Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. This week, we’re taking a question from a colleague about using social media for shower planning.
Question: My best friend is getting married in March and I’m the maid of honor. There will be a ton of showers between now and then with those thrown by family and other friends. In addition to those family showers, the bridesmaids and I are throwing her a both a more traditional bridal shower and a separate lingerie shower during the bachelorette weekend festivities. Then, about a month after the bridal shower, we are teaming up with the groomsmen for a stock the bar couple’s shower. Is it OK to organize the showers on Facebook?
Answer: Your friend is lucky to have you as her maid of honor. You are so on top of the party planning and are clearly going to fête your friend in grand fashion. With so many gatherings in the coming months, you obviously want to use all of the tools and technology at your disposal to stay organized, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, confirm whether or not all of the people with whom you are organizing the events are on Facebook and active users. Many people opt out of one social media platform or another for a variety of reasons, or they don’t maintain their pages or visit often. If everyone isn’t on board you’ll have to pick an alternate platform, such as a group forum on Google. Do not under any circumstances drag co-hosts into a group Facebook message. Instead, if all of your co-hosts have agreed to organize via Facebook, create a private group page for planning and organizing. When it comes to the party itself, especially the traditional bridal shower, there likely will be guests ranging in age and technological savvy. It’s best to leave social media out of it where guests are concerned, especially for the traditional shower. Keep it low-tech and go with paper invitations and both email and telephone options for guests to R.S.V.P., ask questions and get additional details, such as where the couple is registered.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
