When you attend a gorgeous wedding, your first instinct is to post it all over social media — but not so fast! We know how exciting it is to see loved ones get married, but there is some wedding social media etiquette that should be followed. We have dos and don’ts for how and when to post your pictures to document the day while remaining respectful of the couple’s special day.
1. DO use the couple’s hashtag if they provide one
In recent years, it seems that every couple has a wedding hashtag that they encourage guests to use when posting on social media. They spend months meticulously planning every last detail, so help share their day and use the right hashtag so they can track everyone’s photos!
2. DO put your phone away for the ceremony
This is an especially important wedding social media etiquette rule if the couple specifically states that they wish to have an unplugged ceremony. And if they don’t, it’s still best to keep your phone in your pocket or bag — and off! — to ensure there aren’t tons of phones being held up while the photographer is capturing the ceremony. Other times to think about putting the phone away are during the first dance, cake cutting, or speeches.
3. DON’T get in the photographer’s way
Picture this: The bride and her father are performing an epic father-daughter dance and everyone is going crazy! You put your phone up to snap a pic and totally interrupt an epic shot by the photographer… Although you want to capture this moment, consider that the photographer is professional and is there to document these details. Stay clear of their space so they can hit every angle, light, and motion to tell the story of the day.
4. DON’T share a photo of the bride before the ceremony
This is a big one! Getting ready in the morning sipping mimosas and dancing with the bride is a blast and you want to post it all over your Instagram story, but hold off until after the ceremony. The bridal reveal is one of the most important moments of the day, and she would hate to see it ruined by something so easily avoidable. So, if you want to be the best bridesmaid, take a ton of pictures and then wait to post them until later or even the next day! As a rule of thumb for wedding social media etiquette, it’s best to wait for the couple to post a picture on their social media before you post yours.
5. DO be mindful of the type of photos and captions
Before posting photos, look at everyone in the image and make sure that it is flattering for all. The last thing the newlyweds want to see when they scroll on Facebook the day after their wedding is an embarrassing photo of themselves or their inebriated uncle. Plus, be mindful of the caption. This is probably not the time to tell an embarrassing inside joke or story. Simply congratulate the couple and express your excitement as they enter the next chapter of their life.
6. DON’T post about any drama
Do we have to say it? As tempting as it can be for some to live-tweet a juicy drama-filled moment at a wedding — don’t. Unexpected moments at a wedding are nearly inevitable, but the couple wants to remember their day as one filled with love and support from family and friends. It’s best not to remind them of a snag in the day.
7. DO be present in the moment!
The number one wedding social media etiquette is just to be present at the wedding! The couple has planned their picture-perfect day and they want guests to enjoy it without being on phones the whole time. You will be grateful for putting your phone down for special moments that can only be captured with your memory.
