Photography Etiquette Tips for Wedding Guests
Weddings are such a lovely affair, from the happy couple to the yummy food and fun celebrations – they can be some of the happiest events we get to attend in our adult lives. Oftentimes, this leads to the friendly gesture of guests snapping lots of photos and videos with their phones and other devices.
This can be a really sweet gesture – and sometimes, it can get in the way. As a photographer, I have seen instances where innocent snapshots can lead to eye-catching faux pas, wedding interruptions, and even embarrassment. So I’ve put together a collection of tips for wedding guests to adhere to on behalf of the lovely wedding couples out there who want to let their guests in on the fun of capturing their special day, but with a few ground rules. (Couples: Feel free to share these tips on your social feeds as a little “hint” for your guests! 😀)
Ask permission from the couple before you post to social media
Unless the couple has already shared a wedding day hashtag and information about posting, don’t assume it’s OK to post photos of your friend or family member’s special day to social media. While some folks are quick to share special moments of their life online, many individuals and couples prefer to take a more private route. If you want to share the moment with friends online, be sure to clear it with the couple first so you don’t end up crossing any privacy boundaries. This also goes for details about the wedding date, location, and dress: Don’t share them online before the couple does, and err on the side of not sharing the info at all!
Don’t post 100s of photos of a wedding that’s not yours
Maybe the couple has informed guests that it’s A-OK to post photos online. So that gives the all-clear to post everything you have from that night, right? Not quite. Be sure to be mindful of just how much you’re posting, and don’t go “live” unless the couple asks you too. While they may not have explicit rules around this, common etiquette says to avoid revealing too much about an event that is ultimately not about you. You want to allow space for the newly-married couple to express themselves online. Don’t steal the limelight with mindless uploads. Instead let them take the lead on how they want to present their special day and “pepper” their posts with attractive memories you captured. Which brings us to….
Don’t post unflattering photos
Take a close look at the photos you want to post about someone else’s wedding, and avoid focusing only on how you look! You want to add to the cheer and celebration, not embarrass the couple or key members of the wedding party. Make sure the people in your photos look nice, and don’t post candid shots unless you’re absolutely sure the people in the photos wouldn’t begrudge your post.
DO share your photos and videos with the couple
It’s a common scenario: You witness many guests at a party or wedding snapping photos and taking video, only to never see the actual photography! Give the couple the fruits of your labor by sharing materials directly with them. They will be pleasantly surprised to have additional footage of their special day, and who knows – you may have even captured a favorite moment that will be cherished for years to come.
DO stay out of the way of the hired photographer
So excited for your bestie’s wedding? Can’t wait to celebrate your sibling and your new in-law? Don’t be so excited that you get in the way of the special moments the hired photographer and/or videographer is trying to capture! Some key moments to steer clear of: The aisle during the ceremony; the first dance during the reception; and any other moment that focuses solely on the couple.
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