Thursday, July 7, 2016

Cell Phone Etiquette For Weddings

People don't go anywhere anymore without having their cell phone close at hand. Some of our Country Jewell wedding couples are okay with this fact, but others prefer that those devices disappear during the wedding. Below you will find a few tips that will hopefully keep everyone - the bride, the groom, the photographer, and the guests - happy.


Unplugged Weddings

An "unplugged wedding" is one at which the guests are asked to turn off all of their electronic devices: cell phones, cameras, iPads, etc... during the ceremony, and occasionally the reception too. Even if the wedding is not "unplugged," make sure guests know to at least silence their devices. No one wants to be that person with an obnoxious cell phone ring right in the middle of the "I do's."  

If you decide to have an unplugged wedding, ask nicely. You can post pretty signs asking guests to turn everything off, or put a message about it in your wedding program. The officiant can make an announcement before the ceremony begins. Another great place to post this is on a wedding website. That way guests will have plenty of advance notice that their electronic devices are not welcome, plus you can explain the entire concept for those that have never heard of it.   

No photos, please!

Some couples do not want photos of their wedding plastered all over social media while the event is still going on. Even if the bride and groom are okay with guests snapping pictures, they may request that no posts are made until after the wedding day. 

Another reason that a bride and groom may ask their guests to not take photos is the fact that they can often get in the way of the professional photographer, ruining some of the shots that have been paid for. Guests should enjoy the wedding in real time, and leave the picture taking to the pros. Assure everyone that you will have pictures of this special day to share with them later. 


Hashtags

On the other hand, couples that love sharing on social media may encourage everyone to take photos and post away. If this is the case, a wedding hashtag is a great way to make sure you get a chance to see all of the pictures that people are sharing. 

The best hashtags are short and both easy to type and easy to remember. Make sure to research the hashtag you want to use before the wedding. You will want one that isn't currently being used, and check that it isn't associated with anything that you wouldn't want your wedding associated with. Also, never tag anyone in a picture without their permission. 


Charging Stations

A new fun idea to include in your reception is the addition of a charging station. This is an area for your guests to plug in their devices without having to leave the wedding or search the walls for an outlet.


No phones for the bride & groom! 

This is a tip to help the wedding couple relax and be present in the moment on their own wedding day. You do not need to be bothered by silly questions or guests that can't find the venue. Your job is to relax and focus on the fact that you are about to marry the love of your life. 

Assign someone you will be with all day long, like the maid of honor or best man, to hold on to your phone. It will be close by if needed, but far enough away that they can intercept and answer any disrupting calls or texts. They are only allowed to hand your phone over for the occasional, quick selfie, then they take them right back!


You cannot refuse people access to their cell phones on your wedding day, but handled properly, you can encourage them to respect your wishes. Be kind in the way you make your requests, and hope that your guests are all wise enough to use common sense to avoid any electronic disruptions. A little communication with your guests will go a long way in assuring that your wedding in our Knoxville event venue is enjoyable for everyone. 



A delightfully quaint Knoxville wedding
& event venue.

6550 Hickory Valley Road
Heiskell, TN 37754
865-494-0552

Visit our website:  www.CountryJewell.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Google+

2 comments:

  1. Had my son's wedding there two weeks ago. I was very impressed with the ease of the event and the professionalism of all staff. They were very accommodating and helpful and the venue is awesome! Well done, Miss Jewel! P.s. loved the photographer! She was very sensitive to our family dynamic for which I am grateful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Had my son's wedding there two weeks ago. I was very impressed with the ease of the event and the professionalism of all staff. They were very accommodating and helpful and the venue is awesome! Well done, Miss Jewel! P.s. loved the photographer! She was very sensitive to our family dynamic for which I am grateful.

    ReplyDelete