1. Use a creative hashtag: And don’t let your guests forget it – you can even add your hashtag to your save the dates and invitations to get the buzz going long before you tie the knot. On the big day, display your hastag prominently in the reception area. If you’ve employed the services of a rental vendor or a coordinator, work with them to find the best method to match your aesthetic, be it a chalkboard, a slab of wood, or a paper sign—they’re the experts, after all! Just make sure your hashtag is unique to you—you’re probably not the only #JonesWedding that’s ever going to see the light of Instagram. If you want to get really nerdy, enlist your venue’s AV services to project a running tweet wall at the reception using a service like Tweetwally—it’ll encourage guests to hashtag like crazy while providing endless free entertainment!
Photo: Moetic Wedding Films
2. Think beyond the registry: Creating a wedding website using a service like My Event or Square Space allows you to disseminate information and engage guests like never before. Throughout the planning process, you can share details and engagement photos with guests. When your “I do’s” are said and done, you can also update the site with your wedding photos or the photographer’s link to give guests easy access.
3. Don’t forget the wi-fi password: If you’re using a venue with wi-fi, chances are there’ll be a password. Ask your contact at the venue beforehand, and print the password on your program or add it to your hashtag display so your guests aren’t spending any valuable celebration time figuring it out on their own. Your guests’ data plans (and the hotel staff) will thank you.
4. Keep the memories alive: There are an unbelievable number of companies that create tangible (sometimes even useful) products from Instagram photos. From marshmallows to miniature photobooks to necklaces, there’s a social media product out there for every bride. If you prefer to keep your memories on the cloud, Storify lets you compile posts from any social media outlet to create an online, interactive scrapbook of sorts featuring the highlights of your big day. This Storify board of amazing wedding proposals is one of our favorites.
5. Don’t overdose on Pinspiration: Technology allows us to be more connected than ever, and your special hashtag and instragrammed marshmallows are yet another way to relive your special day for years to come. However, the downside of all the connected-ness and the never-ending stream of ideas is that it can start to feel really overwhelming, on top of the pressure that already comes along with planning what’s supposed to be the best day of your life. So our best tip is this—do what feels right—It’s your wedding, after all! While we’re eternally grateful for Pinterest and what it’s done for mason jars, burlap, and brides everywhere, we also know how easy it is to overdose on Pinspiration. Use Pinterest to find a few ideas that resonate with your tastes and aesthetic—not to create an endless board of trends that will make you feel inadequate for being unable to incorporate every single hanging twinkle light and glitter-glued pinecone into your own wedding.
Photo: Bledsoe Photography
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