Hello, gorgeous!
Let’s have a real chat about something that’s become a huge part of wedding planning in recent years—the pressure to meet social media expectations. You know what I’m talking about. We’re constantly bombarded with images of picture-perfect weddings on Instagram and Pinterest, where everything from the flowers to the favours seems to be straight out of a fairytale. It’s enough to make anyone feel like they need to pull off the most Instagrammable wedding of the century. But here’s the thing: your wedding isn’t about likes, shares, or followers. It’s about *you* and the love you’re celebrating. So, let’s dive into how you can shake off that social media pressure and plan a day that’s authentically yours.
Image by Tony Pullen Photography
Social Media: Blessing or Curse?
Let’s start by acknowledging that social media isn’t all bad. It’s an amazing tool for inspiration and connecting with wedding suppliers. Who hasn’t spent hours scrolling through Pinterest boards for that perfect colour palette or checking out Instagram hashtags for unique ideas? But it’s important to remember that social media only shows the highlights. What you don’t see are the behind-the-scenes moments, the little mishaps, or the stress that goes into creating those flawless images.
When we focus too much on creating a wedding that looks perfect online, we can lose sight of what’s really important—creating a day that feels perfect for *us*.
Image by Upon The Heath Photography
Define Your Own Vision
The best way to combat social media pressure is to start by defining what *you* and your partner want from your wedding day. What’s important to you? Is it a relaxed, intimate gathering with your closest friends and family? Or maybe you’re dreaming of a big, bold celebration with plenty of dancing and laughter. Whatever your vision, make sure it reflects your personalities, values, and love story.
Once you have a clear idea of what you want, it becomes easier to filter out the noise from social media. You don’t need to have a wedding that looks like it belongs on the cover of a magazine—what matters is that it feels true to you.
Focus on the Moments, Not the Aesthetics
One of the biggest traps of social media pressure is getting caught up in the aesthetics. Yes, it’s lovely to have beautiful flowers, stunning décor, and an amazing cake, but what you’ll remember most from your wedding day are the moments. The look on your partner’s face when you walk down the aisle, the laughter during the speeches, the joy of dancing with your loved ones—these are the things that make your wedding special.
Instead of stressing over whether your table settings are Instagram-worthy, focus on creating an atmosphere where everyone feels loved, welcomed, and ready to celebrate. Trust me, that’s what will make your wedding unforgettable.
Image by Nikki's Moments
Put the Phone Down and Be Present
Here’s a little tip: when the big day arrives, put your phone away. Seriously. Hand it over to your wedding party and give yourself permission to be fully present in the moment. Your wedding day is going to fly by, and the last thing you want is to be worrying about whether you’ve got the perfect shot for Instagram.
If capturing memories is important to you, hire a photographer you trust to do just that. They’ll capture all the magic without you having to worry about it. And remember, the best moments are often the candid ones—the ones you can’t plan or stage.
Celebrate Your Unique Love Story
At the end of the day, your wedding should be a celebration of *your* unique love story. Forget about what’s trending on social media or what other people are doing. What matters is that your wedding reflects who you are as a couple. So, if that means a traditional ceremony followed by a quirky, laid-back reception, go for it! If it means eloping in the Scottish Highlands with just the two of you, do it!
Image by Mark Horton Photos
Final Thoughts
Don’t let social media dictate your wedding day. This is your moment, your celebration, and it should be everything you want it to be—whether or not it fits into a perfectly curated Instagram grid. So, ditch the pressure, plan a wedding that’s authentically yours, and enjoy every single moment.
Happy planning!
