You've hired your photographer. You've got your flowers. Your dress. The rings. Now what about your hashtag? Haven't thought of it? Not to worry - there's still time!
Why use a hashtag?
Having a good hashtag for your wedding achieves two things: it allows your to quickly and easily see all the photos from your wedding taken by your guests. It also advertises to your guests that photos are encouraged (but maybe not during the ceremony... more about that later). Guests are three times more likely to take a photo during your reception when a custom hashtag is in use!
But what about apps and sites that guests can use to upload photos? Those are fine, but surveys have shown that it's probably too much effort for little gain. Your guests more than likely already have an Instagram account, a Facebook account, and more... and it will be 100% easier for them to do what they're already doing! (Not to mention having to download an app, create a login, figure out how to use it... you get the point).
So you know you need a hashtag. Great! Now for choosing the best one:
Rule #1: Make it Unique
Hashtags are public. They can be used by anyone for anything. Sound risky? It could be. That's why having a unique hashtag makes it harder for it to get lost in the mix of some other event. How to make it unique? Try your first names and the date or the year. That may be enough. But maybe not if your names are Mike and Jen...
Rule #2: Always Do Your Research
Think using your names as your hashtag is good enough? They might be. So why not take 7 seconds and see? How popular is it? Are there only 11 posts for your desired hashtag? Might not be so bad. Are there 250 of them? 3,917? You may want to make it a little more unique. Luckily places like Instagram make it VERY easy for you to find out!
Rule #3: Make it Specific
#mikeandjen could be enough for your guests. But #mikeandjenswedding or #mikeandjensayido will definitely be easy for your guests when it's time to post that hilarious shot of your cousin twerking on the dance floor. Can't find something that works? Try adding a date or year to the end, like #mikandjenAug19 or #mikeandjen2017
Rule #4: Make it Meaningful
Do you and your fiance have a fun story of how you met? Or a common like that sums everything up perfectly? Why not play around with that. #mikeandjenlovetacos or #NiceDayForAWrightWedding - hey, it doesn't have to include your names!
Rule #6: Don't Worry About Capitals
This one's pretty easy. Use a capital if you want your hashtag to read better - but it actually won't register on Instagram. #MikeAndJen may be easier to read and it won't make a difference when your guests type it in! Consider this one when you're using a long-ish hashtag that is in sentence form, like #MikeAndJenTieTheKnot or #WeFinallyDidIt
Rule #7: Use Words or Initials
This may be a no-brainer, but stick to words and names, versus random letters or numbers. It'll be easier for your guests to get it right! #mandj works just as good as #mikeandjen
Quick Tips and Ideas:
Can't decide? Try playing around with some of these with your first names, last name, or something else!
#gethitched
#2017
#TieTheKnot
#SayIDo
#WeDidIt
#WeWereThere
#HappilyEverAfter
#SittingInATree
#4ever
#lovestory
#finallydidit
#fairytale
Blend your names! Mike and Casey can be "Masey". Quirky and fun go a long way
Or play off your soon-to-be-same last name! #partylikeamorrison
Don't forget - after you've created your hashtag, share it! Share share share! Have at least one sign up and get your MC to announce what it is.
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