We’ve all heard of custom filters and wedding hashtags – but did you know there are more ways to incorporate social media into your wedding day? and stay authentic? We caught up with ivorygoat’s luxury destination wedding planner and former TV production manager Hayleigh Goodman-Smith to find out more.

Capture the structure

Snapshots of you visiting your venue, cute save-the-date videos, the pre-wedding parties … documenting getting ready for the big day can be fun. “Social media is such a big part of our daily lives, and I love the idea that couples improve their brands by keeping their audiences informed of their plans,” says Hayleigh. “It’s also a great way to keep memories to look back on.”

“One of my favorite things to do is to take pictures of teasing / promo aspects like the venue, the accommodation or the menus – and to keep it tight so as not to reveal too much, but enough to inspire the guests. We can even be there to capture the moment the wedding party lands at their destination, ”she adds. There is a whole new meaning for backstage.

Live stream of the day

As with all elements of the pandemic, video technology will play a role in weddings – especially destination weddings – to involve friends and family members who cannot travel. “You could stream your entire day live (either privately via an encrypted video link to those who can’t be with you, or to your entire social media audience) or just parts of it, such as the ceremony, speeches or the first dance” says Hayleigh. “You might even want to insert real-time messages from absent family members.”

Would you like to go one step further? Hayleigh suggests having a representation of the wedding menu delivered to the doors of your missing guests “so they can have the same meal, the same champagne, and enjoy the day with you.”

Instead of burdening a guest with filming a potentially shaky live stream through an app, leave it to the professionals and you can be sure that everything is filmed and organized to the highest standards.

Arriving on the red carpet

Drum roll, please … Guests can now be carded in their carefully selected outfits upon arrival and we are here to do that. “There’s really no limit to this type of service and it’s popular with socially savvy couples who love to interact with their audience,” adds Hayleigh.

“You could have a reporter greet people when they arrive and encourage them to share stories about the couple – it can even be nicely edited to look like news coverage, cut into interviews and background video.”

Um, Meghan and Harry who?

Have a strategy after the wedding

Once all of the reminders of the day have been recorded, a clear social media strategy will help you maintain some control over what is posted. And of course a professional will ensure that everything has been processed at the highest level

“It’s about managing everything rationally and perfectly,” says Hayleigh. “Make sure you maximize the content you create and have control over when it is posted – so instead of a standard wedding hashtag, why not compile all of the day’s pictures and videos and post them from one account?” There are planners and videographers who can provide this service that not only allows anyone to take a break from posting and scrolling during the wedding, but also gives you control over the tone of voice and ensures that it is completely authentic to you.

To go offline

Of course, despite their best efforts, well-meaning guests will take it upon themselves to snap as many candid snaps of you as possible – but what if you want to restrict the use of social media at your wedding?

“Ultimately, you can’t stop people from posting – but you can be in control,” says Hayleigh. “After all, it’s your wedding day and yours alone, and guests should meet your wishes. It is crucial that they know exactly what is expected of them and that there are no gray areas. “

The first line of defense is not to allow people to fully use their phones. Look for #unpluggedwedding and you will find that it is a popular option with many couples, especially during the ceremony. Just make a note on your wedding website or in the invitations and make some polite signs for the day.

“A great way to allow guests to take photos (without the temptation to post them) is to have Polaroid cameras and a designated hanging area for guests to take and“ share ”photos – and even comments on them can write, ”adds Hayleigh. “It’s great interaction for your guests, and they make wonderful visual souvenirs for you and her.”