A good wedding hashtag can gather every guest’s photos in one place. A bad one gets misspelled by the second aunt and forgotten by the reception.
West African couples, especially in Nigeria and Ghana, have made wedding hashtags a standard part of planning. Celebrity examples such as #BAAD2017, for Banky W and Adesua Etomi, and #Chivido2024, for Davido and Chioma, showed how a hashtag can become a brand for the wedding. Here is how to make one that works.
1. Start with your names
Most successful hashtags combine the couple’s names or initials. Try blending first names (Chioma and David became Chivido), using initials, or combining a surname with a word such as “forever” or “together”.
2. Add the year
Adding the year makes the hashtag more likely to be unique and helps you find your own photos later. It also makes sense to guests, who are used to the format.
3. Check it is not taken
Search the hashtag on Instagram, TikTok and X before you commit. If another couple has used it, you will end up sharing a feed with strangers.
4. Keep it easy to spell
Avoid unusual spellings, silent letters and long words. Say it out loud and ask someone to type it without seeing it. If they get it wrong, simplify it.
5. Watch how it reads
Hashtags run words together. Read it carefully to make sure it does not accidentally form another word or look awkward. Capitalising each word, #LikeThis, makes it easier to read.
6. Use one main hashtag
Some couples create different hashtags for each event. That can work, but it confuses guests. One main hashtag for the whole wedding, perhaps with the event added in captions, keeps everything together.
7. Tell your guests
Print the hashtag on invitations, programmes, table cards and signs at the venue. Ask the MC to mention it. Put it on aso-ebi information messages and your wedding website if you have one.
8. Collect the photos
After the wedding, search the hashtag and save guests’ photos and videos. Public posts are easy to find; ask friends with private accounts to send theirs directly. Some couples use shared photo albums or apps as well.
9. Respect privacy
Not every couple wants their wedding public. If you prefer privacy, tell guests clearly, or consider an “unplugged” ceremony with phones away and share photos with close family only.
10. Have fun with it
The best hashtags feel personal. A pun, a shared joke or a nod to how you met makes guests smile.
The ceremony lasts an afternoon. The hashtag, done well, keeps collecting memories long after the last guest has gone home.
