Social media has become part of how we celebrate life’s big moments, and your wedding is no exception. But what couples don’t always think about is how they want the day to be shared, and by who.
Do you want guests live-streaming the ceremony from the front row? Do you want to be tagged in blurry dancefloor videos before you've even had dessert? Or would you rather create a thoughtful plan for capturing and sharing moments in a way that still feels true to the day?
Here’s how to use social media for your wedding without it turning into a phone-in-the-face free-for-all.
1. Have a Conversation About It Early
Before you set up a hashtag or invite your cousin to manage the group chat, have a proper chat about what social media means to both of you. Are you the type to post your ceremony on TikTok? Or are you more private, preferring to keep things for close friends and family?
Agreeing on your boundaries early means you can communicate them clearly to guests and your suppliers. It also means you won’t end up feeling uncomfortable if something goes online that you weren’t expecting.
2. Ask Your Photographer for Advice
Your wedding photographer does more than take pretty pictures. They’re used to working in different environments and know how couples tend to use their photos after the day.
Ask them for:
Tips on when and where to capture the most shareable shots
Ideas for ‘must-have’ content moments (e.g. confetti throw, outfit reveal, sunset portraits)
A preview turnaround if you’d like to share a few highlights quickly
Their views on having a content creator alongside them (more on this in a minute)
Photographers often have strong opinions about this, so it’s worth getting their insight. Some are happy to collaborate with content creators, others prefer space to work without distractions.
3. Consider Hiring a Content Creator
A growing trend in the wedding industry is the wedding content creator. This isn’t your photographer or videographer – it’s someone who captures iPhone-style, behind-the-scenes footage for you to share on social media.
They’ll usually:
Film clips of moments you might miss (like guests arriving or table details being set)
Capture informal videos and vertical shots ideal for Instagram or TikTok
Edit a few clips on the day or the next morning so you have something to post while the full photos are still being edited
It’s a smart way to balance wanting modern, relaxed content without relying on guests to take charge (or take over).
4. Set the Tone for Your Guests
One of the easiest ways to avoid a sea of phones during your ceremony is to politely ask guests to put them away. Most people won’t mind at all – they just need a little nudge.
You could:
Include a note in your invite or wedding website
Add a sign at the ceremony entrance
Ask your celebrant to announce it before you walk down the aisle
This isn’t about being strict. It’s about allowing your guests to be present, and making sure your photographer has a clear shot of the aisle without someone’s iPad in the way.
If there are specific parts of the day you’re happy for people to share – like the evening dancing – get your celebrant to say that too. It helps manage expectations and keeps things fun.
5. Stream Important Moments for Loved Ones Abroad
If someone important can’t be there in person, live-streaming parts of the day can be a great solution. But don’t just stick your phone on a chair and hope for the best.
Instead:
Choose one or two moments to stream (like the ceremony or speeches)
Assign a guest or hire a professional to manage the stream
Test the tech beforehand – internet connection, audio quality, power supply
Keep it simple: YouTube Live or Zoom work well and are easy for guests to join
This way, people who can’t travel still get to feel part of the day, without the pressure of watching everything through a screen.
6. Plan How You'll Share Afterwards
Once the day is over, you’ll probably want to relive it. Instead of dumping every video onto your grid the next morning, think about how you want to curate the story.
Some ideas:
Use Instagram story highlights to group content: ‘Morning Prep’, ‘The Dress’, ‘First Dance’
Create a private shared album where friends and family can upload their favourite photos and videos
Post content in batches – teaser photo, behind-the-scenes clip, the full gallery when it arrives
Save one or two favourite moments for your anniversary or a rainy day scroll
You don’t have to rush. Sharing gradually gives you something to enjoy in the weeks that follow and makes each post feel more special.
7. Skip the Hashtag Unless There's a Real Reason
Wedding hashtags had their moment, but unless you’ve got a very social-media-savvy crowd, most people won’t remember to use it.
If you do want one:
Keep it short and easy to spell
Display it in a few key places like the bar, photo booth or guestbook table
Don’t expect guests to use it during the ceremony – most won’t have their phones out!
It’s more useful for the evening when people are taking photos or having fun on the dancefloor.
Final Thought: Choose What’s Right for You
Social media is a tool – not a rule. It can help you share your day with loved ones, capture moments you might miss, and look back on memories in a modern way. But it should never feel like a performance.
Set boundaries that feel right, ask for help from professionals, and make space to enjoy the day without worrying about what's being posted. And if you don’t want anyone to post your wedding on social media, then say so.
You only get one shot at your wedding day. Let the right people capture it, the right way.