If you’re planning a wedding and wondering whether you can forgo print invitations for a simple post on Instagram, experts overwhelmingly say stationery is still an important detail. Physical invitations act as a personal touch for your guests, who often keep these items in a prominent space as a reminder of the upcoming event. In addition, formal events such as weddings, call for more conventional invitations, which also serve as tangible keepsakes for your close family members and friends. There’s good news for digital natives, however - it’s easy to personalize your printed materials with special social media elements.
Photography by Leeloo The First from Pexels.
Just because your guests receive a mailing, there’s no reason why you can’t use social media in your print designs. Here are four smart ways to bring social elements to a more traditional aspect of your wedding.
- Wedding Hashtags
Wedding hashtags have become ubiquitous, and for good reason. They’re an easy way to create a social media buzz and keep track of all your guests’ photos and comments throughout and after the event. Be sure to select a unique and memorable hashtag and share it with your guests at the bottom of your save the date cards and invitations. Or, add it to a separate card within your invitation envelope.
To get started, use elements of both partners’ names or nicknames and your wedding date. Still need creative ideas? Check out one of the many hashtag generator sites. And don’t forget to ensure that your idea hasn’t been used already.
- QR Codes
Include a QR code on the back of your invitation or on a separate card within your invitation envelope. QR codes have become even more common in the last few years, making it easy to access websites with your phone’s camera.
In fact, 89 million people in the United States scanned a QR code using a mobile device in 2022, an increase of 26% from 2020 (L.Ceci, 2023). It’s likely that most of your guests will know just what to do when they see a QR code on their invitation.
Your code can function as an easy way for guests to access your wedding website, social media accounts, or other wedding-related pages right from their phone. Just be sure to make the code large and clear enough to be scanned by a phone.
Photography by Kathrine Birch from Pexels.
- Linktree
If you’re like many social media users, you’re on multiple platforms, and there just isn’t room on your invite to link to all of them. That’s where Linktree comes in. Linktree is a service that allows you to create one landing page for all of your web and social media links. Chances are, you’re already using one of these link-in-bio sites.
Launched in 2016, Linktree currently has 40 million members. Of course, there are also alternatives to Linktree, such as Hopp, Later, and Beacons. Include your Linktree page on the bottom of your save the date cards and invitations to give your guests access to all of your wedding-related content: from your wedding website, to your social media groups, to your Pinterest inspiration boards.
- Live Stream
It’s likely that you have out-of-town friends and relatives who can’t make it in person for your big day. Make a plan to live stream the event on YouTube (or another platform) for those who want to join in on the fun from afar.
YouTube, Facebook and Instagram are some of the top video streaming sites. But be sure to do a little research before selecting the platform that’s right for you. Don’t forget to make use of these platforms’ interactive features like live chat and polls. Your online guests will feel more included when they can connect with others.
All you’ll need is a mobile device and someone to operate it. You may also consider purchasing a tripod to ensure your footage is steady and a microphone to capture the best sound. There are also professional services that will handle everything you need for a successful live stream.
If you’ve opted to DIY, simply schedule your live stream and share the link at the bottom of your invitations. And, be sure to test your internet connection at the venue multiple times before the celebration begins.
Photography by Tara Winstead from Pexels.
Before you get started with adapting those print invitations, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Don’t use an image of a social media button - they will not be useful in print. Instead, add a call to action, such as “Visit (your website link) for all the wedding details.”
- Don’t include a link to every social profile and website you use. You want your invitations to be simple and focused on the big event itself. Instead, include only one social media reference. If you have multiple you’d like to share, consider using Link Tree as described above.
- If your link is very long or difficult to read, consider shortening it with Bitly or a similar service.
- Go directly to the source if you’re planning to use social media logos. Be sure to download the correct versions from each companies’ web site.
- Be sure not to modify social media logos too significantly. Stick with official colors and designs and leave enough white space around each image. Check to make sure the logos are not distorted due to unintentional stretching. Ensure all logos are consistent with each other - they should be the same size and style.
Now that you’ve got your wedding invitations under control, you might be realizing that you have hundreds of more tasks to complete. From catering, to flowers, to centerpieces, wedding planning can become overwhelming. If that’s the case, contact Matthew Oliver Weddings for help with bringing your dream wedding to life. With international experience and relationships with top suppliers, Matthew Oliver Weddings guides their clients through every step of the planning journey.
