Creating Custom Wedding Snap Filters: A Step-By-Step Guide

Want to make your wedding even more memorable? Creating a custom Snapchat filter is a fun, modern way to personalise your big day and entertain your guests. From your engagement party to your wedding weekend, a custom Snapchat filter will ensure your guests can share every moment with a unique, creative twist. Whether you're a tech whizz or a total novice, it's easy to create a custom filter that reflects your style and personality. You can even commission a professional designer to create a bespoke filter for you. So, why not add a little extra magic to your wedding with a custom Snapchat filter?

Designing your filter

Step 1: Choose a Platform

You can design your Snapchat filter using the Snapchat app on your mobile device or through the Snapchat website on your desktop. The app offers convenience and ease of use, while the website provides more customization options and is ideal for uploading an outsourced design.

Step 2: Select a Template or Start from Scratch

Snapchat provides a range of templates to choose from, categorized by occasions such as "Weddings", "Celebrations", "Bachelor(ette)", and "Start from Scratch". You can also design your filter from scratch by uploading your own art and designs, which is perfect for crafty and creative couples who want a truly unique filter.

Step 3: Customize and Personalize

This is where your creativity shines! You can add text, stickers, borders, images, and more to your filter. Include names, wedding dates, lyrics from your favourite songs, or even your wedding hashtag. Play around with different fonts, colours, and designs to create a filter that reflects your wedding style and personality as a couple.

Step 4: Timeframe and Geofencing

Decide on the timeframe for your filter. You can choose just your wedding day or extend it to cover your entire wedding weekend. You can even create different filters for each event and time them to appear accordingly.

Setting a geofence is important to ensure that only those at your wedding location can use the filter. Simply type in the address of your venue, and drag the corners of the geofence to expand its reach if needed. The price of your filter will increase as you expand the range.

Step 5: Finalize and Purchase

Review your filter design, timeframe, and geofencing settings before finalizing and purchasing your filter. Name your wedding filter so that guests can easily find and use it. Snapchat will then review and approve your filter before charging your account.

Step 6: Share and Enjoy

Once your filter is approved and live, spread the word to your guests so they can start using it. Add a note to your welcome signs, or even create a cute sign specifically for your Snapchat filter. Encourage your wedding party to use it and lead by example by snapping photos with your special filter.

Using the Snapchat app

Getting Started

• Open the Snapchat app on your mobile device and log in to your account.
• Tap on your profile icon, usually located in the upper-left corner of the camera screen. This will take you to your profile page.
• On your profile page, look for the settings gear icon, typically in the upper-right corner. Tap on it to access the settings menu.
• In the settings menu, scroll down until you see the option for "Filters & Lenses." Tap on it to proceed.
• On the new screen, you'll see a "Get Started!" button. Tap on it to initiate the process of creating your custom filter.

Creating Your Custom Wedding Filter

• Decide whether you want to create a filter or a lens. A filter is a flat graphic overlay, like fun borders and text, while a lens includes augmented reality animations that change your appearance or the environment. For a wedding, a filter is usually the preferred option.
• After selecting "Filter," you'll be presented with a list of occasions to choose from, such as "Weddings," "Bachelor/ette," "Celebrations," or even "Start from Scratch" if you want a blank canvas.
• Choose a category that suits your wedding theme and style. Take your time to explore the options, as you might find a design you like in a different category than "Weddings."
• Once you've selected a category, browse through the available filter designs. Pick one that resonates with your wedding's aesthetic and decor.
• Edit and personalize your chosen filter. You can add text, images, stickers, borders, and more. Include details such as your names, wedding date, or even your wedding hashtag. Play around with different fonts and emojis to make it unique.
• When you're happy with your design, set a timeframe for your filter. You can choose to have it active just for your wedding day or extend it to cover your entire wedding weekend. You can even create different filters for each event during your wedding celebrations.

Setting a Geofence and Purchasing

• Set a geofence for your filter to define its availability. A geofence ensures that only people at your wedding venue or specific locations can access and use your custom filter. Enter the address of your venue or desired location in the search box, similar to how you would use Google Maps.
• Adjust the size of the geofenced area by dragging the corners of the blue box on the map. The price of your filter will increase as you expand the range.
• Review the summary of your custom filter, including the thumbnail, geofence, and other details. Name your wedding filter so that guests can easily find and use it.
• Confirm the start and end dates, times, and other logistics. Check that your payment details are correct, as creating a unique geofilter comes with a cost.
• Tap "Purchase" to finalize your order. Snapchat will review and approve your filter, and your account will be charged accordingly.

Final Steps

• Wait for Snapchat's approval and the activation of your filter. This usually takes a business day or so. It's recommended to submit your filter at least 24 hours in advance to allow for any last-minute edits.
• Once your event begins, your guests will be able to access and use your custom wedding filter. They can capture and share personalized snaps, adding a unique touch to your special day.
• Encourage your guests to use the filter by including a note on your wedding website, spreading the word, or even displaying cute signs at the venue. Leading by example also works wonders—when you and your wedding party use the filter, it will inspire others to follow suit!

Using a desktop

To create a custom wedding Snap filter using a desktop computer, you'll need to access Snapchat's Creative Studio on their website. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Sign Up and Access Creative Studio

Start by signing up for a Snapchat account if you don't already have one. Once you have an account, head over to the Snapchat Creative Studio

Setting a timeframe

When creating your filter in the Snapchat app, you will be given the option to select the timeframe for your filter's activation. You can choose to have your filter last for just your wedding day, or for the entire wedding weekend. If you have multiple events throughout the weekend, you can even create different filters for each event and time them to appear accordingly.

It is important to double-check that your dates and times are correct before finalising your filter. This is because Snapchat filters are location-based, and you don't want your filter to accidentally show up at the wrong place or time. For example, if you have a wedding barn and a surrounding farm, you can expand the reach of your filter to include both locations.

Additionally, keep in mind that the price of your filter will depend on the duration and range of your selected timeframe. A longer duration and a wider range will result in a higher price.

Snapchat recommends submitting your filter for approval at least 24 hours in advance. This will give you time to make any necessary last-minute changes. You can submit your filter up to 180 days in advance, so it's best to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time.

By setting the appropriate timeframe for your custom wedding Snapchat filter, you can ensure that your guests can use it during all the right moments, capturing and sharing memorable snaps from your special day.

Sharing your filter

Now that you've created your dream wedding Snapchat filter, it's time to share it with your guests! Here are some tips to ensure everyone knows about your custom creation:

• Add a note to your wedding website and spread the word through your wedding party. Ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen to remind guests to use the filter when snapping photos or videos throughout the festivities.
• Include visible reminders at the celebration. A cute sign at the bar or printed on the programs can be a great way to prompt guests to use the filter. You could also add a note to your welcome signs that can be seen from multiple entry points.
• Lead by example! If you and your wedding party use the special wedding Snapchat filter, your guests are sure to follow.
• If you're using the filter for other wedding-related events like the bridal shower or bachelor/bachelorette party, be sure to remind guests about it. That way, they can get plenty of practice using it before the big day!
• If you have a wedding hashtag, be sure to include it in your filter design. This will help tie all the social media posts together and make it easier for guests to find and use the filter.
• Don't forget to include the filter's active timeframe in your communications. That way, guests will know exactly when to use it and won't miss out on the fun.

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to share your custom wedding Snapchat filter with ease and create a fun, personalised experience for you and your guests!

Frequently asked questions