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13 Jul, 2013

Social Media at Weddings: “Consequences of hasty sharing can be catastrophic”

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SUNNYVALE, Calif.-July 11, 2013-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Wedding season is in full swing in the U.S. If you aren’t jetting off to a wedding every other weekend, chances are your social media accounts have been invaded with an overwhelming number of wedding posts and photos. You are not alone. In fact, seven in 10 twitter-using wedding guests admitted to tweeting about a wedding while in attendance* and five in 10 guests “checked in” to a wedding using Facebook or Foursquare.

Wedding Paper Divas recently conducted a survey exposing some eye-opening facts about the way technology, mobile devices and social media are impacting and transforming weddings: the average guest shared 22 wedding-related photos to social media sites, and four in 10 recent wedding guests reported a specific hashtag was provided and social sharing was encouraged.

“While it may seem insignificant, the consequences of hasty sharing can be catastrophic,” said Amber Harrison, wedding and etiquette maven at Wedding Paper Divas. “A once-in-a-lifetime moment was ruined recently when an overzealous bridesmaid posted a photo of the bride in her wedding dress shortly before the wedding ceremony. The groom first saw his beautiful bride as a tiny image on Facebook, as opposed walking down the aisle toward him.”

Harrison offers top tips for summer wedding guests and those planning future weddings:

  • Set the tone: If you want your guests to engage online make sure you communicate it clearly. Use your wedding website or a printed enclosure card sent with the invitation to share the wedding hashtag and any preferences for social sharing.
  • Follow that bride/groom: Take a cue from the online behavior of the betrothed. If they are frequently sharing photos of cake tastings and potential floral arrangements, chances are it is ok for you to join the conversation.
  • Think before you post: Be very thoughtful and deliberate about what and when you choose to post. When in doubt, hold off. Nothing will be harmed by waiting a few hours, or even days, to post that photo.

There is no right or wrong way when it comes to technology and social media at weddings. Whether it’s a wedding with a custom hashtag or an ‘unplugged’ wedding, it is important for the engaged couple to establish the tone and make a decision about what best suits them, so they can clearly communicate those wishes to guests along the way.

Just a phone call or click away, complimentary etiquette guidance is also available by phone, live chat, on the Wedding Paper Divas blog, and on Twitter and Facebook.

*An online survey of 1,005 adults, age 18 to 54, who attended at least one wedding in the past 12 months was conducted April 3 to 6, 2013. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3 ppt. The survey was administered by Decipher, Inc.