To tweet or not to tweet: Social media etiquette for weddings
"Think before you tweet" doesn't just apply to posting opinions and inappropriate behavior online. Even sharing joyous moments -- like your best friend's wedding -- requires proper etiquette.
With social media engrained in most of our lives, it's natural that the new social rules have to be written for everything. Brides and grooms spend an incredible amount of time and money to plan their special day -- don't spoil it for them because you have quick fingers.
"As weddings become more social, it's obvious people going to share pictures on Facebook and Twitter," The Knot's Jamie Miles told CBSNews.com. "It makes sense to establish ground rules."
When it comes to posting photos to social media, Miles says that brides and grooms should not be afraid tell guests what they can and cannot post. People worried that they'll come across as "bridzillas" or "groomzilla" -- terms coined to describe the need to control every aspect of wedding planning -- should cast those fears aside.
"It's actually OK," Miles says. "It's not a bridezilla thing to do. It doesn't have to be formal, but it is fair to approve pictures before hand."
Having a share experience is important, but Miles says guests should follow the lead of the bride and groom. Each couple is unique in how they want their lives to be shared online.
"I think we're in the age that people expect that if you're taking pictures, it'll end up on social media," Miles says.
If the bride and groom give a green light for social media posts, there are a few trend that are becoming popular with modern weddings.
Assigning a dedicated hashtag creates a collection of photos and tweets from the event that can even be shared with people who are not "friends" on Instagram or Twitter. A hashtag is a keyword or phrase preceded by a pound sign that aggregates similarly tagged posts on social media services.
The Knot has written a modern guide on how brides, grooms and guest should handle technology when it comes to weddings. Here are some of the highlights from "The New Rules of Wedding Etiquette."
Social media rules for brides and grooms
1. Call your parents before posting big news, like an engagement on social media.
2. Go ahead and change your relationships status, or don't. There are no rules. The decision is unique to each couple.
3. It's OK to show of and post engagement rings, but keep the cost and carat to yourself.
4. New trend alert! On the day of the wedding, designate a tweet of honor to update friends on social media on the big day.
5. Don't avoid traditional paper invites, but it is OK to send digital save-the-dates.
Social media rules for guests
1. Wait to publicly congratulate a bride and groom until you know for a fact the nuptials have been announced.
2. When making arrangements or discussing planning details, send a private message or email. Don't put information out in the world for people to weigh in.
3. Follow the couple's lead when it comes to posting photos online, or just ask if it's OK.
4. During the ceremony, put your phone away. So many wedding photos are ruined because of cell phones in the camera.
5. Follow directions for reservations, and send in RSVP cards in a timely manner.
