And the online experience will only get more sophisticated in the coming years. Engaged couples can look forward to viewing venues remotely via 3D walkthroughs, booking everything at the swipe of a finger through ever-expanding apps, navigating interactive digital registries for gifts, and live-streaming the big day for those who can’t be there.
❝Technology has played a huge part in the planning process,” Mark Niemierko confirms. “Couples can draw inspiration from the likes of Instagram and Pinterest — frankly, both these forms of social media are swamped with wedding content.❞
Like every corner of our lives, social media is now a big part of the modern wedding day, too. Witty wedding hashtags encourage guests to share their snaps straightaway on Instagram. Selfie sticks have replaced disposable cameras on reception tables to capture those hazy late-night dance moves. Even little details like phone-charging stations at the cocktail bar accommodate phone addicts.
This dependence on technology is why many couples are opting for an unplugged wedding, where the bride and groom ask their guests to put away their phones during the ceremony and/or reception. You’ll often hear the celebrant encourage people to be present in the moment rather than trying to snap some blurry photos.
After all, that’s the professional photographer’s job. They can snap stunning pictures thanks to developments like drones and wearable devices, which provide a whole new angle on your big day.
All that said, technology hasn’t completely taken over the wedding of the future. If anything, it only makes the rustic, old-fashioned touches even more special.
❝Wedding websites are a great addition alongside formal printed invitations for further information such as hotels to stay in, directions, locations and details of other events prior and after the main wedding day,❞Mark says.
“I do however feel they’ll never replace the formal printed invitation. It’s your wedding day, and a good-quality, heavy-weighted invitation arriving through your family and friends’ letter boxes sets a tone. And let’s not forget paper is recyclable.”