Weddings
have come pretty darn far in the last couple of years. From smartphones to
wedding websites to countless wedding blogs, technology has played a huge role
in transforming weddings. New companies are creating products every day that
are simplifying many problems that couples face, and making the journey to the
altar less stressful for everyone. It's now easier than ever for couples to
plan their wedding, communicate with guests, and share wedding moments with
their mobile devices, which is great!
Yet for all the good that technology has done
for weddings, we can't say there isn't a catch. We all know it's easy for
people to get a bit too engrossed with their fancy handheld devices, and to an
extent it's played a role in transforming normal social etiquette. This
unfortunately means that you'll occasionally get rude guests at weddings who
feel more than comfortable ignoring a couple's lovely ceremony by being
obnoxious and messing with their latest gadget. This is too bad, since as a
guest, you've been invited to a couple's wedding to celebrate with them, be in
the moment, and share the memories that are made on their wedding day. It's
obviously annoying for a couple to spend time and money inviting a guest, only
to have them be more interested in their phone than in the wedding.
Even if you think that you'd never be guilty of
being that guest, be warned! It's actually easier than you think to ruin
someone's wedding with just your iPhone. You'll definitely be considered a
terrible guest with terrible etiquette if you:
1. Have your ringer on during the ceremony
I know, this is so obvious that it's not even
worth mentioning. But the thing is...this still happens all the time. Be
prepared to be thoroughly embarrassed and completely ostracized at any wedding
if your phone goes off while the bride and groom are exchanging their vows.
2. Texting during the ceremony
Trust me, even if you think you're being
discreet, people are still going to notice. Chances are, your text is
definitely much less important than the wedding ceremony you're attending, so
act accordingly and leave your text messages alone for half an hour.
3. Live-tweet the wedding
This is someone's wedding, not the MTV awards.
Do everyone a favor and forgo constantly updating your Twitter feed with the
event's details. It's disrespectful to the bride and groom, and they probably
won't be too impressed with your 140-character descriptions of their big day.
4. Play paparazzi
Snapping photos at the reception with your
iPhone is fine, and is a great way to capture some of your favorite memories
from a friend's wedding. But during more special moments of the ceremony, be
considerate while taking pictures. Don't move out of your way to snap photos of
the bride and groom, or have your face glued to your camera screen the entire
time. That's why the couple hired a professional photographer! Be conscious
that while it's great to snap some photos and give them to the couple later,
they're not expecting you to provide them with every image of their wedding --
they'd rather you be engaged in the day and in the moment with them.
5. Leave snarky FB updates
Hate the couple's cash bar? Think the song to
their first dance sucks? Did the wedding cake make you gag? Keep it to
yourself, and don't leave a mean comment about it on Facebook or Twitter.
6. Post unflattering photos/videos of the couple on Facebook
Did you capture a photo of the bride or groom
looking terrible? Contrary to what you think, posting that photo on Facebook
might not be hilarious -- in fact, it might be downright obnoxious for the
couple, who've worked hard to look their best that day.
7. Check the score of whatever sports event you're missing
Even if it's the most important playoff game in
the history of your favorite team, refrain from checking the score or sneaking
off to catch clips of the game's highlights. It not only makes you look bad as
a guest -- it gives the couple the impression that you'd rather be at home
watching the game than celebrating their marriage. The game probably won't
change whether you check the score or not, so just save it until the couple has
left.
Ultimately, you're going to be at the wedding
for the couple; it's one of the most special days of their lives, and you as a
guest should honor the invitation with your complete respect and attention.
Technology certainly does have a time and place during that day and is a great
way to capture the best parts of the celebration. I certainly encourage it in
the appropriate place and at the appropriate time! But when in doubt, keep your
phone in your pocket and the focus on the big day -- not your smartphone.
(Source: Huffington
Post)
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