A wedding ceremony is a beautiful, special, and intimate moment shared between a couple and their loved ones. A moment that you have been planning for months! However, the presence of cell phones and other electronic devices can be a real distraction and take away from the beauty and significance of the occasion. In some instances, it can even ruin the wedding photos that you’ve spent thousands of dollars on! Here are just a few helpful ways to encourage your guests to put their phones away and fully engage in your wedding ceremony:

1. Communicate your request beforehand

Make it clear to your guests ahead of the wedding day, that you would prefer they not use their phones during the ceremony. You can do this through your wedding website, invitations, or by simply asking your wedding party to spread the word.

2. Set up a designated area for phone use 

If you’re concerned about your guests missing important calls or messages, consider setting up a designated area for phone use, such as a lobby or separate room. This way, guests can check their phones if necessary, but still be respectful of the ceremony.

3. Provide alternative entertainment 

Another way to encourage guests to put their phones away is to provide alternative entertainment during the ceremony. Such as live music, a slideshow, or a special reading by a loved one to really capture their attention and keep them engaged in the ceremony proceedings.

4. Enlist the help of your wedding party

Your wedding party can play a crucial role in helping to set the tone and encourage guests to put their phones away. You can ask them to lead by example by putting their own phones away, and also gently reminding guests to do the same if they see them using their phones during the ceremony. 

5. Have an unplugged ceremony 

An unplugged ceremony is where the couple asks their guests to turn off their phones and not use any electronic devices during the ceremony. This can be a powerful way to create a more intimate and meaningful experience for everyone involved. Display a sign at the entrance to the ceremony, you’ll find some really cute ideas for this on Pinterest!

Ultimately, the best way to encourage your guests to not use their phones during your wedding ceremony is to communicate your wishes clearly and set a positive example yourself. Ensure your guests that you’ve hired the best wedding photographer (and possibly videographer) and you’ll share those images with them. By doing so, you can create a beautiful and memorable ceremony that everyone can fully engage in and enjoy without the distraction of devices! 

Hope this post was helpful to you. Don’t be afraid to communicate your wishes with your guests. This is your day! Plan it according to your dreams! :)

Happy Planning!
-Jen

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