#WeddingBlogAboutHashtags

The other day I saw a post about a child's birthday. The post was punctuated with about 30 hashtags. It got to be comical because many were repetitious. I think I even commented "You need more hashtags" to which she responded, "I would have, but Instagram only allows 30." I am hoping she's joking, but I noticed on other recent posts, she's had an equally tremendous amount of hashtags.

A hashtag - for those uninformed - is a social media label that allows folks searching the internet to find information with a similar theme. A hashtag is preceded by the number symbol ( a tiny tic tac toe) that looks like this #. Thus a hashtag might be something like this: #weddingblog. Oftentimes people will use it to express their feelings or add context to something they have just posted, like #can'tbelievewehavetowrite42moreofthese, #willwerunoutofideas, #surelyourkidsarereadyformarriagebynow.

They are all the rage with regards to weddings now, because if guests at the wedding post a photo and include the specific wedding hashtag, the bride and groom can find those photos later by doing a search of the hashtag. The Knot wedding magazine says 55% of couples have a hashtag for their weddings and those who didn't, wish they did. Anton and Kayla have already selected their hashtag. It's #finaLeeZimanek. Now when they post anything that has to do with the wedding, that hashtag is attached.

The wedding hashtag is so popular, that there are even hashtag generators. If you go to Wedding Wire, you can plug in your names, wedding date, location, etc. and it will give you a slew of hashtags to choose from. Hashtags like #happilyeverafter, #trueloveforever or #newlyweds interspersed with the couple's info. After you select a hashtag you need to check if anyone else is using it for some other theme, so you aren't doubling on info. Ayla and Rob are in the process of trying to come up with a hashtag. They intend to use their hashtag specifically for their Selfie Station where people can get dressed up and take photos of themselves with their cellphones (like a photo booth). This way Ayla and Rob can see them all after the wedding when they are posted with the hashtag. We have several contenders including 

#LollyGoggin
#eatdrinkandZGoggin
#ZimazingGoggin
#webeGoggins
#ARforeverlove
#ZGogginblend
#ARrecipe4love
#SnogginGoggins
#toomanycooksinARkitchen
#Mr&MrsGoggin
#foodiesinlove
#ZGogginweddingfeast ... you get the idea.

So it's a fun process and helpful at the same time for the couple and the guests. Now if we could just settle on one for Ayla and Rob.

UPDATE: Right after this was posted, we got a text. Hashtag selected! #eatdrinkandbegoggin. :)

Discussion: When is a hashtag unnecessary? Do you see the value in a hashtag? Tell about some clever hashtags. When has a hashtag been helpful to you in a search?

Prayer: Lord Almighty, you are so wonderful and we love you. We thank you that you are so easy to reach out to and learn about. We pray for your blessing on every guest that comes to these weddings and the fun photos that will come from them. In Jesus, Amen.