Whether you’re a frequent social media updater or you’re just a fan of uploading the big exciting events, a wedding is always worth sharing.
As a bridesmaid caught up in the frenzy of the wedding day itself, it can be exciting witnessing the whole thing come together, and you’ve got a behind-the-scenes backstage pass. You’ll likely have an album worth of post-worthy pics within the first half of the day.
However, bridesmaids be warned: when it comes to social media and weddings, there are some pretty big rules you need to follow.
Here’s the proper etiquette on what (and when!) to post, and what to avoid.
DO: Check in With the Bride First
What are the bride’s thoughts and feelings about social media? Some people have casual attitudes about it, and other people are fiercely private and would rather their personal life be kept that way.
Before releasing anything into the world wide web, make sure that you’re clear about where the bride lands on the social media spectrum. If she says she’d rather nothing be shared on social media, respect her wishes.
If she’s okay with it, ask her if there’s anything she wants you to adhere to when sharing and what—if anything—she’d rather not show.
Social media wedding etiquette states that guests should never share images of the newlyweds until they get a thumbs up from the couple, so this is something else to be mindful of.
DO: Share a Heartfelt Congratulations for the Newlyweds
After the “I do’s” have been swapped, the dinner plates cleared, and the dancing is well underway, let the happy couple know how thrilled you are for them.
With the bride’s blessing of course, post a pic of the newlyweds. Share pictures of you and her together, include the bridal party and some behind the scenes snaps of you all getting ready.
And of course, some action shots where everyone’s having a blast.
DO: Use the Wedding Hashtag
A wedding hashtag is a savvy tool a lot of couples use to glean more perspectives of their big day. As each guest adds the wedding hashtag to their pics, the result is a whole album worth of insight into each of the guest’s experiences.
If there’s a wedding hashtag, use it.
DO: Shout Out Vendors (with approval)
If the couple encourages it, tag the vendors—the people working behind the scenes to make it all happen.
DO: Respect People’s Privacy
This can be tricky, but do your best to respect other guests’ privacy and keep the images you choose to share snaps of you and your group.
If the ring bearer in his little blue suit and aviator shades is too adorable not to share, get his parent’s permission first.
Okay, now that we have the social media “do’s” taken care of, let’s switch gears. Here’s where you really need to pay attention. If you violate any of the “don’ts” in this section, it could get you in trouble.
Let’s start with the biggest of them all:
DON’T: Post a Pic of the Bride in her Wedding Gown Before the Ceremony
If there was such a thing as wedding jail, violating this would land you there, immediately.
Within the spectrum of all the wedding etiquette violations, sharing a picture of the bride in her dress before the groom or anyone else has seen her is a felony offense.
Under no circumstances should you ever share a picture of the bride in her gown, stunning as she may be, before the ceremony.
DON’T: Post Unflattering Pics of the Bride
Another biggie, and just a general courtesy. Only share photos where people look good. None of those awkward in-between expressions, you know, like the tail end of a sneeze or something.
Some people are very particular about the type of photos they want posted of themselves online, and if the bride is one of those people, get her blessing before you post.
DON’T: Post Anything Negative or Disrespectful
If you have a video of the best man (who’s had a few too many…) lose his balance and fall backwards, arms pinwheeling like a cartoon before he lands on his butt and sits there a moment or two, stunned, don’t post it. As tempting as that may be to share, don’t.
Same goes for the hair in your salad, or anything that has a downer vibe. This is a celebration, first and foremost. There’s no room for negativity, and no need to embarrass anyone else.
DON’T: Share Anything You’re Unsure of
When in doubt, check in with the bride to see if it’s okay to upload whatever it is you want to post, before just doing it.
It’s her special day after all, and the last thing you want to do is upload something that makes her uncomfortable, or otherwise casts a shadow over the wedding day festivities.
Conclusion:
Follow these tips and post confidently. Knowing you won’t have to sheepishly delete something later on.
And remember, as tempting as it can be to focus on curating the right images to share, it’s way more important to be present. Enjoy this fabulous occasion to celebrate alongside the people you love.