Is it ok for guests at a wedding to share photos on Facebook or Instagram while the wedding or reception is underway? How long after the ceremony is it 'polite' to wait until uploading photos to the net? Do you have to wait at all?
I've had guests come to me before the ceremony and ask questions like these about the social media etiquette, and by the time they ask it's too late to ask the marrying couple how they feel about it. So I generally make a point of asking couples during one of our pre-wedding planning sessions how they feel about their wedding being on social media. Most couples hadn't thought about it before, but appreciate being given the opportunity to have some input into it. I will then make an announcement at the wedding before the bridal party arrives, along these lines:
By the way, the cartoon at the top was posted to a celebrants' forum by a colleague in NZ who is happy for it to be shared. As far as I know there's no copyright, but if there is, and you happen to own it, please let me know asap so I can do the right thing.
I've had guests come to me before the ceremony and ask questions like these about the social media etiquette, and by the time they ask it's too late to ask the marrying couple how they feel about it. So I generally make a point of asking couples during one of our pre-wedding planning sessions how they feel about their wedding being on social media. Most couples hadn't thought about it before, but appreciate being given the opportunity to have some input into it. I will then make an announcement at the wedding before the bridal party arrives, along these lines:
- James and Kathy would love you to take lots of photos during the ceremony and would be delighted if you share them on social media, but would appreciate it if you hold off uploading any photos until they've had the opportunity to post some special pics of their own. So keep your eye on their pages over the next few days. Or ...
- Kirsten and Anthony want everyone to enjoy every moment of their ceremony. They have a professional photographer here today and will be sharing photos with you as soon as they can, so there's no need to worry about taking photos, or distract anyone else by trying to get a good shot. So, relax and enjoy the day and keep your phone in your pocket. Or ...
- Ken and Justin would love you to take lots of photos and share them on social media as quickly as you can. Let's see who can post the best pics and help make this awesome wedding go viral!
By the way, the cartoon at the top was posted to a celebrants' forum by a colleague in NZ who is happy for it to be shared. As far as I know there's no copyright, but if there is, and you happen to own it, please let me know asap so I can do the right thing.
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