So, we cannot deny the widespread obsession with Facebook and Twitter, but I never though that the obsession of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter may surprisingly pose a threat to one’s wedding! Many guests may unknowingly announce someone else’s engagement on Facebook (ouch!), or even dish out how hideous the bride’s dress is (double-ouch!) without thinking twice. This may make brides feel extremely frustrated and over-exposed. Not to mention the fact that pics of the big day hit the information superhighway before you even cut your cake! Status updates from the pews, recently added photos a second after your first dance. I too was a victim…
For brides who do not wish for their wedding to be on everyone’s wall and newsfeed, the editors at WeddingChannel.com have created a “Top Five Digital Wedding Guest Don’ts”. So if you too feel that this is getting out of hand, post this guest guide to your Facebook page, Tweet the heck out of this poignant 411, send a mass e-mail (hate those btw), do what you gotta do.
“DON’T GIVE A WEDDING DAY PLAY-BY-PLAY.
“Just checked into John and Jane’s wedding.” “Bride walking down the aisle now.” It may be hard to resist, but sharing minute-by-minute details about someone else’s wedding on Facebook, Twitter or foursquare is not okay. Let the bride check-in to her own wedding if she wants. And when it comes to the engagement — make sure you ask the bride whether the happy news is public yet — she might’ve only told a few friends so far and probably won’t appreciate you sharing her engagement news on Facebook instead of her.
DON’T BE THE PAPARAZZI.
Just because you post what you eat every day on Flickr, doesn’t mean the bride wants her bachelorette party, bridal shower and wedding seen by the world. According to a WeddingChannel.com poll, 40% of brides said posting photos online without permission or even a heads-up was their biggest digital wedding gripe. So ask before posting wedding-related photos and videos, and don’t even think about posting unflattering wedding pictures and risque bachelorette party videos.
DON’T RSVP VIA TWEET.
Unless the bride said “RSVP on Twitter,” chances are she wants you to RSVP via mail. Not to mention, posting on your friend’s Facebook wall may trigger drama. Who knows who the bride didn’t invite!
DON’T COMPLAIN ONLINE.
Bride’s being a bridezilla? Hate your bridesmaid dress? If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t post it online-because chances are it will spread like viral fire, and you don’t want the bride to find out. Or do you?
DON’T FORGET THE GIFT.
In this digital age, it doesn’t take that much effort to go online and buy a gift—especially when you can easily find a couple’s registry just by entering the bride’s name on WeddingChannel.com.” (nice plug)
I implore you… use the power of the internet and phenomenon of social networking for good, not evil.
xx
Salome
I really like that you posted this. I feel like new media gives us an excuse to be less thougthful than we would otherwise be.
I’m not a fan of being photographed and while most all of my close friends really understand that I’d like our pictures today to be private, I woke up in the middle of the night one night realizing that I’m fair game on the wedding day. The idea still strikes terror.
Yeah, totally had someone post that we were engaged (on facebook) BEFORE we had told everyone. We were trying to get into contact with everyone via PHONE before we posted it on the internet.
One thing that tickles me to death is when people tweet their wedding! I think it’s hilarious. I’m sure their guests partake in tweeting their wedding while they are in the pews on their iphones….tisk…tisk. Love you blog by the way!
it’s so important that people are talking about this. we have to remember that even though we live in the digital age, everyone has different feelings about what this means. although it is usually coming from a good place of excitement and happiness, people often lose site of the basics of how and when to share information. maybe time to get back to basics and pretend, in these cases, that we don’t have access to so many info sharing tools?
Interesting…I never thought about that! I guess bridal couples really do have to be selective about who they tell details about their engagement or weddings!
This is a hilarious yet oh so true post! The Facebook and Twietter wedding debacles have certainly gotten a little out of control. I think a good rule of thumb is “Facebook friend does not always equal wedding invite.” :-)
Great post – it’s something you wouldn’t normally think about until you get annoyed by it!
Stumbled upon this randomly – I guess it’s nice to know I wasn’t alone in having my engagement announced all over Facebook for me. I don’t know what I liked more…that, or the public request via my Facebook wall for a picture of the dress that I REALLY wanted to keep a surprise.
Good times.
I think it’s great advice to look to the bride for clues as to how to proceed – if she’s keeping things quiet, you should too.
On the other hand, it could be very appropriate… like this wedding:
http://www.kitv.com/news/24179145/detail.html