Nine Social Media Mistakes Wedding Guests Should Avoid

Social media mistakes wedding guests should avoid!

When it comes to today’s weddings, social media is going to be part of the scene. It’s unavoidable. Even if you are having an unplugged wedding. Even if you ask people not to post anything. Eventually, things will be shared. If you are a private person, boundaries are key. This is where social media mistakes wedding guests should avoid comes in.

For the most part, wedding guests are not trying to make mistakes when it comes to social media. They are just trying to share the joy. Maybe get some love and attention for themselves online. The intent is typically good natured. The downside is that the effects, and the impact it can have on your own privacy and plan, isn’t always ideal.

Nine Social Media Mistakes Wedding Guests Should Avoid

This post is going to go over nine social media mistakes wedding guests should avoid. You may read the mistakes and wonder who would do such a thing. You may also read the mistakes and know that your wedding guests are the type to cross that line. If you think that your wedding guests may commit one of the mistakes in this list, send them this post. Share it to your own social medias. And, of course, communicate your expectations and boundaries verbally and with signage at your wedding. It will go a long way. 

Let’s get into it!

1. POSTING A PHOTO OF THE BRIDE (OR HER GOWN) BEFORE THE CEREMONY

Posting a photo of the bride’s gown before the ceremony is one of those social media mistakes that seems almost unforgiveable, right? And, I mean, who would do such a thing?

Well, unfortunately, sometimes it happens. And it’s not cool.

Here’s the thing. It’s not always intentional. Bridesmaids may get excited with selfies and not realize the bride is in the background. An aunt may take a pic of the gown and post to her stories, not giving it a second thought. Sometimes the gown may be present, and just there, and in a photo. Mistakes happen, and they aren’t always on purpose.

Still, the way to mitigate this one is to hide your dress. Pay attention to who is taking photos ahead of your wedding. And be sure to remind them to avoid posting, if you or your gown are there.

2. SHARING PHOTOS OF THE INVTIATION ONLINE

Oh, this social media mistake is so annoying.

I know that people get excited to be invited to a wedding. However, posting a photo of the actual invite to socials is a huge no-no. Not only does it call out that some people may have not been invited, but it shares the details of the event with the world. This opens up the opportunity to wedding crashers, drama, and all sorts of uncontrollable ramifications.

If you find out someone posted your invite online, ask them to take it down. It shouldn’t be a problem.

3. TAGGING THE COUPLE IN A WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT (BEFORE THEY DO)

Can we talk a little about stealing someone’s thunder?

When it comes to big announcements, let the people with the news have their moment. Even if you are in the know. Yes, you may have gotten a call from your brother when he got engaged. This does not mean that you get to put a post out there on Facebook congratulating him and his new fiancé. Be sure to let the couple share the news of an engagement, and then comment and share as you like.

4. POSTING A SELFIE DURING THE CEREMONY

Wait, why is taking a selfie during the ceremony a social media mistake?

To be clear, this depends on the couple. If the wedding guest is at a wedding where there are requests for things to be unplugged, or cell-phone free, and they take a selfie in the mix of it, it’s rather disrespectful. Posting that selfie online is more of a slap in the face. And look, yes, there is a place and time for everything. A quick shot before the ceremony starts isn’t that big a deal. But taking a photo of yourself during the ceremony and then sharing it? Very rude.

5. GETTING IN THE WAY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER TO SNAP A PHOTO

There are whole social media accounts dedicated to these types of social media mistakes wedding guests should avoid.

When a couple gets married, they tend to do a lot of research for their photographer. And they trust that that photographer will get the photos they need. What they do not need is their photographer to return their professional photos, filled with guests raising their cell phones in the way of an otherwise great shot. Plus, guests tend to move around to get the shot. Getting in the aisle. Stepping in front of the lens. That sort of thing.

The key here is to let the professionals do their job. Wedding guests get to relax and enjoy the moment, not get in the way.

6. IGNORING REQUESTS FOR AN UNPLUGGED CEREMONY OR RECEPTION

I’ll be honest here. We had an unplugged ceremony. A sign at the front of our wedding and reminder from our officiant that our ceremony was cell-phone free.

And every single wedding guest complied.

It was important to us that our guests be present with us. That they experience our wedding with their eyes and hearts, not with their device. Did we maybe miss some great photo opportunities? Sure. Did we love the photos we got back from our photographer? Yes, definitely.

The point here is that ignoring requests for an unplugged ceremony or reception applies to everyone. It’s a big mistake for guests to ignore them. Not only can it ruin the couple’s vision for their wedding, but it takes away from your own experience.

7. POSTING PHOTOS OR DETAILS THAT ARE NOT IDEAL FOR THE COUPLE OR THEIR FAMILIES

Okay, let’s just pretend that a wedding guest is posting about the wedding, after the wedding. After the couple has posted about their own wedding. It’s all out there, for anyone to see.

Wedding guests still have the duty to post responsibly. This means that they don’t post photos of the couple that are unflattering. Or unflattering photos of of anyone, really. This means not posting details about a wedding that shouldn’t be shared online. Maybe there was a misunderstanding at the wedding. Or something wasn’t that well planned. If it involves the actual wedding, or the couple, or their close family or friends, just don’t post it.

8. BEING SNARKY OR NEGATIVE IN SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS

Not everyone has the best experience as a wedding guest. It could be the wedding itself. Or, it could be the other people who were there. In either case, this does not give you permission to be rude online.

Think about this situation. Perhaps there are other people who posted about the wedding. Happy, positive posts. And then a wedding guest comes along with negativity. Shedding some darkness in the comments. Even using the wrong emoji to react to the posting can create some drama. Yes, it’s all very petty, and it’s still social media mistakes that wedding guests should avoid.

The key here? If you don’t have something nice to say, say nothing at all. Or, at least leave it off social media.

9. ANNOUNCING BIG NEWS ON THE COUPLE’S WEDDING DAY (STEALING THEIR THUNDER)

Last social media mistake! Stealing thunder, which is a Friends reference.

Part of being a good family member, friend, and wedding guest, means letting the couple have their moment. The attention. The praise. All the things that come with having a wedding. Yes, you may have some news. Maybe you’re getting married next week. Or you got engaged yesterday. You might be pregnant, or got a new job, or whatever good things or big things are going on.

Good or bad, wait to share your news. In person, and on social media. Not only is it the right thing to do, but you’ll get more attention for it when the time is right. You’d want your friend to do the same for you, right?

THOUGHTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA MISTAKES WEDDING GUESTS SHOULD AVOID

Friends, there are so many social media mistakes wedding guests should avoid out there. The list can go on and on. Long story short, when in doubt, don’t post anything. Wait. Ask another person’s opinion. Look at the photos, the backgrounds of the photos, and the context of the photos, before you share. Think before you comment. Just be mature, and be kind. Let the couple have their moments, without drama. You’ve got this!

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