Why You Should Have a Wedding Hashtag

Even if your ceremony is unplugged, the hashtag could come in handy for the reception!

As social media has become a major part of our daily lives, it’s natural that couples would begin to incorporate that aspect into their wedding day as well.

By Emily Lasnier

american-flag-themed-sign-displaying-wedding-hashtag
Photo: Elisabeth Millay

benefits of a wedding hashtag, why you should have a wedding hashtag

With any trend, there’s always the inevitable backlash. As social media has become a major part of our daily lives, it’s natural that couples would begin to incorporate that aspect into their wedding day as well. One of the most common ways to do so is by creating a wedding hashtag to mark any and all wedding-related festivities. However, “unplugged” ceremonies are also increasingly popular, as a response to the amount of people who have their phones out during the vow exchange. The ubiquity of social media is a negative to some, as many brides and grooms simply want one day where people are living in the moment. 

What many people don’t realize though, is that a hashtag can have many benefits even if you don’t want electronics used at the ceremony itself. “From the engagement photos, to the bachelorette party, and of course the big day, a personal hashtag will help everyone share in the fun,” says Tessa Brand of Tessa Lyn Events. Even creating it can be fun: think of it as a playful branding opportunity for you and your future spouse. That said, a wedding hashtag is more than a cutesy saying for you to add to your pictures – it collects all the photos together for you and loved ones to see. A unique hashtag for each event means that whenever you want, you can open up Instagram or Facebook, search the tag, and relive all of the memories – which could be especially useful for the bachelorette party!

If you desire an unplugged ceremony, a sign is the best way to politely get the point across. At cocktail hour, you can make it clear that photos are now fair game with a complementary sign displaying the hashtag. “Then, enjoy looking at everyone’s selfies and pictures from your wedding since your photographer won't be sending you photos for six-eight weeks after,” Tessa suggests. Not only will the hashtagged snapshots tide you over, but they will also offer a different perspective from your professional photos – giving you the chance to see your special day through the eyes of the guests. As a bonus, if you make sure your vendors know the hashtag, you may get to see sneak peeks before your album arrives, such as a close up of your bouquet or a detail shot of the cake. 

Get more tips from Tessa Brand on how to use social media in your wedding here. Find out how to come up with a unique hashtag and clever ways to display it. 

Opening photo by Brian Leahy Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events

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