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Phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, but on your wedding day, you don’t want them to be the focus. You want your guests to be present and engaged in the ceremony and reception, not glued to their screens. Also, we’ve all seen the horror stories of phones getting in the way of precious wedding moments, such as walking down the aisle.

To help you figure out how to avoid this potentiality, Windows on the Water has compiled six tips for getting your guests off their phones so that they can share in your special day.

Tips for Getting Your Guests Off Their Phones

If you’re struggling to figure out how to get your guests off their phones for your special day, here are a few tips: 

1. “Phones at the Door, Please!”

Ask your guests to leave their phones at the door. Many weddings have a basket or bowl near the entrance where guests can check in their phones when they arrive. This will encourage them to be present and take part in the festivities rather than texting, checking Instagram, taking pictures, and any other string of tech-obsessed behaviors. 

You may even want to provide a small token of appreciation for those who participate. That way, you can reward your guests for putting their phones away and give them a memento to take home with them. 

2. Ban Personal Picture-Taking

And speaking of guests snapping pictures with their phones, why not put a kind and gentle ban on any personal pictures? This will help dissuade guests from using their phones throughout the ceremony and reception. 

Instead, you can designate a family member or friend to take pictures for the guests. This will help ensure that your guests enjoy the moment without worrying about capturing it on their phones. 

3. Make an Announcement

Before your ceremony begins, let your guests know that you would appreciate it if they could keep their phones tucked away during the service and reception. This way, you can politely but firmly remind your guests to stay off their phones.

You should plan on spreading the word about your no-phones rule long before your big day actually arrives. Whether via social media posts, group texts, or even printing the rule on your wedding invitations, make sure everyone is well aware of your wishes ahead of time.

4. Provide Alternatives

If you are worried that your guests may get bored without their phones, provide some alternative activities and entertainment. This could involve an interesting game or activity that they can do at the reception in between courses during dinner. You can also provide disposable cameras for many of the guests to give a fun retro flair to your wedding. 

5. Rent a Photo Booth

You could also have a photo booth or provide some props like hats, masks, and glasses for guests to take silly pictures with. There are plenty of options when it comes to entertaining your guests and helping them stay off their phones, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box!

6. Enlist Your Wedding Party

Your wedding party can be instrumental in getting your guests to put away their phones during the ceremony and reception. Ask your attendants to discreetly remind guests who are particularly glued to their screens that you would like them to join in on the festivities. 

Your wedding party can also provide a great example by being conscious of their own phone use and not getting distracted by texts or notifications throughout the day. 

Keep in mind that you don’t have to be extreme about the no-phones rule. Gentle reminders and subtle nudges should be enough to get your guests off their phones and into the wedding spirit!

Contact Windows on the Water’s Premier Wedding Planners

With these six tips, you can make sure your big day is phone-free and filled with moments of joy, laughter, and celebration! If you need an expert touch to put your big day together, contact Windows on the Water today. Our creative wedding planners can help you make your dream wedding a reality. 

Get in touch with us and find out how we can help you plan the perfect, phone-free wedding! Call (609) 208-9475 or complete our contact form for more information.