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To hashtag or not to hashtag? The new social rules of wedding etiquette

Beyond the photographer, cake, caterer, dress, venues and seating arrangements, brides and grooms everywhere now have another concern to put on their wedding "to-do" list — to hashtag or not to hashtag their wedding.As those tying the knot are becoming more digitally savvy, most are actually embracing social media on their wedding day. According to TheKnot.com, 55 percent of couples decided to h

Beyond the photographer, cake, caterer, dress, venues and seating arrangements, brides and grooms everywhere now have another concern to put on their wedding "to-do" list — to hashtag or not to hashtag their wedding.

As those tying the knot are becoming more digitally savvy, most are actually embracing social media on their wedding day. According to TheKnot.com, 55 percent of couples decided to hashtag their wedding in 2014, compared with only 9 percent of couples in 2012. 

"This is a generation where one-third of the people posted their marital status or engagement status within two hours of it happening," Rebecca Dolgin, Editor-in-chief of "The Knot" told NBC's Joelle Garguilo.  

Here are some easy guidelines for handling social media at weddings:

  • Don't post a picture of the bride on social media until she's officially married.
  • Don't use your cellphone during the ceremony, or during the reception dinner.
  • Don't block the view of the people behind you.
  • Don't congratulate anyone on social media until they've announced the marriage themselves on that forum.

"The new rules really come from the old rules," wedding etiquette expert Anna Post told TODAY's Erica Hill and Lester Holt. "This is about respecting the fact that this is a wedding; this is about respecting the couple's wishes. And then knowing what it means to be a good guest."

But what's the best way to tell people about your wedding hashtag? 

"You can tell them on the wedding website," Post said. "I love telling them on the program, or maybe also with a sign when you enter the ceremony area. And then maybe have the best man or the officiant make an announcement to the guests."