For today’s Instagram-obsessed bride, the biggest decision (after the dress, of course) is coming up with that clever, oh-so-you wedding hashtag.
As Andy Marsh, managing partner of TagPrints Digital, points out, the average wedding guest shares a whopping 22 photos of the event on social media. However, only 40 percent of guests actually include a hashtag with their snapshots. To make sure your wedding photos don’t get lost in the Internet abyss, follow these expert tips for creating social-media buzz on your big day.
A hashtag spotted in Jamie and Hiland's real wedding album
1. Make your hashtag unique and personal
In order to stand out among the clutter, try to incorporate your personality, perhaps with an inside joke, a pun, or a special name that reflects you as a couple, says Alyssa Kiefer, W Hotels global social media strategist. The D.C.-based wedding planners at Events in the City add “Our client’s married name became Doerr, so we coined the hashtag #doerrforevermore.” Plus, a one-of-a-kind hashtag ensures that “you and your guests will be viewing only photos from your big day—not someone else’s selfies,” explains wedding expert Ceci Johnson.
2. Keep it short and simple
You want your guests to actually use the hashtag, so keep it simple enough to remember and spell correctly, says Kiefer. Marsh agrees, adding “One of our past clients understood that their last name, Wojciechowski, would be difficult for guests to spell, so they went with #MrAndMrsWoj.”
3. Avoid punctuation and symbols
Remember: Hashtags on Twitter and Instagram should contain only letters and numbers. So although #Andy&Bianca14 might look cute, the ampersand will break up the hashtag so it cuts off after #Andy. Not a good start to your happily ever after!
4. Spread the word
Marsh recommends including your hashtag on all materials related to your wedding, beginning with your save-the-date. More places you might not have considered: napkins, place settings, coasters, and signage throughout the reception area. The team at Events in the City agrees: "Signage for your hashtag is key if you want guests to tag their snaps. Putting signs with the hashtag at the bar or in the bathroom doesn't take over the wedding but instead gives people something to do while they are waiting in a line."
Do you plan on having a wedding hashtag?