From the moment you announce your engagement on Facebook, to the final inspiration board you create on Pinterest, you will undoubtedly join the thousands of men and women who are now using technology to plan their big day. More than ever before, couples are turning to websites and apps to help organize their budget, find vendors and share with guests in an instant.
But while using these tools is a great way to keep yourself on task and in touch with your loved ones, there are some things that you shouldn’t use social media for. Here’s a quick guide on how you can keep yourself, and your guests, in check.
DO create a group on Facebook for your wedding party. This could be an easy place to exchange messages about appointments, show each other dresses or tuxes you like and plan events.
DON’T post news about your pending nuptials on Facebook, Twitter or other community site until you have informed those you are closest to via phone or face-to-face. Like it or not, some people will be insulted that you didn’t think to call them before announcing it to all your so-called “friends” or followers first.
DO select an app that allows you to organize your budget, appointments, playlists, likes and dislikes all in one place, at your fingertips, for whenever you need to reference it.
»» See 5 Must-Have Wedding Planning Apps
DON’T drive yourself crazy by checking and rechecking and triple-checking every little detail. Just because it is at your fingertips doesn’t mean you have to drive yourself nuts! Give yourself a mandatory technology break every now and then.
DO find a site that allows you to instantly upload photos or video (such as Weddings Snap, YouTube or Vimeo) from your events so you and your guests can share them right away.
DON’T be afraid to ask guests to only post tasteful content—it’s your right to do so! You can add this caveat to the notice you display at the reception or the card you hand out indicating which site guests should use. And feel free to edit these photos and videos so that no one sees that awful picture of Aunt Mildred doing the booty dance with Uncle Herman.
DO create Pinterest boards or Lover.ly bundles to plan the look and feel of your ceremony and reception. You can use these pins or boards to show vendors what you have in mind.
DON’T make all of these boards public. You want the friends and family members who follow you on these sites to be somewhat surprised by how you decide to decorate, or the dress or tuxedo you choose to wear. Save some of the reveals for the day itself.
DO set up an informative and interactive website for your guests. There are many options, both paid and free (we love Appy Couple!), that can help you map out all the major details, such as directions, hotel information, registry lists and bios of the cast of characters. But add some personal touches—such as a place for song requests or a video of the proposal. Guests will appreciate these sneak peeks, and look forward to your celebrating your wedding even more!
Photo: Real Wedding Jessica and Lacey, photography by Elizabeth Lloyd
