How To Make Folks Put Their Cell Phones Down During Your Wedding

It doesn’t matter where you are on this earth, 9 out of 10 people are most likely on their phones at thisVERY MOMENT. Just take a look around you! At the restaurant, behind the driver’s seat, walking down the street. I’ve even found myself cringing at people who whip out their cell phones during church service trying to video Deacon Jenkins doing his holy ghost dance for a shot at 5 minutes of Facebook fame.

I’m not judging but, I think cell phone situation at weddings have gotten out of control. Whether it’s the bride walking down the aisle, the first kiss or the jumping of the broom, somebody is bound to jack up the moment. If your guests are taking pictures at the same time as your professional photographer, that can ruin your pro pics.

I’m not planning a wedding, but if I were, I don’t think I could do a complete ‘CELL PHONE BAN’. Aint nobody trying to be on superstar status like that. However, I think the following are some pretty decent suggestions that may minimize cell phone usage during your ceremony (and will prevent people from getting cursed out by the bride):

Put a note in your wedding program.  Something like this: “We ask you to kindly turn off your ringers during the wedding ceremony and refrain from taking photos. We have professional photographers on hand to capture all the special moments and be will excited to share those photos with you.”

Ask your officiant to make an announcement. Something like this: “The bride and groom have respectfully asked me to ask you to put your phones and cameras away. Sit back and enjoy the ceremony!” or “Ladies and gentlemen, prior to wedding take-off, all seat backs and tray tables must be in their upright and locked positions, all bags properly stowed, and all portable electronic devices turned off and stowed. This includes cell phones and cameras.”

Ask your DJ or your wedding coordinator to make a public announcement.  Something like this: “Ladies and gentlemen, please put down your cell phones and join the bride and groom for their first dance. Let’s leave the picture taking to the professionals! Facebook and Twitter aint going nowhere!”

Create signage for your reception.  Something like this: “When posting selfies from today, don’t foWe encourage you to share your selfies with #kimandrorywedding. (We will NOT be responsible for any drunk pics, though.) Please refrain from posting photos of the bride and groom on social media.”

Do you care about people using their cell phones at your wedding? Is it just me? I feel like when guests are constantly uploading pics or tweeting, they’re missing out on the wedding itself. And that really sucks. Let your comment below.