When to hashtag, tag, or post – that is the question for all the nimble-thumbed tweeters in this modern digital age. Wedding etiquette is tricky enough, with questions like: Is it ok to put Uncle Ned at the kids table? Do I have to invite Aunt Martha out for hen’s night? Can I wait till my 10th anniversary to send out the thank you cards? We’ve decided to make it a bit easier for those that find it difficult navigating their way down the path of propriety. Listed below are some social media faux pas to avoid while celebrating a wedding in the digital age.
1. For the love of everything holy, make sure Nana knows you are engaged before your 500+ followers on Facebook are informed.
This remains a rule even if your Nana has a Facebook page and consequently has more FB friends than you, some news is better received the old-fashioned way – face-to-face.
2. Even if it is on scrap paper, those wedding invites have to be sent through snail mail. Sorry.
Get a sponge for the stamps and give that job to your loving fiancé. It is perfectly acceptable to send email invites for informal events like bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, and even your engagement party if it is a casual get-together rather than a fancy affair.
3. Don’t trash your future Mother-in-law on any social media format. In fact, try not to do that even after the wedding.
If you are going to post anything, anywhere publicly about your wedding – keep it positive. Keep those bridezilla claws clenched, better to unleash them around those that love you and remember the sweet woman you used to be before wedding planning happened to you.
4. There is a reason wedding dresses don’t have pockets and brides don’t walk down the aisle with purses.
If you are one of those people whose mobile is attached to their hands at all times, this may be the ONE time you should put it down. Put your bestie in charge of the social media updates. You can wait. Honestly, it will be ok. Put the phone down.
5. Do you remember how to write with a pen or pencil? Time to brush up on those skills.
Hand-written thank you notes are a must. You cannot send people texts or FB messages thanking them for their wedding gifts. Sorry, you are going to have to get the stamp sponge out again.
There are a myriad of ways in which Social Media can enhance your wedding day. However, common sense, respect, and manners are still necessary. Follow the simple rules above and ensure that nothing ruins your real-time wedding or the once-in-a-lifetime, Instagram photo opportunity.
