo by Continuumweddings.com

1.  Have your officiant tell guests to put their phones down.  It’s like a scene from TMZ: You’re walking down the aisle, and all you can see are cell phones snapping away!  If you don’t want this, be sure to have your officiant take his or her place, and then make a brief announcement, before the rest of the processional.

Or, have a young bridal party member lovingly and charmingly remind guests to turn off their cell phones!  Photo by Shani Barel.

Or, have a young bridal party member lovingly and charmingly remind guests to turn off their cell phones! Photo by Shani Barel.

 

2.  Then, whip out the hashtag signs…or not.  If you do want up to the moment memories saved on ‘the cloud,’ create and research a hashtag before the wedding and print out small signs to put on the bar, cocktail tables, and near the photobooth.  That gives permission to then snap away and post on Instagram and Facebook.  Or, if you want social media silence the entire night, be sure to have your officiant mention that as well at the ceremony.

Appropriate: A quick cell phone shot amongst close family and friends before the ceremony. Photo by Shani Barel.

Appropriate: A quick cell phone shot amongst close family and friends before the ceremony. Photo by Shani Barel.

 

3.  Have a party online.  Our favorite apps are Wedding Party and Bonfyre, for private, invite-only news feeds of photos and comments of the party, during the party.  If you have a laptop connected to a projector, you can even show a live feed at the reception.  Definitely a way to blend social media into a live event without sacrificing the meaningful person-to-person interaction of a wedding.

With these tips, you can better offer an intimate environment for your wedding ceremony and yet provide an online experience for guests as well. Happy planning (and snapping, posting, sharing…)!