I struggled with naming this wedding PR blog post “Why You Should Avoid Sharing Your Styled Shoot On Social Media Before It Runs.” But, I think “oversharing” is actually the key word in this case. When I’m working on real wedding and styled shoot submissions with my clients, I’m frequently asked this wedding PR etiquette question. When can I share my styled shoot on social media?

Believe me, I know how hard it is to wait to share something you put so much time into. But, it’s so important to be cautious when sharing styled shoot photos on social media. Especially while you’re trying to get it picked up for publication. Why? Wedding editors and bloggers like to be the first to run your beautiful images and share your creative ideas. And, part of what keeps their readers coming back for more is their fresh, unique content. So, if you and 10 other vendors have already shared all the details, it can be considered old news. Therefore, making it not as appealing to publish.

I find myself copy and pasting these same tips over and over. So today, I’m excited to share my best advice for this wedding PR etiquette question for not only my clients, but other wedding industry creatives who might be asking themselves this same question!

Wedding PR Etiquette Tips

• While you work on the wedding PR process, keep the photos under wraps. If you are the photographer, I recommend maintaining control over the photos until you get the styled shoot picked up for publication. If the planner or other vendor from the shoot will be handling the submission process, make sure you both agree on the importance of not oversharing (or sharing at all) on social media before you send them the link to all the photos.
• Keep the vendor team in the loop and explain the process. The vendors are going to want to know what’s going on, especially if you’re withholding the photos until the shoot is picked up. While planning the shoot, or even at the shoot, talk with the vendor team about the process and let them know the importance of maintaining proper wedding PR etiquette during the submission process. Let them know how you plan on moving forward with the pictures so everyone knows exactly what to expect!

• Pick a couple sneak peek photos. If you trust your vendor team with the photos, it’s ok to send them along. But, remind the team to wait to share them freely. In the meantime, consider picking a couple sneak peek photos that everyone can share. But ONLY IF the outlet you’re working with is ok with this. Most editors will tell you that it’s fine to share a sneak peek as long as it doesn’t give away any important details or too much of the design.
• Don’t tag the outlet in your photos until it runs. If you got the shoot picked up, congratulations! This is usually when I recommend using your sneak peek pictures to start building anticipation. But, the last thing you want to do is tag the outlet with, “Can’t wait to see this on [blank]!” You’ve spoiled the surprise. And, you’ve tagged the outlet letting them know that you might be violating their exclusivity policy.

Do you have any other wedding PR etiquette questions? Let me know in the comments below! And if you have any other tips, please feel free to share them below. Cheers, friends!