How to Rock Social Media at Your Wedding

You don’t have to be an influencer to use social media at your wedding. In fact, there are lots of advantages to incorporating certain social media wedding ideas (like having a wedding hashtag) into your big day. For one, you’ll be able to see moments captured by your guests that you would’ve missed otherwise. You can also share parts of your special day with loved ones who may not be able to attend the event. While we don’t necessarily recommend posting a selfie during your first kiss (though we’re sure some couples have done it!), there are definitely some ways to maximize your wedding’s social media presence, if you desire.

These social media wedding ideas will ensure that your event is captured and shared in the best light possible.

Share your wedding hashtag early and often.

As soon as you’ve created your wedding hashtag, let your loved ones know. You can publicize your hashtag on your wedding website, your save-the-date, and via social media. Encourage your loved ones to use your hashtag during any pre-wedding events, like your engagement party, bachelor or bachelorette party, shower, etc. It’s a good idea to get your guests in the habit of using your hashtag so they won’t forget on your wedding day. And on the big day, be sure to display your hashtag on at least one sign, if not your ceremony programs, menu cards, or any additional paper products, as a friendly reminder. According to the WeddingWire Newlywed Report, 36 percent of couples display signage at their wedding publicizing their wedding hashtag. 

Choose the right platform or app.

While you may use several social media platforms on a daily basis, it’s a good idea to hone in on just one or two for your wedding. Instagram, with its focus on imagery and video, is usually most popular for weddings—and Instagram Stories allows minute-by-minute coverage of your big day (though you’ll have to remember to save the Stories before they expire). But if your crew more regularly uses Snapchat or Facebook or Twitter or…then you may want to focus your attention on one of those instead. There’s also the option of using a dedicated wedding guest app, which allows your guests to easily share hi-resolution images and videos that you can download later. As on other social media platforms, guests can use the app to like and comment on photos too!

Work with your vendors.

Many wedding vendors have vibrant social media presences and followings, so if you really want your big day to blow up on social, enlist your vendors’ help. Your wedding pros will likely be thrilled to post about your event before, during, and after your big day, so be sure to let them know you’re totally cool with it—and it’s definitely fun to see the behind-the-scenes aspects of your big day on social. Your vendors may also be able to offer social media wedding ideas you haven’t already considered.  

Designate a wedding-day social media manager.

Yes, your wedding guests will likely post a ton of photos and videos of your event, but their main focus is (and should be!) having a great time. One of our favorite social media wedding ideas is to enlist a “social media manager” of sorts—someone who will focus on taking and posting images of your event. Sure, an Instagram-obsessed bridesmaid might be willing to take on this role, but you might also consider hiring someone—yes, we know it’s an added expense, but if you’re really into social media, it might be worth it. A wedding planner’s or photographer’s assistant might be a good candidate, and there are also dedicated wedding social media services out there. This person can ensure that your wedding hashtag is full of beautiful images and videos that truly reflect your special day.

Livestream your ceremony.   

One of the best reasons to utilize social media during your wedding is to allow guests who can’t attend the big day to share in the fun. If you’re hosting a destination wedding or there are numerous guests who are unable to make it, you might consider livestreaming your ceremony so that your loved ones can feel a part of your special day. There are dedicated livestreaming services that can handle this, or your videographer may be able to help set this up. Just make sure you let your loved ones know about the livestream well in advance, and be sure to provide detailed instructions so that even your elderly Aunt Ida can watch you exchange vows.  

Create Instagram-worthy experiences.

When planning your wedding, think about ways to make your big day Instagram-worthy. These social media wedding ideas can be as simple as including a decorated tree swing in your outdoor cocktail hour (think of all the Boomerangs!) or as elaborate as a lush flower wall or custom neon signage as a truly special selfie backdrop. Also ‘gram worthy: Creative food presentation, imaginative escort card displays, and unique entertainment like a live portrait artist or silent disco, and more! The more creative an idea, the more likely your guests will post a photo or video—so don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild!

Include a social media wall in your reception.

A social media wall is a live feed of posts featuring your wedding hashtag displayed onto a video screen. The automatically-updating wall is another form of entertainment for your guests to enjoy during dinner or if they’re taking a break from dancing—plus it’s yet another way to publicize your wedding hashtag. There are numerous aggregators that make creating a social media wall a breeze, and your DJ, photo booth company, or videographer can likely provide the equipment to display it.

Take your photo booth to the next level.  

Photo booths can be a fun activity for your guests—and they’re also a great way to boost your wedding’s social media presence. These days, many photo booths not only provide printed images, but also will email or text you your photos for easy posting. Plus, newer GIF booths and video booths will allow your guests to share clips to social media. Talk to your photo booth company to find out which options are available.

Put your phone away.

Yes, this may sound counterintuitive to all of these social media wedding ideas, but if you’re getting married, turn off your phone. Let your guests handle the posting so you can savor and enjoy every moment IRL. And once the party’s over, go ahead and retrieve your phone—according to a recent WeddingWire study, over a quarter of newly-married couples spent time on their wedding night looking at photos of their event posted on social media. It’s a great way to relive your amazing event (over and over and over…).