It is hard to deny the impact that social media has had on culture as a whole. It seems that every couple of years, a brand new platform emerges and gives a voice to a generation. TikTok, for example, has fast become one of the most popular apps to come about in recent times. While many people associate the platform with coordinated dances, humorous lipreads, and educational info dumps, the app has also had a massive impact on the wedding industry. Specifically, couples are using this social media option as a way of discovering new and exciting registry gifts.
If you’re looking for some exciting additions to include on your own wedding registry, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at your options. Review these items made popular by TikTok and see how you can get more out of your gift experience.
Colorful Stemware On Social Media
Glassware and stemware have long been essential items to add to a registry list. However, the trend had always revolved around purchasing traditional options that the couple can use for many years to come. After many TikTok users began posting themselves drinking out of stemware with color-tinted glass, however, it introduced couples to a much more vibrant option. If you’re looking to add a few unique pieces to your gift list, consider colored drinkware produced by trusted brands like Estelle. Whether you use the glasses or merely keep them as decoration, you will appreciate the aesthetic offered.
Broom-Vacuum Hybrid
Many couples purchase a first home after tying the knot. For this reason, nearlyweds have often found it sensible to add certain gadgets and appliances to wedding registries in order to cut back on how much they will have to spend on essentials down the line. Thanks to social media, a brand new device has been introduced in terms of keeping homes clean: a broom-vacuum hybrid. As the name suggests, this device is a combination of both a vacuum cleaner and a broom. When you’re looking to make cleanup a snap, this is a device worth considering.
Digital Projector Rising On Social media
Once upon a time, projectors were a very common item to gift to couples for their weddings. Before the age of the internet and digital photography, couples would use projectors as a way of showing friends and family images from their honeymoons and other important vacations. Though the trend went away with the advent of digital cameras, TikTok has seen a huge resurgence in the popularity of projectors. Whether you’re looking for a retro way to project your pics or you want to host a movie night in your home, a digital projector may be the perfect addition to your list.
Music Displays
Though far from the most convenient way of listening to music in the current day and age, records have remained popular among audiophiles and collectors for decades. This has been made apparent with the younger generation, as countless TikTok posts center around playing records. One fun piece of décor that has emerged from the app is a frame that can be used to display a record currently being played. The “now playing” frame is an affordable and fun item to add to your registry, whether you actually play your records or you simply like to display the cover art.
Juice Anywhere
Some people are constantly on the go. For this reason, it makes sense that plenty of TikTok videos are centered around ways to make travel easier and more fun. If you’re someone who loves the taste of fresh juice, then a travel juicer you can take wherever you go is a helpful addition to consider.
Though TikTok and other social media platforms are used for a variety of reasons, plenty of couples have been scouring the apps in order to find fun and exciting gift options. Consider the options listed here or dive into the app yourself to find something unique to add to your list.
The world of social media has become quite vital to the daily lives of countless people across the world. Whether used as a way of sharing pictures, promoting a business or brand, discussing important topics, or showcasing special milestone moments, there are a plethora of reasons people flock to social sites like Instagram and Facebook. For all of the benefits of this connection, however, there are just as many cons. Plenty of people get too invested in social engagement, allowing negative emotions to dominate them when “doomscrolling” through their feeds.
When it comes to weddings, couples tend to be split on the best way to incorporate social media into their events. Some want their guests to keep their phones out and to record and share everything as they please. Others prefer unplugged events where the usage of devices is asked to be kept to a minimum. To figure out a good course of action for your nuptials, look over this quick overview.
The Social Media Moment
If you’ve been to a wedding in the last decade, you likely were one of many people who snapped photos and videos. That also includes shared hashtags, and tagged friends and relatives in albums on social media. It makes sense to want people to capture and promote your big day. As you will want to focus a majority of your own attention on enjoying the event and not looking at your phone. Instead of just being general about how guests go about sharing, you can consider a “social media moment” as part of your celebrations.
Essentially, a social media moment is a chance for all guests to grab some great photos at the same time. For example, you might have something special planned for your first dance with your spouse. Having the emcee give the crowd a slight advance notice to get their cameras out for a “social media moment” can help everyone be prepared for the most sharable and captivating parts of your nuptials.
The Unplugged Affair
On the flip side of things, there is the unplugged wedding. According to countless studies, social media usage has led to huge increases in the number of people who are suffering from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, feelings of inferiority, feelings of apathy, and a myriad of other horrible things. Though most of these problems come from how social media is being managed by the brands that run them, the effects are still very real and very problematic. This has led plenty of couples to move away from digital devices on their big day.
Taking pictures of a wedding might help to capture it forever but it takes the person shooting the photo out of the moment. When all of your guests are watching the wedding through the cameras on their phones, few are actually connecting to what is happening. Pushing for an unplugged wedding doesn’t mean people need to leave their phones in a basket when they enter the venue; it simply means you’re suggesting guests keep usage to a minimum in order to maximize their enjoyment of the wedding.
The Final Thoughts
You don’t necessarily need to go all-or-nothing when you’re exploring your options with social media and your wedding. For a few couples, the decision to use digital devices is placed entirely on the guests. You can create hashtags and ask guests to snap pics of some specific moments for you to encourage a bit of usage, but you can also let guests know that there’s no need to share anything if they don’t feel inclined. When all is said and done, you should pick whatever makes you feel the most excited about your big day.
Think about how you want your event to unfold before you make final decisions on the social media front. With a little time to ponder what you really want, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect fit.
Weddings are a chance to celebrate with all of your friends and relatives. Naturally, the night is going to go by so fast that you may barely remember any of it. To preserve the moment so that you can relive it later, consider how social media can help. Social sites like Facebook and Instagram provide users with the opportunity to share their wedding pictures, create live feeds of events, and organize media in a way that creates a perfect look at all of the festivities.
From creating a hashtag to designing a custom filter, there are a few great options that can help you get more from your social media experience. Explore these ideas and find the perfect fit for your big day.
The Hashtag
Wedding hashtags have become increasingly more prevalent in recent years. The idea is simple: Creating a custom tag allows guests a chance to share their own photos and videos of the event in a way others will be able to find. You want to come up with a tag that is unique so that no other couples have already used it. Adding your wedding date to the end of the tag ups the odds of it being available.
Some people view the process of creating a hashtag as a science. If you’re unfamiliar with basic digital marketing concepts, do a little research into how tags operate on social sites and get more from your experience.
The Live Factor
Getting everyone you care about together under one roof is easier said than done. Whether geography or health concerns are keeping you from those you wish to see, the digital age has brought forth some amazing solutions to help you close the gaps in distance. Sites like Facebook allow users the opportunity to post live feeds of whatever they wish. If you have friends and relatives scattered around the globe, going live for a specific portion of the event can make everyone feel included on the festivities.
The Filter
In the last few years, camera filters have become a core component in how many image-based social sites work. Instagram and Snapchat are perfect examples of applications that allow users the chance to alter their faces and environments with silly and artistic filter systems. If you really want to make your big day feel unique, consider creating a custom filter. While you might need some help from a professional with tech know-how, there are many fun and creative ways to use a personalized filter to enhance the enjoyment of your wedding.
The Shared Experience
Social sites have made a number of advancements since first coming around. Once, albums could be shared on sites like Facebook by individuals who wanted to show photos to followers. Now, you can create albums that multiple people have access to. This can be advantageous for weddings because it allows guests an easy spot to store their photos. You can even set up a projector and have the night’s photos and videos displayed as a slide show as each new file is uploaded.
The No Social Media Rule
Despite how popular social sites have become, there are still many people who don’t feel comfortable sharing their private moments online. While you might want guests to take pictures, you may not wish for these images to wind up on Facebook or Twitter. If this is the case, you absolutely need to mention this on your invitations or at least on the day of the wedding. Most people will assume sharing media is fine unless told otherwise, so stay on top of this if it is your wish.
Social media has made life more interesting in a handful of ways. If you’re looking to infuse digital elements into your nuptials, devise a plan that incorporates a handful of social media elements.
Many couples are still planning to tie the knot this year despite COVID-19, so take a look at these 2020 wedding trends to inspire your big day.
According to national statistics, more than 150,000 weddings take place each year in Canada. While this might seem like a lot, nations like the United States see close to 2.4 million in the same time period, though obviously COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in many couples’ plans. With so many couples normally tying the knot on an annual basis, it comes as no surprise that wedding trends come and go quickly. If you want to stay on top of the latest fads sweeping the world of nuptials, note that there are some interesting options on the horizon. Consider these 2020 wedding trends to inspire your own big day.
Ring Flings
Experts in the jewelry industry have noted a number of significant shifts in how couples have been purchasing wedding rings over the last few years. While it was once commonplace for one person in the relationship to select the engagement ring, for example, it is now typical for the couple to make this selection together. This is largely due to the decline in popularity of the “surprise proposal.” Couples more often want to feel prepared to tackle marriage and will come to the decision together.
When choosing your wedding band, note that a popular option at the moment is to opt for yellow gold instead of platinum. Many people are also turning away from generic rings in the search for unique pieces that have interesting histories. This has led to many jewelers offering customized options instead of the standard cuts and settings.
Sustainability Requirements
The world has been through some rough predicaments in recent years, including the current pandemic. From catastrophic fires in Southern California and Australia to massive garbage islands floating in the oceans, more people than ever are concerned with how their choices impact the global environment. Weddings are no exception to these concerns, and among the wedding trends popular now is the idea of the eco-friendly event. There are a number of ways people are going about this, including using recycled paper for invitations, going plastic-free for the reception, or working with caterers to eliminate food waste.
Flower Power
Wedding trends this year also include what floral arrangements couples are investing in. So far, florists have stated that 2020 is unique because it is all about local options. Instead of preferring a specific type of blossom, couples are more likely to work with gardens and flower shops in their communities to discover what’s in season. Outdoor weddings have also become very fashionable, especially to maximize social distance and reduce the risk of COVID-19, with a number of couples deciding against flowers altogether to allow the natural scenery to shine through. If you’re on a tight budget, these floral trends can be a great way to save money on your event.
A Piece of Cake
Cake preferences also tend to change from one year to the next. In 2020, a number of wedding planners are reporting that couples are switching away from the idea of having a single cake as the crowning dessert piece. Instead, it is more common for a wedding to feature a number of smaller confections. Not only does this add some nice variety to the event, it also provides couples with the chance to offer dessert options to individuals with dietary restrictions or severe allergies. Last but not least, it minimizes the likelihood of food contamination during the age of COVID-19.
Social Media Influence
The growing popularity of social media has also had an impact on wedding trends in 2020. Plenty of couples fall under the spell of influencers and the illusion of perfection created through Instagram. Using sites like Pinterest can also be a useful way to feel inspired and discover some clever DIY ideas. Whether you use it sparingly or go all out to copy a particular style, social media can definitely prove invaluable while planning.
Staying abreast of the latest trends can be useful when planning a wedding. Understanding the biggest fads helps you understand what you like and what you don’t want involved in your big day.
Social media will play a role in your wedding whether you use it or not, so take a look at these tips about how best to utilize it to your advantage.
Though the concept has only really existed for the last decade or so, social media has fast become a regular aspect of everyday life. Whether you absolutely love endlessly scrolling through Facebook and Twitter feeds or you’d rather not bother with all the noise, it can be important to stop to think about how social media can impact your wedding day. You might not use Instagram, but you can bet most of your guests do and will be looking to share a ton of pictures throughout your event.
Luckily, social media doesn’t need to take up a ton of your mental space when you’re planning for your wedding. All you need to do is take a look at some of these tips and see how you can easily integrate modern trends with your own special event.
Hashtags Matter
In regards to social media, one of the biggest considerations is the hashtag. A hashtag is a simple and effective way to group together various posts on the internet so that people can easily find the posts later. Since you want to be able to scour the internet at some point for all images related to your wedding, a clever hashtag can help you find exactly what you’re looking for and weed out all the excess.
While you don’t want to spend too long thinking up something creative, having a unique hashtag can definitely make a difference. You want the hashtag to be unique enough to ensure no one else has used the same tag before. Often, coming up with a clever pun based on your name or your partner’s name can make for a fitting and sometimes funny tag. If you’re having too much trouble creating a name, try to ask for help or just ditch the idea altogether and figure out a better way to scour social media for relevant images.
Unplug the Masses
You might also be the type of person who absolutely hates the idea of social media. On the day of your wedding, you may want to have all eyes on you instead of constantly looking down at a phone. While there are many reasons to allow guests to stay connected throughout your big day, you also might want to enforce some “no phone” rules now and again to keep your guests present. There might be some pushback from this, but hey, it is your wedding day!
Putting a “no phone” policy into effect during your wedding can be a bit challenging. You’ll most likely want guests to feel free to use their phones at certain points, especially during the reception. The best thing to do is have someone make an announcement early stating that the couple would prefer if guests limited phone use throughout the night, especially when speeches or toasts are taking place. Though it might seem like an impossible request, you’ll be surprised by how many guests actually listen.
When To Share Your Own Moments
Though most brides and grooms tend to ditch their own phones when the big day rolls in, there are plenty of couples who are obsessed with their phones. While it can be fun to play with filters and favorite shots right away, you’ll find it is way better for your own mental energy to wait until after your honeymoon to start posting. Allow yourself time to really experience married life for a moment before you start posting your “Just Married” pictures across all your social media accounts.
Social media might be a somewhat new invention, but it most likely will be around for many years to come. Get the most out of your big day by knowing when to take advantage of social media and when to let it be and just enjoy the moment.
If you’re like many couples, a wedding website may be part of your online strategy for keeping guests up to date before the big day.
If you’re like many couples, a wedding website may be part of your online strategy for keeping guests up to date before the big day. Deciding to start your own is one thing, but it’s quite another to set it up and use it wisely. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual or you need easy point-and-click solutions for launching an online presence for your upcoming nuptials, you’ll want to pay attention to a few pieces of sage wisdom.
Choosing a Provider
Although many wedding website providers are based in the United States, several of them offer their services to Canadian couples. New ones launch frequently, but current popular providers include Joy, The Knot, and Wedding Wire Canada. As you shop around, you’ll want to confirm whether each one supplies full-featured support for Canadian users. Some may allow you to set up a site, for example, but not offer shipping services outside the United States for purchases from your gift registry. Typical wedding website features you may want to look for include the following:
Page designs with customizable fonts, layouts, and colors
Photo uploads
Easy social media sharing
Planning tools and calendars
Gift registry capabilities
Digital invitations
Online RSVPs
Depending on the service, you may be able to keep most or all of your wedding planning activities within one site or app. That’s especially true if it allows guests to RSVP online and provides features such as timeline, planning calendars, budget creation tools, and expense tracking logs. You can still supplement your efforts with other tools like Pinterest or Evernote, but you can depend on features like these to assist you in staying organized.
Getting the Most Out of Your Website
Once you’ve selected a service and signed up for an online presence, your real work is just beginning. You’ll need to use your wedding site effectively to help you stay on track. At the same time, you also want it to give guests the information they need in an easy-to-read, aesthetically pleasing format.
In a January 2018 Brides article, writer Jaimie Mackey outlines several helpful hints for your little piece of web real estate. First, she suggests letting your wedding’s theme guide you in choosing a design. Some providers use the same visual styles in both their website templates and digital invitations, but you can get by with pairing the general look and feel of your site with your invitations and décor. Mackey also recommends opting for password protection so only invitees can see extensive event details. Make sure you mention critical information on your pages:
Each day’s events timeline
Driving directions to your events
Airport, hotel, and shuttle transportation specifics
Your site is the perfect tool to convey other useful information to your friends and family. It’s a good idea to suggest local activities, attractions, and cuisine options for your out-of-town attendees. Meanwhile, you can also explain cultural and religious customs that may not be familiar to some attendees. For instance, one guest Offbeat Bride contributor discussed in an April 2014 post how she and her spouse created a frequently asked questions, or FAQ page, to share details about their Asatru-Catholic interfaith ceremony.
Choose Your Tools Wisely
Besides announcing your upcoming nuptials and giving your guests subtle cues about its theme and style, your wedding website is also a valuable resource to communicate important information. More than that, many providers offer powerful online tools to ensure that you stay up to date and don’t lose track of critical details such as guest counts and expenses. When included as part of your total planning strategy, your site and social media presences can complement each other to keep attendees informed and build excitement about your special day.
Marriage is not a new concept. In fact, the idea of two people bringing their assets together and forming a union is a tradition that goes back thousands of years and spans countless cultures. Despite the fact that it is an old tradition, the actual act of marriage is one that has shifted a lot since it first came about. In fact, wedding traditions seem to change on a regular basis these days. If you are planning for a wedding, you might be curious about which wedding fads are the most popular in Canada right now.
By focusing on some of the more popular trends surrounding modern weddings, you will be able to get an idea of what you would like to see for your own special day. Take a moment to explore some of the popular methods. With a bit of time, you will easily be able to see which of the current wedding trends fits your needs the most.
Incorporating Social Media
It is difficult to discuss wedding fads sweeping Canada without acknowledging the internet. Social media has revolutionized the way people all over the world are approaching their weddings. Once upon a time, you would have to wait weeks for film to develop in order to see what you looked like in your wedding outfit. Now, someone with a smartphone can show you how you look with each passing second of the day. This is just one way social media and technology have reshaped the world of matrimony.
One popular move people make these days with social media and weddings is changing their names on sites like Facebook. Traditionally, a wedding between a man and a woman results in the wife taking on the husband’s name. Some couples opt to keep their own names, but the people who decide to change their names often waste no time. Changing your last name on social media is something that many brides do right after the ceremony has ended. Find clever ways to work social media into your wedding to see results that go with the times.
Tagging Appropriately
Among the wedding fads that are sweeping Canada and the rest of the world is hashtagging. For years now, hashtags have surfaced across hundreds of platforms to help internet users find trending topics or relevant posts. Creating a customized hashtag for your wedding is a surefire way for you to ensure that all of the pictures from your special day are in a centralized spot. As the person in charge of the wedding, it is your responsibility to make sure that people know what the hashtag for the event is going to be.
There are several ways to inform the guests of the hashtag. Have the exact phrase for the tag printed out and displayed prominently for guests to see when they pick up their seating cards. You also might want to have the DJ or emcee make the announcement once or twice throughout the night. When all of the pictures and posts from an event are under the same tag, you will be able to navigate the memories of your special day without much trouble.
Do It Your Way
No matter how popular the trend might be, it is important to remember that this is your wedding. If you neglect to remember this fact, you could easily be assembling a wedding that does not meet your own specifications. Weigh out each of the trends that you read about and see if it is something that makes sense for your own special day. By taking the time to really discover a plan that pleases your significant other and yourself, you will be well on your way to throwing a wedding that is as modern as it is meaningful.
To be a great wedding guest, make sure that you are polite and courteous.
April showers bring May flowers, but for brides, April showers bring June flowers. Summer is a popular time for weddings, so you might start getting invitations from your friends who are getting married. To survive wedding season, be the best wedding guest you can. Here are a few tips to help you:
RSVP by the date requested. Do not put the invitation aside for a few days, because you’ll forget. Don’t make the couple track you down for an answer.
Look at the invitation to see who was invited. Do not invite anyone yourself. If your children aren’t mentioned on the envelope, they are not invited to the wedding. It is customary to invite partners, but if you aren’t married or in a long-term relationship, you may have to go single.
Show up if you RSVP “yes.” Barring an emergency, don’t change plans at the last minute. The caterer will charge the couple for your plate, whether you show up or not.
Do not talk about the wedding with friends who may not have been invited. This means on social media too. You don’t want to come off as boasting or make others feel bad because they were not invited.
Be on time for the ceremony. Better yet, be there 10 to 15 minutes early to get the lay of the land. When you arrive late, you disrupt the flow of the ceremony. If you do arrive late, wait for a break in the action to sneak in.
Dress appropriately. If the invitation says “semi-formal,” don’t wear jeans. For a beach wedding, dress more casually. Don’t wear white.
Put your phone on silent during the ceremony. Let your babysitter know your phone will be off for a half-hour to forty-five minutes and promise to check immediately after.
Don’t take pictures during the ceremony. Respect the wedding photographer.
Ask the couple if you can share pictures on social media before you do.
Send the gift, if you do, to the home of the bride or groom. Don’t make them deal with more stuff at the reception.
During the reception, sit where the bride and groom have placed you. Make conversation with those around you. It’s only for a couple of hours. Your phone will wait.
What About the Rights of a Wedding Guest?
Wedding guests also have rights that come with their invitation:
You can expect to receive an invitation if you received a save-the-date card.
You have the right to decline the invitation if you cannot attend. No explanation needed, just say, “Thank you, I’d love to be there, but I can’t.”
You can ask the couple if you need clarification about your invitation. Maybe you want to make sure you understand the dress code or are confused about the plus one.
You have a right to not send a gift at all. You also have up to a year to send a wedding gift.
If you do send a gift, you have a right to expect a timely thank-you note. You might want to give the couple a few weeks after the wedding to wrap up all their duties, but if you don’t receive a thank-you note within three months, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask if they received your gift.
You should take advantage of the open bar, but don’t overdo it.
Have a Good Time
A wedding is a celebration, and you should have a good time. Thank the host and hostess, typically the bride’s parents, before you leave. Don’t be offended if you don’t get a few minutes with the bride and groom. One of the best things you can do as a wedding guest is to be flexible and gracious, no matter what happens at the ceremony or reception.
It is hard to deny the impact that social media has had on culture as a whole. It seems that every couple of years, a brand new platform emerges and gives a voice to a generation. TikTok, for example, has fast become one of the most popular apps to come about in recent times. While many people associate the platform with coordinated dances, humorous lipreads, and educational info dumps, the app has also had a massive impact on the wedding industry. Specifically, couples are using this social media option as a way of discovering new and exciting registry gifts.
If you’re looking for some exciting additions to include on your own wedding registry, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at your options. Review these items made popular by TikTok and see how you can get more out of your gift experience.
Colorful Stemware On Social Media
Glassware and stemware have long been essential items to add to a registry list. However, the trend had always revolved around purchasing traditional options that the couple can use for many years to come. After many TikTok users began posting themselves drinking out of stemware with color-tinted glass, however, it introduced couples to a much more vibrant option. If you’re looking to add a few unique pieces to your gift list, consider colored drinkware produced by trusted brands like Estelle. Whether you use the glasses or merely keep them as decoration, you will appreciate the aesthetic offered.
Broom-Vacuum Hybrid
Many couples purchase a first home after tying the knot. For this reason, nearlyweds have often found it sensible to add certain gadgets and appliances to wedding registries in order to cut back on how much they will have to spend on essentials down the line. Thanks to social media, a brand new device has been introduced in terms of keeping homes clean: a broom-vacuum hybrid. As the name suggests, this device is a combination of both a vacuum cleaner and a broom. When you’re looking to make cleanup a snap, this is a device worth considering.
Digital Projector Rising On Social media
Once upon a time, projectors were a very common item to gift to couples for their weddings. Before the age of the internet and digital photography, couples would use projectors as a way of showing friends and family images from their honeymoons and other important vacations. Though the trend went away with the advent of digital cameras, TikTok has seen a huge resurgence in the popularity of projectors. Whether you’re looking for a retro way to project your pics or you want to host a movie night in your home, a digital projector may be the perfect addition to your list.
Music Displays
Though far from the most convenient way of listening to music in the current day and age, records have remained popular among audiophiles and collectors for decades. This has been made apparent with the younger generation, as countless TikTok posts center around playing records. One fun piece of décor that has emerged from the app is a frame that can be used to display a record currently being played. The “now playing” frame is an affordable and fun item to add to your registry, whether you actually play your records or you simply like to display the cover art.
Juice Anywhere
Some people are constantly on the go. For this reason, it makes sense that plenty of TikTok videos are centered around ways to make travel easier and more fun. If you’re someone who loves the taste of fresh juice, then a travel juicer you can take wherever you go is a helpful addition to consider.
Though TikTok and other social media platforms are used for a variety of reasons, plenty of couples have been scouring the apps in order to find fun and exciting gift options. Consider the options listed here or dive into the app yourself to find something unique to add to your list.
The world of social media has become quite vital to the daily lives of countless people across the world. Whether used as a way of sharing pictures, promoting a business or brand, discussing important topics, or showcasing special milestone moments, there are a plethora of reasons people flock to social sites like Instagram and Facebook. For all of the benefits of this connection, however, there are just as many cons. Plenty of people get too invested in social engagement, allowing negative emotions to dominate them when “doomscrolling” through their feeds.
When it comes to weddings, couples tend to be split on the best way to incorporate social media into their events. Some want their guests to keep their phones out and to record and share everything as they please. Others prefer unplugged events where the usage of devices is asked to be kept to a minimum. To figure out a good course of action for your nuptials, look over this quick overview.
The Social Media Moment
If you’ve been to a wedding in the last decade, you likely were one of many people who snapped photos and videos. That also includes shared hashtags, and tagged friends and relatives in albums on social media. It makes sense to want people to capture and promote your big day. As you will want to focus a majority of your own attention on enjoying the event and not looking at your phone. Instead of just being general about how guests go about sharing, you can consider a “social media moment” as part of your celebrations.
Essentially, a social media moment is a chance for all guests to grab some great photos at the same time. For example, you might have something special planned for your first dance with your spouse. Having the emcee give the crowd a slight advance notice to get their cameras out for a “social media moment” can help everyone be prepared for the most sharable and captivating parts of your nuptials.
The Unplugged Affair
On the flip side of things, there is the unplugged wedding. According to countless studies, social media usage has led to huge increases in the number of people who are suffering from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, feelings of inferiority, feelings of apathy, and a myriad of other horrible things. Though most of these problems come from how social media is being managed by the brands that run them, the effects are still very real and very problematic. This has led plenty of couples to move away from digital devices on their big day.
Taking pictures of a wedding might help to capture it forever but it takes the person shooting the photo out of the moment. When all of your guests are watching the wedding through the cameras on their phones, few are actually connecting to what is happening. Pushing for an unplugged wedding doesn’t mean people need to leave their phones in a basket when they enter the venue; it simply means you’re suggesting guests keep usage to a minimum in order to maximize their enjoyment of the wedding.
The Final Thoughts
You don’t necessarily need to go all-or-nothing when you’re exploring your options with social media and your wedding. For a few couples, the decision to use digital devices is placed entirely on the guests. You can create hashtags and ask guests to snap pics of some specific moments for you to encourage a bit of usage, but you can also let guests know that there’s no need to share anything if they don’t feel inclined. When all is said and done, you should pick whatever makes you feel the most excited about your big day.
Think about how you want your event to unfold before you make final decisions on the social media front. With a little time to ponder what you really want, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect fit.
Weddings are a chance to celebrate with all of your friends and relatives. Naturally, the night is going to go by so fast that you may barely remember any of it. To preserve the moment so that you can relive it later, consider how social media can help. Social sites like Facebook and Instagram provide users with the opportunity to share their wedding pictures, create live feeds of events, and organize media in a way that creates a perfect look at all of the festivities.
From creating a hashtag to designing a custom filter, there are a few great options that can help you get more from your social media experience. Explore these ideas and find the perfect fit for your big day.
The Hashtag
Wedding hashtags have become increasingly more prevalent in recent years. The idea is simple: Creating a custom tag allows guests a chance to share their own photos and videos of the event in a way others will be able to find. You want to come up with a tag that is unique so that no other couples have already used it. Adding your wedding date to the end of the tag ups the odds of it being available.
Some people view the process of creating a hashtag as a science. If you’re unfamiliar with basic digital marketing concepts, do a little research into how tags operate on social sites and get more from your experience.
The Live Factor
Getting everyone you care about together under one roof is easier said than done. Whether geography or health concerns are keeping you from those you wish to see, the digital age has brought forth some amazing solutions to help you close the gaps in distance. Sites like Facebook allow users the opportunity to post live feeds of whatever they wish. If you have friends and relatives scattered around the globe, going live for a specific portion of the event can make everyone feel included on the festivities.
The Filter
In the last few years, camera filters have become a core component in how many image-based social sites work. Instagram and Snapchat are perfect examples of applications that allow users the chance to alter their faces and environments with silly and artistic filter systems. If you really want to make your big day feel unique, consider creating a custom filter. While you might need some help from a professional with tech know-how, there are many fun and creative ways to use a personalized filter to enhance the enjoyment of your wedding.
The Shared Experience
Social sites have made a number of advancements since first coming around. Once, albums could be shared on sites like Facebook by individuals who wanted to show photos to followers. Now, you can create albums that multiple people have access to. This can be advantageous for weddings because it allows guests an easy spot to store their photos. You can even set up a projector and have the night’s photos and videos displayed as a slide show as each new file is uploaded.
The No Social Media Rule
Despite how popular social sites have become, there are still many people who don’t feel comfortable sharing their private moments online. While you might want guests to take pictures, you may not wish for these images to wind up on Facebook or Twitter. If this is the case, you absolutely need to mention this on your invitations or at least on the day of the wedding. Most people will assume sharing media is fine unless told otherwise, so stay on top of this if it is your wish.
Social media has made life more interesting in a handful of ways. If you’re looking to infuse digital elements into your nuptials, devise a plan that incorporates a handful of social media elements.
Many couples are still planning to tie the knot this year despite COVID-19, so take a look at these 2020 wedding trends to inspire your big day.
According to national statistics, more than 150,000 weddings take place each year in Canada. While this might seem like a lot, nations like the United States see close to 2.4 million in the same time period, though obviously COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in many couples’ plans. With so many couples normally tying the knot on an annual basis, it comes as no surprise that wedding trends come and go quickly. If you want to stay on top of the latest fads sweeping the world of nuptials, note that there are some interesting options on the horizon. Consider these 2020 wedding trends to inspire your own big day.
Ring Flings
Experts in the jewelry industry have noted a number of significant shifts in how couples have been purchasing wedding rings over the last few years. While it was once commonplace for one person in the relationship to select the engagement ring, for example, it is now typical for the couple to make this selection together. This is largely due to the decline in popularity of the “surprise proposal.” Couples more often want to feel prepared to tackle marriage and will come to the decision together.
When choosing your wedding band, note that a popular option at the moment is to opt for yellow gold instead of platinum. Many people are also turning away from generic rings in the search for unique pieces that have interesting histories. This has led to many jewelers offering customized options instead of the standard cuts and settings.
Sustainability Requirements
The world has been through some rough predicaments in recent years, including the current pandemic. From catastrophic fires in Southern California and Australia to massive garbage islands floating in the oceans, more people than ever are concerned with how their choices impact the global environment. Weddings are no exception to these concerns, and among the wedding trends popular now is the idea of the eco-friendly event. There are a number of ways people are going about this, including using recycled paper for invitations, going plastic-free for the reception, or working with caterers to eliminate food waste.
Flower Power
Wedding trends this year also include what floral arrangements couples are investing in. So far, florists have stated that 2020 is unique because it is all about local options. Instead of preferring a specific type of blossom, couples are more likely to work with gardens and flower shops in their communities to discover what’s in season. Outdoor weddings have also become very fashionable, especially to maximize social distance and reduce the risk of COVID-19, with a number of couples deciding against flowers altogether to allow the natural scenery to shine through. If you’re on a tight budget, these floral trends can be a great way to save money on your event.
A Piece of Cake
Cake preferences also tend to change from one year to the next. In 2020, a number of wedding planners are reporting that couples are switching away from the idea of having a single cake as the crowning dessert piece. Instead, it is more common for a wedding to feature a number of smaller confections. Not only does this add some nice variety to the event, it also provides couples with the chance to offer dessert options to individuals with dietary restrictions or severe allergies. Last but not least, it minimizes the likelihood of food contamination during the age of COVID-19.
Social Media Influence
The growing popularity of social media has also had an impact on wedding trends in 2020. Plenty of couples fall under the spell of influencers and the illusion of perfection created through Instagram. Using sites like Pinterest can also be a useful way to feel inspired and discover some clever DIY ideas. Whether you use it sparingly or go all out to copy a particular style, social media can definitely prove invaluable while planning.
Staying abreast of the latest trends can be useful when planning a wedding. Understanding the biggest fads helps you understand what you like and what you don’t want involved in your big day.
Social media will play a role in your wedding whether you use it or not, so take a look at these tips about how best to utilize it to your advantage.
Though the concept has only really existed for the last decade or so, social media has fast become a regular aspect of everyday life. Whether you absolutely love endlessly scrolling through Facebook and Twitter feeds or you’d rather not bother with all the noise, it can be important to stop to think about how social media can impact your wedding day. You might not use Instagram, but you can bet most of your guests do and will be looking to share a ton of pictures throughout your event.
Luckily, social media doesn’t need to take up a ton of your mental space when you’re planning for your wedding. All you need to do is take a look at some of these tips and see how you can easily integrate modern trends with your own special event.
Hashtags Matter
In regards to social media, one of the biggest considerations is the hashtag. A hashtag is a simple and effective way to group together various posts on the internet so that people can easily find the posts later. Since you want to be able to scour the internet at some point for all images related to your wedding, a clever hashtag can help you find exactly what you’re looking for and weed out all the excess.
While you don’t want to spend too long thinking up something creative, having a unique hashtag can definitely make a difference. You want the hashtag to be unique enough to ensure no one else has used the same tag before. Often, coming up with a clever pun based on your name or your partner’s name can make for a fitting and sometimes funny tag. If you’re having too much trouble creating a name, try to ask for help or just ditch the idea altogether and figure out a better way to scour social media for relevant images.
Unplug the Masses
You might also be the type of person who absolutely hates the idea of social media. On the day of your wedding, you may want to have all eyes on you instead of constantly looking down at a phone. While there are many reasons to allow guests to stay connected throughout your big day, you also might want to enforce some “no phone” rules now and again to keep your guests present. There might be some pushback from this, but hey, it is your wedding day!
Putting a “no phone” policy into effect during your wedding can be a bit challenging. You’ll most likely want guests to feel free to use their phones at certain points, especially during the reception. The best thing to do is have someone make an announcement early stating that the couple would prefer if guests limited phone use throughout the night, especially when speeches or toasts are taking place. Though it might seem like an impossible request, you’ll be surprised by how many guests actually listen.
When To Share Your Own Moments
Though most brides and grooms tend to ditch their own phones when the big day rolls in, there are plenty of couples who are obsessed with their phones. While it can be fun to play with filters and favorite shots right away, you’ll find it is way better for your own mental energy to wait until after your honeymoon to start posting. Allow yourself time to really experience married life for a moment before you start posting your “Just Married” pictures across all your social media accounts.
Social media might be a somewhat new invention, but it most likely will be around for many years to come. Get the most out of your big day by knowing when to take advantage of social media and when to let it be and just enjoy the moment.
If you’re like many couples, a wedding website may be part of your online strategy for keeping guests up to date before the big day.
If you’re like many couples, a wedding website may be part of your online strategy for keeping guests up to date before the big day. Deciding to start your own is one thing, but it’s quite another to set it up and use it wisely. Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual or you need easy point-and-click solutions for launching an online presence for your upcoming nuptials, you’ll want to pay attention to a few pieces of sage wisdom.
Choosing a Provider
Although many wedding website providers are based in the United States, several of them offer their services to Canadian couples. New ones launch frequently, but current popular providers include Joy, The Knot, and Wedding Wire Canada. As you shop around, you’ll want to confirm whether each one supplies full-featured support for Canadian users. Some may allow you to set up a site, for example, but not offer shipping services outside the United States for purchases from your gift registry. Typical wedding website features you may want to look for include the following:
Page designs with customizable fonts, layouts, and colors
Photo uploads
Easy social media sharing
Planning tools and calendars
Gift registry capabilities
Digital invitations
Online RSVPs
Depending on the service, you may be able to keep most or all of your wedding planning activities within one site or app. That’s especially true if it allows guests to RSVP online and provides features such as timeline, planning calendars, budget creation tools, and expense tracking logs. You can still supplement your efforts with other tools like Pinterest or Evernote, but you can depend on features like these to assist you in staying organized.
Getting the Most Out of Your Website
Once you’ve selected a service and signed up for an online presence, your real work is just beginning. You’ll need to use your wedding site effectively to help you stay on track. At the same time, you also want it to give guests the information they need in an easy-to-read, aesthetically pleasing format.
In a January 2018 Brides article, writer Jaimie Mackey outlines several helpful hints for your little piece of web real estate. First, she suggests letting your wedding’s theme guide you in choosing a design. Some providers use the same visual styles in both their website templates and digital invitations, but you can get by with pairing the general look and feel of your site with your invitations and décor. Mackey also recommends opting for password protection so only invitees can see extensive event details. Make sure you mention critical information on your pages:
Each day’s events timeline
Driving directions to your events
Airport, hotel, and shuttle transportation specifics
Your site is the perfect tool to convey other useful information to your friends and family. It’s a good idea to suggest local activities, attractions, and cuisine options for your out-of-town attendees. Meanwhile, you can also explain cultural and religious customs that may not be familiar to some attendees. For instance, one guest Offbeat Bride contributor discussed in an April 2014 post how she and her spouse created a frequently asked questions, or FAQ page, to share details about their Asatru-Catholic interfaith ceremony.
Choose Your Tools Wisely
Besides announcing your upcoming nuptials and giving your guests subtle cues about its theme and style, your wedding website is also a valuable resource to communicate important information. More than that, many providers offer powerful online tools to ensure that you stay up to date and don’t lose track of critical details such as guest counts and expenses. When included as part of your total planning strategy, your site and social media presences can complement each other to keep attendees informed and build excitement about your special day.
Marriage is not a new concept. In fact, the idea of two people bringing their assets together and forming a union is a tradition that goes back thousands of years and spans countless cultures. Despite the fact that it is an old tradition, the actual act of marriage is one that has shifted a lot since it first came about. In fact, wedding traditions seem to change on a regular basis these days. If you are planning for a wedding, you might be curious about which wedding fads are the most popular in Canada right now.
By focusing on some of the more popular trends surrounding modern weddings, you will be able to get an idea of what you would like to see for your own special day. Take a moment to explore some of the popular methods. With a bit of time, you will easily be able to see which of the current wedding trends fits your needs the most.
Incorporating Social Media
It is difficult to discuss wedding fads sweeping Canada without acknowledging the internet. Social media has revolutionized the way people all over the world are approaching their weddings. Once upon a time, you would have to wait weeks for film to develop in order to see what you looked like in your wedding outfit. Now, someone with a smartphone can show you how you look with each passing second of the day. This is just one way social media and technology have reshaped the world of matrimony.
One popular move people make these days with social media and weddings is changing their names on sites like Facebook. Traditionally, a wedding between a man and a woman results in the wife taking on the husband’s name. Some couples opt to keep their own names, but the people who decide to change their names often waste no time. Changing your last name on social media is something that many brides do right after the ceremony has ended. Find clever ways to work social media into your wedding to see results that go with the times.
Tagging Appropriately
Among the wedding fads that are sweeping Canada and the rest of the world is hashtagging. For years now, hashtags have surfaced across hundreds of platforms to help internet users find trending topics or relevant posts. Creating a customized hashtag for your wedding is a surefire way for you to ensure that all of the pictures from your special day are in a centralized spot. As the person in charge of the wedding, it is your responsibility to make sure that people know what the hashtag for the event is going to be.
There are several ways to inform the guests of the hashtag. Have the exact phrase for the tag printed out and displayed prominently for guests to see when they pick up their seating cards. You also might want to have the DJ or emcee make the announcement once or twice throughout the night. When all of the pictures and posts from an event are under the same tag, you will be able to navigate the memories of your special day without much trouble.
Do It Your Way
No matter how popular the trend might be, it is important to remember that this is your wedding. If you neglect to remember this fact, you could easily be assembling a wedding that does not meet your own specifications. Weigh out each of the trends that you read about and see if it is something that makes sense for your own special day. By taking the time to really discover a plan that pleases your significant other and yourself, you will be well on your way to throwing a wedding that is as modern as it is meaningful.
To be a great wedding guest, make sure that you are polite and courteous.
April showers bring May flowers, but for brides, April showers bring June flowers. Summer is a popular time for weddings, so you might start getting invitations from your friends who are getting married. To survive wedding season, be the best wedding guest you can. Here are a few tips to help you:
RSVP by the date requested. Do not put the invitation aside for a few days, because you’ll forget. Don’t make the couple track you down for an answer.
Look at the invitation to see who was invited. Do not invite anyone yourself. If your children aren’t mentioned on the envelope, they are not invited to the wedding. It is customary to invite partners, but if you aren’t married or in a long-term relationship, you may have to go single.
Show up if you RSVP “yes.” Barring an emergency, don’t change plans at the last minute. The caterer will charge the couple for your plate, whether you show up or not.
Do not talk about the wedding with friends who may not have been invited. This means on social media too. You don’t want to come off as boasting or make others feel bad because they were not invited.
Be on time for the ceremony. Better yet, be there 10 to 15 minutes early to get the lay of the land. When you arrive late, you disrupt the flow of the ceremony. If you do arrive late, wait for a break in the action to sneak in.
Dress appropriately. If the invitation says “semi-formal,” don’t wear jeans. For a beach wedding, dress more casually. Don’t wear white.
Put your phone on silent during the ceremony. Let your babysitter know your phone will be off for a half-hour to forty-five minutes and promise to check immediately after.
Don’t take pictures during the ceremony. Respect the wedding photographer.
Ask the couple if you can share pictures on social media before you do.
Send the gift, if you do, to the home of the bride or groom. Don’t make them deal with more stuff at the reception.
During the reception, sit where the bride and groom have placed you. Make conversation with those around you. It’s only for a couple of hours. Your phone will wait.
What About the Rights of a Wedding Guest?
Wedding guests also have rights that come with their invitation:
You can expect to receive an invitation if you received a save-the-date card.
You have the right to decline the invitation if you cannot attend. No explanation needed, just say, “Thank you, I’d love to be there, but I can’t.”
You can ask the couple if you need clarification about your invitation. Maybe you want to make sure you understand the dress code or are confused about the plus one.
You have a right to not send a gift at all. You also have up to a year to send a wedding gift.
If you do send a gift, you have a right to expect a timely thank-you note. You might want to give the couple a few weeks after the wedding to wrap up all their duties, but if you don’t receive a thank-you note within three months, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask if they received your gift.
You should take advantage of the open bar, but don’t overdo it.
Have a Good Time
A wedding is a celebration, and you should have a good time. Thank the host and hostess, typically the bride’s parents, before you leave. Don’t be offended if you don’t get a few minutes with the bride and groom. One of the best things you can do as a wedding guest is to be flexible and gracious, no matter what happens at the ceremony or reception.
