A Wedding Pro’s Guide to Instagram Reels and TikTok

When it comes to marketing your wedding business, there always seems to be something new to try. And, while you might feel frustrated every time you hear about a new social media platform or tool (you are human and can only be in so many places), it’s actually a great reminder to think about your marketing plan. Because, even though you’ve got your Storefronts set up and love how hands-off advertising on The Knot and WeddingWire is, you still need to be out there actively building your brand. And the current social media must-haves for doing that are Instagram Reels and TikTok.

Cue the collective sigh. Have a moment. And then keep reading—because we’re going to help get you going with Reels and TikTok video ideas you can crank through.

Short-form video marketing isn’t new 

Using video to market your business and build your brand has become increasingly important over the years. And, while participating in it used to require large budgets, video shoot days, and long waits to allow for expert editing, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have really made it accessible to the masses. Indeed, many people have been trying to figure out how to market their businesses with Snapchat, and video pins on Pinterest have been a popular feature for some time. Platforms like Vine have come and gone, but it takes a few key elements to align before many people jump on board—and the casual vibe and edit-it-yourself approach of Reels and TikTok seem to be the secret sauce. 

Why you should think about adding Instagram Reels or TikTok to your marketing plan

An effective marketing plan is a combination of two key elements: steady and consistent tactics, such as advertising and SEO, and in-the-moment opportunities, like participating in the latest trend. Instagram Reels and TikTok videos fall into the latter category and are currently a good way to grow your audience (read: your number of followers) because the algorithms are pretty generous with impressions (for now).

In addition to there being an opportunity to grow your audience, there is also an opportunity to showcase your personality and expertise uniquely. Because, with this type of content, it is easy to blend your expert tips and beautiful portfolio with your personality—your music choices, tone of voice, and presence all make it easier for couples to understand who you are.

Pro-tip: We’re about to dive into lots of ideas to help you create short-form video content, but here are 5 ways you can use TikTok for your wedding business, too.

Things to remember as you create Reels and TikTok videos

Video marketing can be intimidating—even when it’s short form. So, before we get into sharing all sorts of ideas for videos you can create, there are a few important things for you to remember:

• The videos you create or use in Reels and TikTok videos don’t have to be professionally shot (the camera on your phone is perfect).
• If you’re not quite ready to jump in front of the camera or want to get more familiar with the editing tools before you do, you can start by using photos from your portfolio (you need to download them to your camera roll first).
• Please get into the habit of shooting behind-the-scenes videos so you can create your Reels and TikTok videos at a later time (as opposed to needing to make them all from scratch in the moment).
• Don’t forget to write a caption that includes a CTA (this is an excellent opportunity to drive traffic to your Storefronts).
• Be sure to tag the other professionals whose work is featured in the photos or video; tagging others is always a great way to encourage them to share your content.

Reels and TikTok ideas for wedding planners

• Share your best wedding planning tips or FAQs.
• Show people what is in your wedding day emergency kit.
• Share behind-the-scenes clips from different points throughout a wedding day. 

Reels and TikTok ideas for beauty

• Juxtapose your ability to do different makeup styles (ex., natural or dramatic).
• Show a simple 360° video of a before and after with a client on the wedding day.
• Unbox your fav products and share why you love them.

Reels and TikTok ideas for wedding venues

• Record video tours of each of your spaces (getting ready, ceremony, reception, etc.).
• Show photos or videos of your spaces on different wedding days to show the versatility.
• Create videos showing the space before and after setup.

Reels and TikTok ideas for rental companies

• Record yourself unboxing new inventory and styling it with other pieces.
• Create videos showing the space before and after setup.  
• Do time-lapse videos of you and the team loading the truck, setting up, etc.

Reels and TikTok ideas for wedding florists

• Create videos that depict what people think your job is vs. what it really is.
• Record a time-lapse of you creating an arrangement.
• Share tips about how installations and arches get set up on the wedding day.

Reels and TikTok ideas for jewelers

• Educate your audience about various cuts, carats, metals and other factors.
• Share tips about pairing wedding bands with engagement rings.
• Showcase pieces in a collection of jewelry.

Reels and TikTok ideas for wedding photographers 

• Share your posing tips.
• Give people a peek into how you edit your images.
• Record behind-the-scenes videos at an engagement shoot.

Reels and TikTok ideas for bakers

• Teach people how to cut a wedding cake.
• Create videos of 360° views of finished cakes.
• Record a time-lapse of you doing design or baking work.

Reels and TikTok ideas for wedding videographers

• Share sneak peeks of clips from edited videos.
• Record behind-the-scenes videos of first looks.
• Give a tour of a finished reception or ceremony setup.

Reels and TikTok ideas for attire

• Showcase select dresses within a theme (ex., non-traditional, ballgown, etc.).
• People are modeling the same dress in different sizes.
• Record videos of people “jumping” into dresses and suits.

Reels and TikTok ideas for caterers

• Show the care that goes into plating a dish.
• Record behind-the-scenes clips from a tasting.
• Give people a peek into what a working kitchen looks like.

Reels and TikTok ideas for entertainment

• Share a round-up list of songs you know will get people on the dance floor.
• List the things couples don’t realize their DJ does on the wedding day.
• Share clips of your musicians playing pre-ceremony.

Reels and TikTok ideas for stationery designers

• Give people a look into your design process.
• Record a time-lapse of you doing calligraphy for a client.
• Show people how to assemble an invitation suite.

Reels and TikTok ideas for officiants

• Share tips to help couples write their vows.
• Talk about how you prepare for a wedding.
• Give ideas about unique ways to preserve your vows.

Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of video marketing with reels and TikTok, don’t forget to check out the top tips we’ve rounded up to help you easily manage your social media to make your planning process even easier.

Photo Credit: Color Joy Stock/Christina Jones Photography