Are You Planning a Wedding for You or for Social Media?

An elegantly set dining table adorned with delicate pastel floral arrangements and crystal glassware, creating a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere.

Social media has transformed how we experience weddings. From Pinterest-perfect aesthetics to viral first dances, couples today are bombarded with images of extravagant celebrations that set impossible standards. But at what point does the wedding stop being about the couple and start being about views, likes, and shares?

If you find yourself questioning whether you're planning the wedding of your dreams or chasing a viral moment—this post is for you.

The Rise of the “Instagram Wedding”

Social media has given us endless wedding inspiration, but it has also created pressure to perform. Instead of focusing on what feels personal and meaningful, couples can feel obligated to:

• Choose decor that photographs well rather than what they actually love.

• Include viral trends like champagne towers or grand floral installations, even if it’s not their style.

• Choreograph elaborate first dances because it’s expected, not because they want to.

• Overextend their budget to achieve a picture-perfect moment for social media.
  

The result? A celebration that looks stunning in photos — but might not feel meaningful in real life.

A beautifully set outdoor dining table is adorned with vibrant floral arrangements, colorful glassware, and elegant dinnerware, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere.

Is Social Media Giving You Wedding Dysmorphia?

With constant exposure to curated weddings online, many couples experience what can be described as wedding dysmorphia. Just like body dysmorphia warps how we see ourselves, wedding dysmorphia distorts how we see our celebration.

You might find yourself:

• Doubting your perfectly fine decor choices

• Feeling like your wedding “isn’t good enough”

• Stressing about whether it’s aesthetic enough for social media

• Obsessing over things that don’t align with your actual values
  

A stunning outdoor wedding reception setup featuring elegantly adorned tables with vibrant floral centerpieces under twinkling string lights, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere as the sun sets.

Here’s the truth: Most of what you see online is either staged, styled, edited or created by AI, like the picture you see above. Real weddings are about emotion, connection, and personality, not algorithms or perfect lighting. It's okay if you're wedding doesn't look like a cover of a Magazine. It's okay if you're table only has candles as a table center or if you're using your bridesmaids bouquets as table centers.

It's okay for your wedding to look like this!

Signs You’re Planning a Wedding for Social Media (Not for You)

It’s normal to want your wedding to look amazing, but if any of the following sound familiar, you may be prioritizing social media over what truly matters:

• You’re choosing trends over personal taste. Does your wedding theme reflect your love story, or is it built from viral trends?

• You’re worried about how things will look in photos rather than how they’ll feel in person. Are you picking things because they make you happy or because they’ll "pop" on Instagram?

• You feel pressure to impress rather than celebrate. If you're more concerned with guests talking about how "aesthetic" your wedding was rather than how much fun they had, take a step back.

• Your budget is stretched because of “must-have” viral moments. Are you overspending on things you don’t even care about?

• You feel like your wedding is becoming a performance. If you feel like you have to “keep up” with what’s trending, ask yourself, who are you doing this for?

How to Plan a Wedding That Reflects You — Not an Algorithm

If you want to reclaim your wedding and make it about your love story, not social media, here’s how to shift your mindset:

1. Define What Truly Matters

Sit down with your partner and ask: What do we actually care about? Maybe it’s an intimate guest list, handwritten vows, or killer food. Let those answers guide every decision.

2. Embrace Meaning Over Trends

If a trend feels authentic to you, go for it. But don’t force a champagne tower just because it’s hot on TikTok. Choose what makes your heart sing — not just what makes your feed pop.

3. Focus on Guest Experience

Your guests won’t remember your curated tablescape — they’ll remember the fun, the laughter, and the way your love made them feel. Prioritise good vibes over perfect visuals.

4. Set a “No Social” Moment

Consider an unplugged ceremony or a private moment just for the two of you. Not everything needs to be filmed — some memories are best kept offline.

5. Respect Your Budget

You don’t need to break the bank to impress the internet. Spend where it feels right, not where it looks flashy.

6. Remind Yourself: It's a wedding, Not a perfomance

Your wedding is not a performance. It’s a celebration of your love, your story, and your future. If that doesn't include viral trends , that's totally okay. This day is about love, not likes. The memories you make with your partner and loved ones will mean far more than any viral moment to post on Instagram.

A newlywed couple shares a joyful kiss under the trees as guests applaud, celebrating their union in a beautiful outdoor ceremony.

Love Over Likes

Social media is a tool — not a blueprint. Your wedding isn’t about going viral. It’s about creating a day that feels deeply, authentically you. Years from now, it won’t be the Instagram likes you remember. It’ll be the way your partner looked at you. The way your guests laughed during speeches. The moment you realised: This is our story.

So, ask yourself again: Are you planning a wedding that feels right for you? Or for the highlight reel?