Before attending a wedding, a guest is usually confronted with three basic questions: What is the dress code? Where is the couple registered? And finally, what is their hashtag? As ubiquitous as Chiavari chairs, the wedding hashtag has become an inescapable ritual of black tie bashes, rustic outdoor festivities, and even intimate city hall ceremonies. But is it in risk of becoming passé?

In July 2014, a survey conducted by TheKnot and Mashable found that more than 55 percent of couples used a personalized hashtag for their wedding. Event planner Mindy Weiss, who’s organized the weddings of Nicole Richie, Ellen DeGeneres, and Gwen Stefani, reveals the number is actually much higher than that. “I’d say 99 percent of my brides and grooms come to me already wanting a hashtag,” she said over email. “Sometimes the hashtagging starts as early as the engagement ring picture on Instagram.”

Deciding on a hashtag has become an essential part ... Read more »