Wedding Social Media Etiquette for Philly Couples and Their Guests
Sara Murray, CEO and founder of Confetti & Co., helps you communicate your preferences with grace.
Wedding social media etiquette / Photograph by Bruno Cervera
Social media is pretty much a factor in everything these days — including weddings. Couples and their guests love to share the special day. But these celebrations are intensely personal, and it is up to each pair to decide what they do or do not want living on in the digital world. And then they must communicate that to everyone at the wedding … even a soon-to-be mother-in-law who wants to post everything.
Sara Murray, CEO and founder of Confetti & Co., an event-planning and design studio in South Jersey, helps you navigate wedding social media with grace.
Wedding Hashtag
“Couples love looking at photos post-wedding before their professional ones come in,” Murray says, and a hashtag will help you — and your guests — curate and find the content easily. Put it on your website or invitation.
Timing
Tell your guests when photos can be posted and which moments are private. This includes communicating clearly to your wedding party, whose VIP status may make the situation unclear. “Besties who are nearby during the getting-ready process should make sure not to post the wedding look before the big reveal of walking down the aisle,” Murray advises. “Allow those private moments to stay private until cocktail hour, when those attending the wedding have already seen the vibes.”
Unplugged Moments
Have times when guests are encouraged to put away their phones and be fully present, such as the ceremony. “The saddest photo to receive from a photographer after the wedding day is one where no one’s eyes are up and everyone is on their phone as the couple is walking down the aisle,” Murray says.
Photo Inspiration
Visual elements such as floral arrangements and unique decor items offer ample opportunities for eager attendees to capture and share.
Lead by Example
“Eyes up, hearts open. Be ready to celebrate the love in the room rather than make it a social-media opportunity.”
Looking for more great advice and tips? Visit our Local Wedding Guides for more.
Published as “Expert Advice” in the Summer/Fall 2024 issue of Philadelphia Wedding.
