How to Plan Your Wedding Using Social Media

We’ve all been there; a 10-minute scroll on the sofa can turn into an hour before you know it. You’re pinning, tagging, and bookmarking your dream wedding day through your various social media accounts. But how can you really tailor these social media platforms to ensure you get the very best out of them, let them be your wedding research PAs, and not get too overwhelmed in the process? Well, stick with us as we explore what platforms are best for every aspect of wedding planning and how to really get the most out of your screen time.

Pinterest

Gone are the days of tearing out magazine pages and scribbling handwritten notes; we’re well and truly in the digital age of wedding planning! Whether you’re newly engaged, or you’ve had a ring on your finger for two years, it’s likely that you already know the power of Pinterest!

Less social media, more visual search engine, Pinterest is a platform that allows users to “pin” images that they like to virtual boards. If you haven’t already, we’d definitely recommend making a wedding board and starting pinning ideas for cakes, dresses, invitations, and other details. You can follow wedding blogs, bridal magazines, and wedding vendors here, too, for a constant flow of ideas suited to your individual wedding style. Finally, you can create a shared Pinterest board with your wedding planner, fiancé, or bridal party - the perfect way to collaborate on ideas and inspiration.

Instagram

Another visual platform that can be useful for wedding planning is Instagram. Following wedding planners, photographers, florists, and other industry pros allows you to see their work whilst soaking up some ideas.

Much like Pinterest, Instagram has a super handy search tool now. To identify content targeted to your needs or location, use search terms and/or hashtags such as #barnweddinguk, #rusticweddingflowers, or #rusticweddingdecor and see what comes up. Even if you don’t find your dream wedding vendors this way, you’ll be guaranteed a LOT of beautiful wedding inspo!

TikTok

TikTok is another great source of wedding inspiration because it is full of original and creative ideas. The “discover” feature on TikTok allows you to search for content according to your interests. Search for terms such as “barnwedding” or “rusticbarnwedding” to see what other people have shared. But don’t forget to save any videos that inspire you so you can come back to them later or share them with your wedding vendors/wedding party.

Facebook

Possibly considered a little old school, but Facebook can still play a fantastic role in the wedding planning process. While not as visually appealing as Pinterest or Instagram, it can still be great for finding inspiration, especially in the local area.

Join wedding planning Facebook communities where brides and grooms can discuss their experiences, ask questions, and exchange images for inspiration. You may stumble upon unique ideas that you hadn’t previously considered. Another great feature Facebook gives you is that you can read first-hand reviews and recommendations of suppliers to help you pick the right one for you.

Connect with wedding vendors

Choosing the appropriate vendors is an essential part of wedding planning. Social media makes it simple to find, interact with, and engage with potential wedding vendors but don’t forget to browse suppliers’ social media pages first to get a good sense of their work and style before reaching out. Read past client reviews and testimonials (invaluable!), and check for any awards or qualifications that may suggest their expertise.

When you find a vendor you want to collaborate with, if they’re open to it (some only take enquiries via email), reach out to them on social media. To begin the conversation, send them a direct message, leave a comment on their post, or tag them in your own post and get the conversation going!

Once you’ve made contact with a vendor, check availability, ask questions, request brochures, discuss ideas, and coordinate activities. Many vendors will be happy to collaborate with you via social channels, making it simple to keep track of conversations and decisions.

Create a wedding website and hashtag

A wedding website is an essential tool for keeping guests up to date on your big day - choose a design that seamlessly works with your overall theme and fill it with helpful and fun information and imagery. In fact, you can create a gorgeous-looking personalised website with Say I do in just a few simple steps. Once you’re happy to share with your loved ones, you could always send the URL to your wedding website through social media but don’t forget to include it in your invites too!

Wedding hashtags make it easy to search for and collect ALL of the content shared by your guests in one handy place, so go ahead and create a unique wedding hashtag just for you and encourage guests to use it when uploading images or updates about your big day. You can share in on your socials, via your wedding website, and your invitations, and you can even remind your guests of it via signage on the big day itself.

Getting the right privacy and sharing balance

While it’s fun to share every single detail of the special occasion, it’s essential to strike a balance between sharing your plans and keeping privacy critical. Instead of having everything open to the public, consider forming private groups or events for more sensitive information, and be aware of what you publish publicly. Remember to protect your guests’ privacy, too, by not disclosing their personal information or posting photos without their permission first.

Set yourself some boundaries

As helpful as social media can be, it is essential to protect your mental health as well. While these platforms can be useful for gathering inspiration, and sharing new ideas and techniques, be aware that spending too much time online might lead to comparing yourself to others and feelings of stress, overwhelm, or anxiety. It’s important not to get influenced by what everyone else is doing too; just because the ‘current’ trend is draping and you’re seeing it everywhere, doesn’t mean you should have it too. Stick to your plans and keep checking yourself before making impulsive decisions/purchases!

Social media may be an excellent tool for wedding inspiration and preparation, but only if you set boundaries for yourself. Limit your Instagram scrolling and prevent spending late nights slipping down a Pinterest rabbit hole. Understand that while these platforms can absolutely help you get inspired and make your dream wedding a reality, the most important aspect of a wedding isn’t an Instagram-worthy top table or a viral first dance; it’s the chance to plan for a lifetime of happiness with your partner.