Since its inception decades ago, social media has changed the world. As the popularity of social media exploded in the early part of the 21st century, various platforms emerged and ultimately affected movements pertaining to everything from politics to charitable efforts.

Social media also has emerged as a great tool for couples on the cusp of getting married. The following are some ways that couples can employ social media in their wedding planning:

- Create your own hashtag. A couple-specific hashtag can be a simple way to share information on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Your hashtag can alert friends and family who are on those platforms whenever you post new information and photos.

- Share a photo album online. Many couples love leafing through their wedding albums periodically throughout the rest of their lives together, but guests also may enjoy reliving the festivities. The photo-sharing social media platform Instagram is a great way for couples and their guests to relive the special moment a couple ties the knot and all the ensuing fun at the reception. Create a wedding-specific Instagram page and post all the photos you want to share.

- Include guests who could not attend the festivities. No matter how hard couples may try to pick a date that's convenient for all of their guests, some invitees will inevitably be unable to attend. That's especially true while the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. Elderly guests or loved ones with underlying medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19 may choose to decline their invitations. But couples can utilize social media platforms like Facebook Live to share their ceremonies live with loved ones who couldn't make it in person.

- Encourage others to pitch in with the planning. Planning a wedding should be fun, and what better way to add to the fun factor than encouraging loved ones to share their ideas via a social media platform like Pinterest? Couples can create a Pinterest board and ask interested friends and family members to share ideas on everything from attire to decor to floral arrangements. This can be an especially effective way to involve bridesmaids and groomsmen if social distancing guidelines and travel restrictions related to the pandemic are still in place when planning your wedding.