I am a cell phone addict. I sleep with my phone attached to my hand. It is seriously a problem, if I had to say I was bad at something, this is it. I don't know how to unplug.
I know I'm not the only one. With over 100 weddings under my belt, it has been made abundantly clear to me that others suffer from Nomophobia, look it up, that's a fancy word for cell phone addiction.
When it comes to wedding day you would think everyone knew the proper etiquette as to when it's acceptable and not to use a cellphone. WELL THEY DON'T, so here's a little guide as to when and where you can use your phone during a wedding.
1. NEVER DURING THE CEREMONY
It does not matter if the couple requested an unplugged ceremony or not. Keep your phone in your pocket or purse during the ceremony. The couple hired professionals to capture these moments and want you to be present. I assure you, your IPhone photos will never be as high of quality as a wedding photographer, so just put it away. The last thing anyone wants is a cellphone in every photo of their intimate ceremony. Do not text or use apps during a ceremony either.
2. SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONE
I can assure you, if your phone goes off during a ceremony you will never live it down. If the glare from the bride doesn't kill you with guilt, look at the planner, they are calling you every name in the book mentally. If you have small children that need a device to sit still, and are relying on headphones, it's best to sit outside of the ceremony in case for some reason it malfunctions.
3. NO CELL PHONES AT DINNER
This isn't just wedding etiquette, it is considered rude to have your cell phone out during dinner. This one I'm pretty lenient with, but from a planners perspective I love this rule, and I will tell you why. Most couples want to make rounds to all of the guest tables and thank them for coming to their wedding. When every table has a, well lets call her "Karen", it makes it nearly impossible to visit all the tables. One person gets a picture, then everyone wants one, and we just don't have time for that. Do not go up to the couple while they are eating and ask for a photo or try to chat either, it is extremely rude, they won't tell you that, but I will.
4. NEVER DURING PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS
Bridesmaids and MOBs (Mothers of the bride) are usually guilty of this. The professional photographer arrives and every bridesmaid wants to become a second shooter. I have a strict rule with my weddings. Cell phones stay in the bridal suite until the reception. Moms, enjoy the moment with your daughter/son, bridesmaids and groomsmen put your phone away, you can have them when the party starts.
5. BE SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY
Know when to post. Never post wedding sneak peaks until after the ceremony. Traditionally the groom isn't to see the bride on the wedding day, this includes social media. Once the couple say I do and seal it with a kiss, you still want permission to post on the internet. The best way to know if posting photos is acceptable is with a wedding hashtag. If you see a hashtag the couple encourages you to post. No hashtag, ask the best man, maid of honor, or wedding planner for permission.
**** No Karens were harmed in the making of this blog. ****
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