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How To Use Social Media For Your Wedding

March 11, 2023 | justine

Image by Shelby Chanté and Inner Images. Keep scrolling for tips on how to use social media for your wedding.

While there isn’t a single best method to plan a wedding, there are ways to make it simpler and more efficient for you, such as using the tools around you— like social media. There’s no doubt about it, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives and is accessible to almost everyone now. And believe it or not, you can manage a lot of your planning by utilizing the social channels you already regularly use.

From finding inspiration for your wedding theme to sharing photos of your big day, social media platforms offer many features that can help you make your wedding planning experience a breeze. Here are some tips on how to effectively use social media for your wedding.

Image by Viviana Cardona

How To Effectively Use Social Media For Your Wedding

Find And Research Your Vendors

Finding wedding vendors through social media is becoming increasingly popular among engaged couples. With platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you can easily browse vendors’ portfolios and read reviews from previous clients to help you make informed decisions when selecting your wedding team. 

You can also see the vendors’ work in real-time, giving you a better idea of what you can expect on your wedding day. In addition to easily connecting with vendors, you can get a sense of their personalities and work styles through their posts and interactions with followers. 

Get Wedding Inspiration

Social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram allow couples to explore countless wedding themes, decor ideas, and color schemes. These platforms offer a wide variety of visual inspiration, including photos and videos from real weddings, styled shoots, and top wedding vendors

Hashtags, geotags, and social media influencers can help you discover new trends and ideas you might not have otherwise considered. On top of that, you can connect with other brides and grooms, wedding planners, and vendors to share ideas, ask for advice, and collaborate.

Create A Wedding Hashtag

Creating a wedding hashtag is a great way to keep your big day’s memories and moments organized and easily accessible. A wedding hashtag is a unique and personalized hashtag to collect all photos, videos, and social media posts related to your wedding. It makes it easy for you, your guests, and even your vendors to find all the content related to your wedding in one place. Not only that, it can be a fun and creative way to involve your guests in your special day and create excitement around your wedding. 

It also provides an excellent way to see your wedding through your guests’ eyes, capturing moments you might have missed. More importantly, you can use your wedding hashtag long after the festivities have ended. Allowing you to revisit those special moments for years to come.

Send Out Your Invites

Digital invitations can be created and sent to your guest list using social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Couples who want to lower their carbon footprint should consider this approach because it is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Plus, social media invitations allow real-time updates and RSVP tracking, making it simpler to manage the guest list

It’s crucial to remember that some guests might prefer a more traditional paper invitation and that not all guests may feel comfortable with this option. It’s also essential to see that your guests receive the invitation, so double-check your guest list and send reminders to those who have yet to reply.

Set Up An Event Page For Updates 

Setting up an event page for wedding updates is an excellent way to keep your guests informed and engaged throughout the wedding planning process. You can create event pages on various social media platforms like Facebook or specialized wedding websites

These pages allow you to share important details about the wedding, updates on the wedding planning process, such as menu selection or outfit ideas, and practical information, such as directions to the venue or hotel accommodations, which can be helpful for out-of-town guests. Your guests can also ask questions, leave comments, and interact with each other before the big day.   

Share Info About The Wedding Registry

You can share information about your cash requests or wedding registry in the same way you send out invitations if you decide to do so online. This is a smart, practical way to do it. You can easily share links to your registry and provide details about your chosen items. Or you can even share pictures or videos of things you hope to receive. This can make it easier for guests to find the perfect gift. If they forget info and details, they can keep re-checking online with just a click of a mouse.

Live Stream Your Big Day

Live streaming your big day is a great way to include your loved ones who may be unable to attend in person or can’t travel due to health concerns or other reasons. Doing so gives your virtual attendees a front-row seat to the festivities, no matter where they are in the world. This is also the perfect option to include family and friends if you’ve planned a small wedding or elopement. And the best part is, once your special day is live-streamed, you can go back and watch it anytime you want. Your official wedding video will be amazing, but this can be a fun sneak peek!

Junebug Tip: Looking to livestream your big day but not sure where to start? Let Eventlive help! You can share your private link with your loved ones so they can help celebrate your big day, no matter how far away. All you need is a smartphone.

Share Photos And Videos

After your wedding, encourage your guests to share their photos and videos on social media using your wedding hashtag. You can also share your own photos and videos to give your guests a behind-the-scenes look at your wedding day. This is a great way to relive the memories and thank your guests for participating in your big day. 

You can also include tech-savvy friends or family members who are comfortable with social media platforms and can quickly post photos and videos as the day unfolds. By involving loved ones in this way, couples can create a collaborative and memorable experience that everyone can enjoy together.

Post Your “Thank You” Message

Don’t forget to express your gratitude to the special people who shared your big day with you during your post-wedding events. Sending personalized, printed thank-you notes or cards like invitations can be pricey. You can do this instead via the online route by posting a general thank you message. Or by sending out a DM to each of your guests if you want things more personal.

Important Reminders When You Use Social Media For Your Wedding

Protect Yourself Against Misinformation 

It’s important to fact-check any information you come across and verify the source before taking action. Always double-check details like pricing, availability, and other important information directly with the vendor or venue. Additionally, be wary of sponsored content or paid reviews that may be biased or misleading. By being vigilant and fact-checking information, you can ensure that your wedding planning process is based on accurate and reliable information.

Be Mindful Of Your Privacy Settings 

Social media platforms can be great tools for connecting with vendors, sharing ideas, and gathering inspiration. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone needs to know every detail of your wedding planning process. Set your profiles to private if you want to keep certain aspects of your wedding private. Consider creating separate accounts for your wedding-related posts so your personal information remains private. And be careful not to overshare details that could compromise your safety, such as your location or exact wedding date. 

Set Realistic Goals And Stick To Your Budget

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and glamor of other people’s weddings. But it’s important to remember that these weddings may be costly or impractical. Instead, focus on what’s important to the both of you. Prioritize the elements that matter most, and stick to your budget. Remember that a beautiful wedding doesn’t have to be an expensive one. You can create a day that is just as special and meaningful within your budget.

Don’t Get Lost In The Comparison Game

Social media is full of picture-perfect portrayals of weddings that can be tempting to emulate. Remember that what you see on social media is often the highlight reel. And it’s easy to feel like you’re not measuring up. Instead, turn those ideas and inspiration into something new and personal to you. 

It’s easy to get drawn into the hottest trends and popular styles you see on social media. But trends change, but doing what feels true to you as a couple will always be timeless. Incorporate your unique style and personality into your wedding planning to create a truly special and meaningful day for both of you.

Social media undoubtedly plays a huge role in just about everything these days, especially when it comes to planning a wedding.  In addition to using our planning checklist and budget guide, when you use social media correctly, it can serve as a modern, innovative tool for discovering inspiration and bringing your dream wedding to life.

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Pro Tips For Creating Your Wedding Reception Seating Chart

March 8, 2023 | Junebug Weddings

Image by Pablo Laguia

While most aspects of your wedding (i.e., decor, florals, and attire) come together with the help of a mood board, your wedding reception seating chart requires a different skill set. Much like putting together a puzzle, a seating chart is about getting all the pieces in the right place. While there’s a good chance that your guests don’t know everyone attending, placing them at the right table will help ensure that they enjoy the celebration. That’s why we’re gathering tips to help create your seating chart to make the process as stress-free as possible.

Tips For Your Wedding Reception Seating Chart

reception seating chart

Image by Joel & Justyna

Tip #1: Consider Your Guests

We’re listing this tip first because it’s kind of a no-brainer: seat people together who know each other (or who should know each other, but don’t yet)! It’s also a good idea to check in with each other’s in-laws to avoid any accidental tension between family members you or your future spouse may not be aware of. And, of course, don’t forget about dates for your wedding party.

Tip #2: Consider Yourselves

Are you planning to sit at a sweetheart table for just the two of you, or do you need to work yourselves into the seating chart? If a sweetheart table isn’t something you’ve considered, here’s why you might want to. If you do plan to sit at a main table at your reception, will it be with your family or your wedding party? These are all options you should discuss between you and your partner.

Tip #3: Consider Your Space

Before you start grouping your loved ones, double-check the size of each table you will have access to. Each different table size comfortably fits a different number of guests. Use the guide below as a cheat sheet for knowing how many guests can fit around each table. Keep in mind that you won’t want to have anyone sitting at the heads of your rectangle tables.

Tip #4: Consider Your Surroundings

Once you’ve taken your space into account, it’s important to set your tables around the room appropriately. For instance, older guests will likely appreciate being seated near the bathroom and/or exit and away from the dance floor, loud speakers, and children’s table. On the other hand, younger guests can be dance floor ready with a seat nearby. Seating children at their own table is fun for everyone, but be sure their parents have easy access to check in on their little ones.

Tip #5: Talk To The Professionals

Once you’ve taken your guests, yourselves, and your space into consideration, talk to the professionals. Your planner can likely give you a basic seating chart that you can then personalize based on your guest list. They’ll be able to share a layout based on your venue and they’ll know exactly where to place tables to maximize the space.

Image by The Salt Studio

Tip #6: Skip Assigned Seats

You’re going to make things far more stressful for yourself if you decide to not only assign tables, but assign seats as well. While there’s nothing wrong with giving guests a specific table to sit at for the evening, your guests are going to want the freedom to sit where they please once at the table. If they don’t like the seat, they may end up moving it, which means that you went through all of that effort for nothing.

Tip #6: Be Prepared For Change

No matter how perfectly you map out your seating chart, there are some things you can’t control–such as a last-minute cancellation or plus-one addition. Write your seating chart in pencil, discuss any changes you foresee with your planner or coordinator, then hand the chart off so you can focus on getting married. Changes happen and, for the most part, guests are willing to go with the flow–especially when they’re the ones responsible for game time shake-ups.

Now that you’ve figured out how to tackle your reception seating chart, it’s time to think about how you want to point your guests to their table. We’ve seen our fair share of incredible seating charts, which is why we’ve rounded up some of our favorites for you to use as inspiration!

Image by The Tinsley Co.

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Outdoor Spring Wedding Ceremony Round-Up

March 8, 2023 | kailey

Image by Lauren Finch Photography. See more of this inspiration here.

Outdoor venues, colorful palettes, and flowers galore—what’s not to love about springtime weddings? If you’re in the works of planning your own spring celebration, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve pulled together a mix of real weddings and styled shoots packed with unique details you won’t find plastered on Pinterest

From pastels to vibrant colors, here are ten of our favorite outdoor spring weddings that’ll help spark inspiration for your big day. 

1. Whimsical Summer Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm Wedding 

Seaside vows, whimsical florals, and the sweetest DIY decor—Priscilla and Chris’s  summer Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm wedding was like a daydream. Every detail was packed with personality, thanks to the help of their talented team of wedding vendors… read more here

Images by Beatrice Howell.

2. Victorian Garden Party-Inspired Backyard Wedding

As parents to two daughters, Angela and Jeramy knew their special day needed to be all about family. And what better place to host a laid-back, child-friendly celebration than in their own Victorian-style family home? With the help of their planner, Details Chicago, the couple turned their yard into a garden party inspired backyard wedding, complete with tables spread with tea sets, picnic blankets, and parasols strewn across the lawn… read more here

Images by Tova Studios.

3. Italian Garden Party Meets Chic Modern Elopement

The pandemic changed the wedding world as we knew it, but many couples have embraced it and found the silver lining. For Maddy and Max, it meant having the opportunity to steer from tradition and focus on quality time and fabulous portraits. With that in mind, the couple skipped the big elaborate wedding in favor of an intimate multi-day affair. And even though they decided to forgo a wedding planner, they pulled off an unforgettable and chic modern elopement that was anything but cookie-cutter… read more here.  

4. Modern Rooftop Elopement Inspiration With Pops of Color

Delicate spring florals, a bright pastel palette, and dramatic city skyline views—this modern rooftop elopement is the perfect toast to love in New York City. Planner Jaclyn Watson Events, florist Folklore Flower Co., and a talented team of vendors teamed up to create this styled shoot to show urban couples that an intimate elopement can be just as romantic and magical… read more here

5. Italian Dinner Party Inspired Assembly Yard Wedding

Serena and Josh wanted to recreate the atmosphere of a cozy Italian family gathering over a delicious meal on their wedding day. So, when planning their Assembly Yard wedding, the couple was very deliberate in making their vision come to life. It was minimalist elegance all the way—with the perfect warehouse venue, a summer sky and citrus color palette, and quirky personal touches… read more here

Images by Kelly Mossop.

6. Colorful Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam Destination Wedding

Colorful weddings have taken the industry by storm, and it’s a trend that we don’t see going anywhere anytime soon. And Deana and Ross’s colorful Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam destination wedding is just one example of why it’s so popular. With pastel blooms and an abundance of greenery in the heart of the botanical garden, their special day was the perfect balance of natural and whimsical… read more here

Images by Kim Captein.

7. Wildflower-Inspired Prospect House Wedding

A minimalist venue nestled in the heart of hill country with gorgeous wildflower arrangements in a fresh spring color palette—Frannie and August’s Prospect House wedding combines a western feel with whimsical touches. Striking a balance between modern and dreamy, the gallery-like setting allowed all the beautiful details to stand out, and it’s definitely a must-see… read more here

Images by Amber Vickery.

8. This Floral-Filled Christianson’s Nursery Wedding Is Complete With Three Outfit Changes

A wedding day is one of the most memorable days in a couple’s life, and it’s only natural to want everything to be perfect. For Jaylynn and Jarrett, their Christianson’s Nursery wedding was everything they envisioned and more, thanks to their outstanding team of vendors. The couple’s attention to detail-with their three outfit changes and floral-filled aesthetic–made their big day a beautiful display of love, commitment, and style… read more here

9. Kate Moss’ Garden Party Inspired This Outdoor Spring Wedding

When an extrovert marries an introvert, it’s a unique situation with its own set of challenges. But for Catherine and Mandy, when the time came to tie the knot, they found beautiful ways to find a happy medium. Inspired by Kate Moss’ garden nuptials back in 2011, the pair echoed the style at their Sherwood Park wedding with stylish wedding fashion, eye-catching florals and decor, and a sophisticated, edgy vibe… read more here

10. Colorful Rainbow Micro Wedding Inspiration

With a bold color palette, show-stopping vibrant florals, and whimsical details, this micro wedding inspiration has the full rainbow experience, and the vibe is off the charts! Deeply moved by Kelly Ginn Photography’s positivity and love for rainbows, Southern Sparkle Weddings and a visionary team of professionals created this spring outdoor wedding, styled shoot to inspire couples and wedding professionals to look forward with hope even during uncertain times… read more here

Sold on an outdoor spring wedding after scrolling through this breathtaking round-up? We don’t blame you. But there’s one important detail you must keep in mind during your planning season—those unpredictable spring showers. Work with your wedding vendors ahead of time to put a rainy-day plan in place to ensure nothing, not even bad weather gets in the way.  

Image by Viviana Cardona.

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