Creating A Wedding Snapchat Geofilter: A Step-By-Step Guide

Want to make your wedding even more memorable? Creating a Snapchat geofilter for your big day is a fun, modern way to put a personal stamp on your guests' photos and videos. From candid pics to intimate clips, Snapchat is a great way to capture and share special moments, from the toast at the start of the day to the newlyweds dancing the night away. It's easy to create a geofilter using Snapchat's app or website, and you can even commission an artist to design a bespoke filter or purchase a customizable template. So, let's get started on making your wedding a celebrity-worthy event with a custom Snapchat geofilter!

Designing your own filter

There are three types of Snapchat geofilters: Community, Business, and Personal. For a wedding, you will want to create a Personal geofilter. You can either upload your own design or use a template provided by Snapchat.

If you are designing your own filter, you can use image editing software to create your geofilter. Snapchat recommends leaving enough space for the actual Snap and only using the top or bottom 25% of the screen. You can also use the Snapchat app or its website to create a filter.

To create a filter in the Snapchat app, open the app and tap on your profile in the upper-left corner of the camera screen. Then, tap the settings gear icon in the upper-right corner and scroll down to "Filters & Lenses." Tap "Get Started!" and then "Filter." Choose a category from the list of occasions, such as "Weddings," "Celebrations," or "Bachelor(ette)." You can also choose to "Start from Scratch."

Once you have selected a category, customise your filter with text, stickers, and other elements. When you are happy with your design, tap the checkmark in the bottom-right corner and set the time frame for your filter.

Next, set the location where you want the filter to be available by drawing a Geofence. The price will increase as you select a larger area. After finalising the details, submit your filter for approval and wait for Snapchat to approve it and ask you to confirm the payment.

To create a filter on a desktop, go to the Snapchat website and select "Filters & Lenses" from the navigation bar. Click "Get Started" and then "Filters." Choose from the occasion template options or select "Upload Your Own" to upload your custom design. Customise your filter with text, fonts, colours, and images. When you are finished, click "Next" and select the date and time your filter will be available.

Whether you create your filter in the app or on a desktop, remember to leave enough space for the actual Snap and only use a small portion of the screen for your design.

Using a template

• Choose a Platform: Start by selecting a platform that offers wedding geofilter templates. Etsy, for example, has a wide variety of editable templates designed by different creators. Canva is another popular option with a library of ready-made templates for various occasions, including weddings.
• Browse Templates: Explore the available templates on your chosen platform and select one that fits your wedding theme and style. Consider the colour scheme, font style, and overall design to match your wedding's aesthetic.
• Customise: Once you've chosen a template, it's time to make it your own. Customise the template by adding your personal touches, such as your names, wedding date, and any other relevant details. You can also incorporate your wedding colours, motifs, or even cartoon illustrations of the happy couple!
• Finalise and Download: After customising your template, review your design to ensure it meets your expectations. Make any necessary adjustments and then finalise the design. Download the completed template, ensuring it is in the correct format (usually PNG or JPG) and size required by Snapchat.
• Upload to Snapchat: Now that you have your customised geofilter template, it's time to upload it to Snapchat. Follow the steps provided by Snapchat to submit your design for approval. This typically involves setting the timeframe and location for your filter and providing payment information.
• Share with Guests: Once your geofilter has been approved by Snapchat, be sure to spread the word to your guests! Let them know about the custom filter by including a note on your wedding website, word of mouth, or even cute signs at the wedding venue. Encourage your wedding party to use the filter and lead by example!

Buying a filter

If you want a Snapchat filter for your wedding but don't want to make it yourself, you can commission a personalised filter or edit a template purchased from a third-party source. Etsy is a good place to look for templates, with options to suit any theme, season, location, or taste. You can also work with one of Etsy's sellers to create a completely unique filter.

The process of buying a filter will vary depending on the seller. Some Etsy sellers will design a one-of-a-kind filter, while others will modify an existing template with your details and colour palette. In both cases, they will usually send you a mock-up for approval before finalising the design. For an additional fee, the artist may also upload the file and submit all the details to Snapchat for you. Alternatively, you can purchase an editable template, customise it yourself, and submit it to Snapchat.

• A stylish instant download with rave reviews, featuring a rose gold backdrop and customisable text. Priced at $6.
• A custom portrait of you and your spouse, with the option to add special details like your wedding flowers or pets. Prices start at $59.
• A rustic pine filter template, perfect for a mountain wedding. Priced at $10.
• A neon light-inspired filter with a variety of backdrop options, including palm leaves. Priced from $12.

The cost of a Snapchat filter will depend on factors such as the duration of the filter, the size of the geofence, and the popularity of the location. A simple filter with a default geofence should cost around $8, while a more complex filter or a larger geofence will increase the price.

Setting a timeframe

It's important to double-check that your dates and times are correct before finalising your filter to avoid any mishaps. Snapchat recommends submitting your geofilter at least 24 hours in advance to allow for any last-minute edits. You can submit your filter up to 180 days in advance.

The duration of your filter will impact the cost, with longer timeframes resulting in higher prices. A simple filter with a default geofence range and a duration of a few hours can cost as little as $7.99, while a more extensive filter covering multiple days may cost around $8.

Sharing your filter

Now that you've created your wedding Snapchat filter, it's time to share it with your guests so they can start snapping! Here are some ways to let everyone know about your custom filter:

• Add a note to your welcome signs that can be seen from multiple entry points to your wedding venue. This way, guests will be aware of the filter as they arrive and can start using it right away.
• Use the filter at pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower, bachelor or bachelorette party, and the rehearsal dinner. This will get your wedding party and close friends familiar with the filter, and they can help spread the word to other guests.
• Include information about the filter on your wedding website. This is a central place where guests can find all the details about your wedding, and it's a great way to ensure that those who may not be as familiar with Snapchat can learn about it ahead of time.
• Spread the word through word-of-mouth. Tell your wedding party and close friends about the filter, and they can help inform other guests. This way, everyone will be excited to use it and will be able to guide those who may be less familiar with Snapchat.
• Create visible reminders at your wedding celebration. For example, you can put up a cute sign at the bar or print the filter information on the programs. This will serve as a fun decoration while also informing guests about the filter.
• Lead by example! You and your wedding party can actively use the special wedding Snapchat filter. This will encourage others to join in and will create a fun, interactive experience for everyone.

Remember, the more people who know about your filter and use it, the more fun and memorable your wedding snaps will be! So share the news and get everyone excited to celebrate and snap away!

Frequently asked questions