How To Have An Instagram Perfect Wedding

Ah, the Instagram perfect wedding. Is it really even a thing?

Now, we all know what I’m talking about, right? A wedding that is so breathtaking that it just has to be shared over and over on social media. In particular, on Instagram, which is arguably the most “visual” of the platforms (though Pinterest is also up there). A wedding that will make its mark on the web, and allow you to gain some notoriety as time goes on.

I promise that with some intention you can totally have an Instagram perfect wedding. It will surely make some great memories, too. And, if you’re trying to grow on social media, this will help. You may even end up getting featured on a big wedding account, and your vendors will have no problem with that at all. But, I digress. Let’s get back to how you can make it all happen.

There is Instagram, and then there is Reality, and we aren’t really going to go there today. Today, we’re talking about having a wedding that really is one to be shared and coveted for years to come. Below are the ways you can make it happen. Pick and choose which tips work best for you to have an Instagram perfect wedding!

SHOWCASE UNIQUE ITEMS

Unique or unusual weddings tend to gather a lot of attention online. It could be that they are interesting to take photos of. Or, that they inspire others to try something similar. Either way, if you want an Instagram perfect wedding, think about what can be unique at your wedding.

For example, an unusual seating figuration may be the route that you go. Or, you have a flair for crafts and your wedding has gorgeous handmade items that can be featured. It could be that you forgo the traditional white wedding dress, and add a little drama with a red or black one. Whatever is unexpected is what you would want to highlight when you’re ready to post your wedding online, if you want to gain some notoriety.

TAKE PHOTOS OF INSTAGRAM PERFECT WEDDING FOOD

Everyone loves a good food photo, right? There are entire accounts dedicated to it. This is why you should make sure lots and lots of photos are taken of the food at your wedding, and that the food is “Instagram perfect”.

Not sure what I mean by that? Well, while you’re hiring a caterer, look for photos of their food. Does it look visually appealing? Are you hiring a photographer who has experience with food photography? Is your wedding planner able to come prepared with any extra items to make food look a bit more appealing? For example, interesting serving utensils, extra lighting, or even a cool tablecloth can add appeal to a food photo.

When in doubt, focus on the cocktails, appetizers, and late-night snacks. They are always a social media darling to be shared.

HIRE AN AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHER

As I mentioned above, the number one thing that Instagram is known for is imagery. Yes, it has drifted from stagnant photos to videos in recent years, but the basis is still the same. An image is an image, and if it’s not captured correctly it’s not Instagram perfect.

So, if you want to have an Instagram perfect wedding, you need to have the right photographer. One who understands lighting, placement, and has the right equipment. Yes, of course, you can post just about any image to Instagram, but the ones that get attention have some skill behind them. Choose your photographer wisely.

LOOK AT WHAT’S TRENDING ON INSTAGRAM (AKA OTHER INSTAGRAM PERFECT WEDDINGS)

Okay, okay, I know I said to highlight was unique about your wedding. However, trends are still trends for a reason. In some cases, you can get a lot of attention by doing what others are doing. In fact, it’s great to do this, and also put your own spin on it.

Not sure what’s trending on Instagram right now? Well, start by paying attention to the season that you’re in. If we’re entering a new season, and your wedding showcases it, play it up. Spring, fall, and winter all trend at certain times of the year. Additionally, you can showcase certain hashtags that are popular (more on that later).

To be a bit more current, Instagram has a few trending items in 2022. For example, welcome walls are really popular. They can be lined with drinks, or favors. Flower backdrops are trending, as are neon signs. Pressed flowers had their moment to shine last year, but are still trending, especially in the springtime.

MAKE VIDEOS WITH REELS IN MIND

As I mentioned above, Instagram is really into videos right now. Especially reels. If you’ve never heard of them before, these are 10-20 second videos that grab attention, .

Weddings are always fun for reels, and there are a ton of creative things you can do. For example, showcasing a “before and after” of your venue space, getting ready, or any sort of transformation can gain a lot of views. Zooming in on the groom as his fiancé walks down the aisle always gets likes and shares. Fun vows, speeches, and toasts are great to showcase. First looks for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and fathers also get attention.

The key with videos is to try to capture footage, even if you don’t know how it will go later. If you need inspiration before your wedding, check out a few reels on popular wedding feeds before you get married, and ask a trusted friend to help you out with the footage.

HIGHLIGHT THE ROMANCE

Weddings are about romance, right? So, get your romance on in order to have an Instagram perfect wedding!

This could mean candid photos of you and your partner, finding opportunities to showcase your love, or even staging a few scenes. Anything goes. Remember, in the moment it may feel awkward. You may even be unsure how laying in a field or standing at the bottom of a staircase will turn out romantic in a photo. Just go with it.

If you want to create more ambiance in your wedding, consider having candles, soft lighting, or other elements to bring out the romance.

CONSIDER LIGHTING AND TIME OF DAY

When it comes to a great image, lighting is everything. Really. And while it can be edited after the fact, there’s nothing like natural light that shines through a photo.

If you want your wedding to be Instagram perfect, be sure to discuss the light with your photographer ahead of the big day. If you’re getting married in the right elements, at the right time of day, your photographer may not have to do much to help enhance the photos they take. However, if your wedding is in harsh or dim light, work may need to be done.

If your photographer is aware of your intent with your photos after your wedding, they can come prepared. They may have extra shades, lights, or tools to help bring out the “shareable” in your photos. Or, they can tell you what they recommend so you can help them along.

To learn more about wedding lighting, check out this post.

HIGHLIGHT THOUGHTFUL ITEMS AT YOUR INSTAGRAM PERFECT WEDDING

People are always looking for inspiring visuals online to them plan their own weddings. If you have some thoughtful items for your guests, showcase them!

For example, you may have bathroom baskets created for your guests with cute signs. Or, your favors are laid out in a really appealing way. Your place cards might be super simple and sweet. It could be that you have added touches at your wedding like cozy blankets, fans, and hand sanitizer. Whatever it is that is thoughtful, and visually appealing, make sure a photo is taken of it. It will inspire and help others to see and share it.

USE THE RIGHT HASHTAGS

Hashtags are really misunderstood. At best, they help others search and find relevant items on the internet. At worst, they are a bunch of symbols and words that don’t mean anything.

Yes, with a unique hashtag (#kibildis2017, anyone?), those who know about it will be able to find your wedding in a cinch. However, the outside public may not know how to look for it. This is why you should use the appropriate number of unique hashtags (usually 15-25) when you share your wedding photos, paired with some that are very searchable.

For example, you could create a hashtag that is unique to your wedding. Tell it to your guests and vendors. Put it on your website. Create signs and place them all over your wedding. When the time comes, definitely use the hashtag when you get on social media.

In addition to the one you created, use common ones like #gettingmarried, #weddingvenue, #weddingphotos, and not so common ones that are relevant to your wedding like #sonomawedding, #verawangdress, and #weddingdessertcups. A mix of the two will allow much more people to find your wedding online.

ADDITIONAL TIP: BUDGET FRIENDLY PHOTOS

Okay, so you may be wondering how you can have an Instagram perfect wedding without breaking the bank. Well, let me share with you, as my last tip, that you can totally make it happen.

The key here is to focus on what you’re already going to pay for at your wedding. Be sure to share your décor, anything unique, and of course, food. Cocktails with interesting garnishes or glasses will impress others online. If you have a venue with a view, a historical building, or a blooming garden, highlight it. All of these things will make your wedding shine, even if you can’t afford to “go big”.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

There are lots of different reasons why someone would want an Instagram perfect wedding. It may be that you just like pretty photos for yourself. Or, you want to share them online and have them inspire others. Perhaps you want to catch the eye of a large wedding account and have your wedding featured. No matter the reason, with some intent, you can make it happen. Happy wedding planning!