Few can argue that Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare has caused some people that may have, otherwise, lived a rather obscure life, to become more than a bit fanatical about making sure that the world knows of their every move. So, it should come as no real shock that these same social networking sites might cause an overly eager friend to “spill the beans” about a couple’s engagement on Facebook or Twitter before they’ve told their families. And, what about the guest that uses these same social networking sites to post status updates with real time, play-by-play, wedding commentary (the good & the not so complimentary) of everything from the Bride and Groom’s choices of attire, food and decor, complete with photographs, before the party has even begun?

Some newlyweds may be giddy knowing that anyone paying attention on the worldwide web can become a “virtual,” albeit uninvited guest at their wedding. It sounds fun, especially since these individuals (some strangers) won’t have to be fed or included in the bar tab!

Others, however, may be more than slightly aggravated that their special day has suddenly become the less than personal and intimate affair they had dreamed about.     

If you’re one of those couples that doesn’t want your family and friends instantaneously posting your wedding details to their Facebook wall and Twitter newsfeeds, the editors at WeddingChannel.com have put together a “Top Five Digital Wedding Guest Don’ts”.  Let your guests in on your wish to not turn your wedding into instant fodder for discussion or, worse yet, criticism by posting this guest guide to your (this part is so hard to write with a straight face) Facebook page, your wedding web site, your blog and/or Twitter newsfeed.   

 “DON’T GIVE A WEDDING DAY PLAY-BY-PLAY.

“Just checked into John and Jane’s wedding.” “Bride walking down the aisle now.” It may be hard to resist, but sharing minute-by-minute details about someone else’s wedding on Facebook, Twitter or foursquare is not okay. Let the bride check-in to her own wedding if she wants. And when it comes to the engagement — make sure you ask the bride whether the happy news is public yet — she might’ve only told a few friends so far and probably won’t appreciate you sharing her engagement news on Facebook instead of her. 

DON’T BE THE PAPARAZZI.

Just because you post what you eat every day on Flickr, doesn’t mean the bride wants her bachelorette party, bridal shower and wedding seen by the world. According to a WeddingChannel.com poll, 40% of brides said posting photos online without permission or even a heads-up was their biggest digital wedding gripe. So ask before posting wedding-related photos and videos, and don’t even think about posting unflattering wedding pictures and risqué bachelorette party videos. 

DON’T RSVP VIA TWEET.

Unless the bride said “RSVP on Twitter,” chances are she wants you to RSVP via mail. Not to mention, posting on your friend’s Facebook wall may trigger drama. Who knows who the bride didn’t invite! 

DON’T COMPLAIN ONLINE.

Bride’s being a bridezilla? Hate your bridesmaid dress? If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t post it online-because chances are it will spread like viral fire, and you don’t want the bride to find out. Or do you? 

DON’T FORGET THE GIFT.

In this digital age, it doesn’t take that much effort to go online and buy a gift—especially when you can easily find a couple’s registry just by entering the bride’s name on WeddingChannel.com. ”

Don’t be a wedding tweet twit. Give your fingers, friends, fans and followers a much deserved rest. The Bride & Groom will appreciate your consideration and undivided attention.

Over the past few weeks I’ve attended a number of wedding industry conferences. In September it was the Wedding MBA in Las Vegas. In November, it was the MMES Conference in Wichita, Kansas. The recurring theme at each was very clear. If you’re not heavily involved in or deeply committed to taking advantage of the almost limitless amount of social media (all of it free, btw), your business is going to get left in the dust.

Wow! That’s a scary thought! Especially since I’ve looked at social media as more of a fad than a trend. But, after listening to those that make it their business to know the numbers and demographics,  Timothy Chi (CEO) & Sonny Ganguli (CMO) with Wedding Wire and Andy Ebon with The Wedding Marketing Blog, my attitude has been shaken. Now, I’m scrambling to get caught up, moving my business into the 21st century and making certain that I’ve covered  the almost limitless, on-line outlets where today’s Brides and Grooms go for information. For me, it’s like running a race where there is no finish line. But, at least I’ve left the starter’s block!

This afternoon I was sharing my angst with Jim Cerone, a good friend and fellow wedding entertainer, who reminded me of  what is really important…taking care of those couples who have already already made their decisions and have contracted my entertainment services for their wedding celebrations. If I continue to give the absolute best I have to offer, they will trump all social networking by enthuiastically referring me to their friends and family. And, yet, here I am blogging about that conversation!

So tell me, where can I find you? What social media sites, networks and tools do you use to find information to help you make decisions? I’ll meet you there…eventually.