Likes, Tags, and Vows: Social Media Etiquette for Weddings

In today’s world, if your wedding isn’t trending, did it even happen? With everyone being camera-ready 24/7 and even grandma knowing how to use Instagram filters, social media is practically another guest at your event. But while we love the idea of friends capturing joyful moments, there’s a growing need for some gentle etiquette when it comes to what gets posted—and when.

Let’s start with the ceremony. It’s the most intimate part of your day, and many couples want it to feel sacred, not like a pop-up press conference. If you’d prefer your guests to be fully present rather than watching through a screen, it’s perfectly okay to request an “unplugged” ceremony. This doesn’t have to come across as harsh—there are plenty of kind, creative ways to set the tone. A simple line on your invitations or wedding website such as, “We invite you to be fully present with us during the ceremony—please silence and put away your devices,” goes a long way. You can also place a sweet sign at the ceremony entrance with a message like, “Unplugged Ceremony: Cameras down, love up,” or ask your officiant to give a heartfelt reminder before things begin. Most guests are more than happy to respect the moment once they know what you’re hoping for.

Now let’s talk timing. One common issue couples run into is guests sharing photos before they’ve even had the chance to post themselves. It’s your day, your story—you should be the first to tell it. A gentle way to handle this is to include a note in your program or website that says something like, “We can’t wait to share our favorite moments soon—please wait to post until we do!” It keeps things light while still setting the expectation. If you’re planning to encourage posting later in the evening, you can even create a fun wedding hashtag and set a “go live” time. Think: “#TeamTampaWedding goes live after 10 p.m.—let’s flood the feed together!” It makes guests feel like they’re part of the fun instead of being restricted.

And if you’re dreaming of a few magical, screen-free moments without turning your wedding into a phone-free zone, there are creative ways to make that happen. Consider setting up a table with disposable cameras, encouraging guests to “go retro” and snap candid moments the old-fashioned way. You might also plan a special surprise—like a live performance, a private vow exchange, or a wow-factor reveal—that guests will naturally want to experience in real-time rather than from behind a phone. When the moment is unforgettable, people tend to forget about their screens anyway.

At Elegant Evening Events, we believe your wedding day should be lived first and liked second. Social media can absolutely enhance your celebration—when it’s done thoughtfully. We help our couples create a balance between capturing memories and protecting the sacredness of the day, so it feels intentional and uniquely yours. Whether you want a full-on unplugged event or just a few “please hold off” boundaries, we’re here to make sure your guests are clued in without killing the vibe. We’ve included a little social media strategy below for you to serve as a guide for your wedding day because the best weddings are the ones that feel amazing at the moment and look great on the gram.

Wedding Day Social Media Strategy

A guide by Elegant Evening Events to help you protect the magic, while still capturing the moment

1. Define Your Comfort Zone

Ask yourselves:

• Do we want an unplugged ceremony?

• Are we okay with guests sharing photos throughout the day?

• Do we want to post first before guests do?

• Are there specific moments we do want to go viral (e.g., first dance, cake smash)?

We’ll help you figure out what feels right, then we craft messaging around that tone—whether it’s chill and friendly or elegant and intentional.

2. Craft Your Messaging

Once you know your preferences, we’ll help you communicate them clearly and kindly. This can go in:

• Your wedding website

• Invitations or details card

• Ceremony signage

• Program notes

• Announcements by your officiant or DJ

Example:“We kindly ask guests to put phones away during our ceremony so you can be fully present with us in this special moment. Don’t worry—we’ll share our favorite photos soon!”

3. Choose Your Hashtag (or Not!)

If you're okay with guests posting during or after the event, create a fun hashtag so all your memories are easy to find in one place. Keep it short, unique, and easy to spell.

Example:#CheersToTheConrads or #TeamTampaWedding

We’ll make sure it’s on your signage, welcome display, and photo booth area if you have one.

4. Designate Your “Share Time”

Want to be the first to post your wedding day pic? Let your guests know! Pick a time that works for you—maybe after a cocktail hour or the next day.

Example:“We’d love to share our favorite moments before the world sees them. Feel free to post after we share our first post tomorrow!”

This keeps the focus on the experience, while still encouraging guests to engage.

5. Create Screen-Free Magic Moments

You don’t need a totally unplugged wedding to have special no-phone moments. We can help plan a few unforgettable experiences—like a candlelit ceremony, first dance, or private vow exchange—where guests are gently asked to be present without their phones. We can also provide cute signage or a quick announcement to set the tone.

6. Bonus: VIP Guidelines

Consider assigning someone on your wedding party (a social-savvy bridesmaid, sibling, etc.) to monitor and gently remind guests of your wishes. If you’re hiring a content creator or social media manager, they’ll also help manage the posting flow.