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