To get married in the 21st century means to have digital technology present during the process in some way, shape, form, or fashion. Below are some trends we learned about at the Wedding MBA Convention in Las Vegas earlier this fall, as well as some we’ve noticed first hand.
Social Media
If you got married but didn’t post pictures on Instagram, did it really happen? As one convention speaker said, social media use is shifting from YouTwitFace to Pinstabook. Essentially what that means is that the more popular social media sites for wedding planning and documentation have shifted from YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook to Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. For anyone planning a wedding, check all the sites for ideas about what to do and what NOT to do.
The beauty of using social media as part of your wedding is that your friends can help you document the candid moments professional photographers often miss. Choose a clever hashtag, tell your guests to use it, and enjoy the indexing convenience the hashtag was intended for.
Combine professional quality photography with the candid goofiness of your family and friends in a photo booth at your reception. Guests have the opportunity to upload the pictures to social media almost immediately, they have a memento of the fun they had, and you get a CD of all the images at the end of the event.
Periscope
Twitter is attempting to work its way back into relevance in the wedding world with Periscope. Got a few good friends around the country who couldn’t make it to the bachelorette party? Let them live vicariously through this smartphone app. It’s similar to Facetime in that it’s a live feed, but instead of just one phone being able to watch, any interested followers can tune in.
FaceTime
There is a distinct possibility that you’d rather not have your entire wedding on the Internet for just anyone to see. For older relatives who cannot make the trip or tolerate the crowds, FaceTime gives them the opportunity to watch the celebration in real time provided someone with them and someone at the wedding has Apple products. Pro tip for those watching via FaceTime: watch on an iPad for a bigger picture. Pro tip for those at the wedding: use an iPhone so you don’t block somebody else’s view by holding up an iPad above your head for the best shot.
Speaking of iPads… did you know you can download a teleprompter app for vows or toasts?
Video
It’s almost a given that there will be video footage of your wedding festivities. You’ve probably watched the viral videos of mishaps, engagements, and bridal party entries more than once. Whether you pay for a professional videographer, use FaceTime or Periscope, have guests who want to share their experience with others, or have a ring bearer that might make things interesting, people will see your wedding. In the background at the DJ booth, do you want them to see a teenager wearing a Snapback and texting, or do you want them to see a professional who plays music and makes announcements with the formality the occasion calls for?
