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5 tips to Create a No-Electronic Zone for Your Wedding

Creating a cellphone free wedding

Cellphones, Cameras, and Tweets Oh My!

Imagine a young bride graciously ambling down the aisle in her formal flowing gown.  Her eyes, moistened by the tears of joy this day brings, glances over to your seated loved ones to find some texting instead of returning her nervous smile.  Worse yet, the expensive, yet professional, photographer can't get any clear photos of her walk due to the many cellphones and cameras in his or her way. 

It may be time to call in the electronic terminator! 

I may not be a terminator, but as an etiquette consultant with decades of experience, I’ve found a few methods that can help keep those annoying ringtones quelled for your big day. 

Damn the electronics, full steam ahead!

It seems a bit ironic that to create a cellphone-free wedding, one must have open communication with guests.  In any case, open communication, whatever the mode, is the essential key.  So, email, call, chat over coffee, pull out a bullhorn…whatever it takes to ensure all invited know your wish for a tech-free wedding day.  Get the word out as soon as you set your guest list.

Send each guest a keepsake picture.

Guests may be more apt to keep their cellphones and cameras in their pockets if they know they will receive a keepsake picture of the happy couple.  Better yet, instead of sending a boring save-the-date card, send a refrigerator magnet with a photo of you two in a romantic setting. 



Get crafty with the invitations.

Each situation in our lives involves a specific set of etiquette rules.    Formal wedding invitations are bound by quite a few.  For example, it isn’t polite to include language on a formal wedding invitation concerning restrictions.  Consequently, stating something like, “No cellphones please” on your invitations would be a huge no-no.  However, we can be a bit sneaky with even the most formal of affairs and still be within polite boundaries. 

You know those little cards we include with our wedding invitations.  No, I’m not referring to wedding gift registry cards—these are never included with our invitations.  However, cards explaining parking, lodging and directions are fine.  This is our wiggle room.  Just create a cutesy phrase for one of these enclosure cards requesting guests to turn off their phones and refrain from taking pictures during the wedding.

Remind them at the door.

Not everyone reads everything placed under his or her nose.  Additionally, some simply forget and may leave their cellphones on.  Subsequently, you will need a backup plan. 

Ask your most friendly-faced, most diplomatic family member or friend to meet guests as they arrive.  During the meet and greet, this person can – in the most tactful manner possible – remind each guest of your electronic-free wishes.  Additionally, it may be helpful to include a light-hearted bit about Tweeting about the wedding.  The couple may want to be the first to Tweet about their wedding.

Take the cell to the party!

Even though it’s entirely proper to set standards for events we host, it’s best to remember that we are still hosts.  Good hosts, at least, try to make their guests feel welcome and comfortable.  One way we can do this is to allow – and perhaps encourage – our guests to take pictures and use their cellphones during the reception.  This information can even be included on that little enclosure card you include with your wedding invitations.

Walla!  You have now created your electronic-free wedding!  Save some wedding cake for me! 

Please Read

Anti-Clueless Advice: How to Plan a Wedding That Doesn't Insult Guests

Four Tips for Planning Your Wedding

4 of the Most Asked Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered

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