Let’s get real for a minute—like, straight-talking, no-fluff real. Social media at weddings: it’s like a rumour, spreads quickly and is hard to contain once it gets going. And unless you tackle it head-on before the big day, it can stomp all over your carefully planned moments faster than you can say, “Hashtag Wedding.”
It’s not just about looking out over a sea of phones instead of faces during your ceremony (although—seriously, that deserves a conversation on its own). Or the guest who decided to leap into the aisle with their iPhone, right as you shared your first kiss, blocking your photographer’s shot of the moment you really wanted to frame forever.
No, it’s much more than that.
Let’s talk about how social media has evolved into weddings like that uninvited plus-one who just can’t take a hint. It’s not only your guests anymore; it’s your suppliers, your vendors, the very people you’ve hired to help you have the most magical day imaginable.
Don’t get me wrong—some social media is awesome. Maybe you’re the kind of couple who wants fun, behind-the-scenes snippets to post from your honeymoon sunlounger in the Maldives. If the idea of getting a few behind-the-scenes snippets of you and your bridesmaids giggling while clinking champagne glasses makes you happy, or you want that confetti cannon moment in slo-mo on Instagram, go for it! Let’s face it, sometimes it’s just fun to have a cheeky Reel of your new spouse twirling you around like you’re on Strictly.
Tik Toks, Reels and Behind-The-Scenes
But here’s where it gets a bit sticky: Some suppliers have started to assume that your wedding day is their social media playground. And too often, there’s no pre-warning. No: “Hey, would you mind if I grabbed a quick TikTok of your (insert relevant item here)?”
Nope. It’s an on-the-spot ambush, sometimes right in the middle of the last-minute moments that matter most. Like that hug with your Mum, the celebratory glass of bubbly with your bridesmaids, or even that first look with your Dad before you walk down the aisle.
Those minutes matter. They’re not just filler in the timeline; they’re the heartbeat of your day. And every time someone’s filming or snapping “content” for their own grid, it’s using your time. Time you’ve already paid for. Time you might rather spend soaking in every imperfectly perfect second. Even with promises of “It’ll only take a minute” or “It’s just a quick photo/video” — spoiler alert: it never is. That “quick” content creation steals precious moments that might not otherwise get the chance to happen, and honestly, that’s just not fair on you.
Tips For Social Media At Weddings
And here’s the kicker: as your photographer, I want you to have these moments. I need them to capture the story of your day—the laughter, the tears, the hugs that take your breath away. If your morning timeline is eaten up by a parade of vendors filming Reels, guess what? Those quiet, meaningful moments might never happen at all.
Or they happen in a rush, under pressure, with everyone wondering why you’re running late. And that’s no way to start your wedding day.
So here’s my advice:
Talk about it before the day. Decide how you want social media to fit into your wedding.
Build in time, if you want that behind-the-scenes content. It’s okay to say yes—just give it a place in the timeline.
Don’t be afraid to say no. You’ve paid us for our time and talent. You don’t owe us TikToks, Reels and a years worth of marketing content.
Trust that your photographer (hi, that’s me!) is always happy to share photos with your suppliers—as long as you’re happy with it. No one needs to miss out on lovely marketing photos. It just shouldn’t be at the expense of your wedding day.
And while we’re at it, let’s talk about your guests. They’ll be snapping away, too. How do you feel about them sharing photos of your wedding before you do? If you’re a couple who loves a surprise reveal, let them know. A little sign at the ceremony or a note from your celebrant can make all the difference.
Boundaries aren’t buzzkills. They’re the secret ingredient for a wedding that feels relaxed, beautiful, and all yours.
So, before the wedding day stampedes in, let’s get ahead of the bull in the china shop. Decide what social media means to you—and let’s make sure your wedding day is exactly how you imagined it: a little bit real, a little bit magical, and 100% yours.
Remember, the best filter for your wedding day is the one that lets you truly be present.
