Your wedding day is whatever you want it to be. Pick a weird theme. Make friends wear an ugly dress so you look prettier. Wear a gown so impractical you can barely move. Go for it, this is your day.
When it comes to technology, though, wedding etiquette gets hazy.
However, it’s possible to tastefully incorporate technology. We’ve rounded up the best and worst uses of technology when it comes to tying the knot. Let us know the worst tech wedding fails or best social media wedding ideas you’ve seen in the comments section below.
1. DON’T: Vent on social media.
Image by Mashable
This seems like a no-brainer, but venting about the cost of a wedding, annoying bridesmaids or catering drama is a surefire way to get Facebook-unfriended.
2. DO: Livestream the event.
If a loved one can’t attend due to illness or travel cost, consider asking a guest to help livestream the event, via Google Hangout or “I Do” Stream.
3. DON’T: Use disposable cameras.
Mashable composite; Image courtesy of The Knot
Thanks to smartphones, we have unlimited photo do-overs. Plus, disposable camera photos often don’t turn out as nice.
4. DO: Ask guests to use a special hashtag for wedding posts, tweets and pictures.
Image courtesy of We Heart Photography
At the reception, use a projector or TV as a social media station. Pull up the hashtag feed on Twitter, or use a site like Evenstagram, which displays Instagram images in real time as they’re posted.
5. DON’T: Crowdsource your wedding planning.
Image courtesy of Imgur,mhy253
Going to a wedding is like watching a movie for the first time; it’s not as exciting if someone’s already spoiled the story. Don’t give your guests spoilers (funny as they may be) and ruin the surprise.
6. DO: Create a private Pinterest board.
Image courtesy of Pinterest
Pinterest is a bride’s best friend, but what’s the point if your whole social network can see the details of your wedding before the big day? Use one of your three private boards for your best ideas.
7. DON’T: Let people take pictures during the ceremony.
Image courtesy of Corey Ann Photography
There’s a chance that extra flashes and distractions will ruin your photographer’s pictures. Not to mention, it means your guests will see your big reveal on their smartphone screens — no fun. There’s nothing wrong with asking guests to enjoy the ceremony sans phones and cameras.
And please, please don’t let someone hold up an iPad. Not only are you blocking the view for everyone behind you, but you look ridiculous — there and everywhere else.
8. DO: Prepare your speech on a tablet or an iPhone.
Image courtesy of Flickr, aljeon
ProTip: Open it before you take the mic. To avoid those nervous thumbs, slow down the pace of your awesome speech.
9. DON’T: Text while walking down the aisle.
Video via Youtube, jimcostafilms1
Seriously, who could you possibly be talking to?
10. DO: Use Flickr, Photocircle or any other photo-sharing service.
Image courtesy of Flickr
If you do allow photos of the ceremony, make sure there’s a place to access them, so you’re sure to get the shot you wanted.
11. DON’T: Text your friends after the fact, berating them for cheap gifts.
Image by Mashable
Don’t be like this pair, who got into the “Most Amazing Wedding Text Message Fight of Our Time.” Accept all gifts with courtesy and remember the day is about celebrating a marriage, not possessions.
12. DO: Feel free to take a selfie. Or two. Or twelve.
Image courtesy of Instagram, film_girl
After all, this is probably the most expensive outfit you’ll ever wear.
13. DON’T: Tuck your phone in your cleavage.
Image courtesy of Clara Kasavina
Not only is it kind of gross (sweaty), but no one ever looked ladylike pulling an iPhone out of her bra. This isn’t a Vegas nightclub. If you must keep it with you, carry it in a pretty clutch with other necessities.
14. DO: Mark the ceremony or reception location on Google Maps for easy sharing.
Image via Google Maps
By sharing the link via email, guests can look up the location on their smartphones, perfect for those who forgot to grab those directions listed in the invitation.
15. DON’T: Post a daily countdown to your wedding.
We get it, you’re really excited to marry your best friend. You were yesterday, and you probably will be tomorrow. But please stop spamming our News Feed about it.
16. DO: Stash a GoPro in your bouquet.
Video via Youtube, Ben Horne
The footage will be an intimate peek into one of the most important days of your life.
17. DON’T: Update your Facebook status at the altar.
Video via Youtube,Locuester
Wedding memories last a lifetime. Internet fads don’t. Ask yourself: Is this going to be funny 10 years from now?
18. DO: Offer your Photoshop skills to the bride and groom.
Image courtesy of Imgur,darkside17
They’re going to have a hundred photos posing and smiling, but something this one-of-a-kind elevates you to Best Guest status.
Image via Flickr, jerryfergusonphotography