Your big day is coming and you could not be any more excited. Yay!
In your preparation, you’ve poured over countless checklists, ticking every box, churning out thank you notes like a champ.
But how are your cyber manners? Your netiquette? Chances are, in all your excitement, you’ve neglected the one side of you most people see in this day and age. We’ve put together a rulebook to keep you, your guests and the rest of your online family tickled pink.
1. Tell your loved ones before posting it on Facebook…
This should go without saying, but more than one heart has been broken from finding out about a close friend’s impending nuptials via a status update with a ton of exclamation points. Give a courtesy text at the very least.
2. …But definitely do post it.
You’re excited, now show it! The new world might get a little uneasy when hearing it through the grapevine if there’s no trace to be found on your page. The new world will also ask for a picture of your ring. Scrub your nails and oblige them.
3. Consider making a webpage.
There are plenty of sites dedicated to this very thing, so it won’t take too much work. You can include as much or as little info as you want, including the schedule, the engagement story, etc. Copying and pasting this link is worth its weight in gold when the 50th person messages you about venue details or your Aunt Linda keeps asking how you met.
4. Don’t put a countdown ticker on your profile.
Nobody enjoys those. It even does more harm than good for some brides, only reminding them of the continually decreasing time they have to accomplish everything. This goes for daily countdown posts, too. It’s just annoying.
5. Share your engagement photos.
People will definitely want to see these. You guys look great and your friends will love seeing you glow. Your photos will get everyone excited for your wedding all over again, just make sure you credit and give some love to your photographer. Recommendations are some of their best selling points.
6. Crowdsource vendor and honeymoon suggestions.
People will be eager to share their advice - good and bad - so take advantage of that. No Google search can give you the scoop like Aunt Linda. Plus, people love to talk about their own weddings. This is a great and helpful way to let them gush.
7. Don’t ask people to be in your wedding party on Facebook.
Just no.
8. Don’t post links to your registry.
While you might really want that melon baller, this is not the way to get it. If someone asks, that’s one thing, but even then, message them privately.
9. Pinterest = BFF
Any inspiration you could ever dream of is on that magical site, so pin away. Pin to your little heart’s content. Just remember that people will get tired of seeing all your peacock inspired tablescapes after a little while. Unlink Pinterest from your other social media accounts when you’re binging, and consider creating private boards if you want to keep the look of your event a surprise.
10. #Hashtag it.
Designating a wedding hashtag for guests to use is such a fun trend. You can even put it on your invitations so your friends and family can get excited beforehand. This is a perfect way to keep track of your special day from your loved ones’ points of view. More than likely, they’ll catch something your photographer didn’t!
11. Log out on your honeymoon.
Many couples make a second set of vows before they leave to put their phones away. You should be focused on your honeymoon, not watching gifs of Honey Boo Boo. Sure, you’ll want to take pictures, and that’s fine, but don’t post them just yet. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can wait. This is the chance for the two of you to be fully self-absorbed. Make the best of it.
12. Say thanks.
Thank you cards are in the mail, but it never hurts to give one final love fest after you get back. Tell your family, the wedding party, every single well-wisher who crossed one of your photos, just how much you appreciate them. Shout it from your fingertip mountaintops and make them smile one more time.
Do you have any tips and tricks to help out the 21st Century bride? Let us know!
