Wedding Smartphone Etiquette- Must Read!

May 23, 2014

With technology being so prevalent at events today we had to re-post this blog by Wedding Mix author Arian, via StoryMixMedia.com, Titled: 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Smartphone Etiquette at a Wedding

Taking photo and videos with your smartphones at a wedding can be both a blessing and a curse. Smartphones are a truly awesome and convenient way to instantly capture all those special moments and share them with your friends. But don’t be that person that blocks everyone behind you. Or the one taking selfies during the vows. Here’s a top 10 list of smartphone etiquette for weddings, so you don’t annoy the couple and all the other guests:

1. Hold the phone sideways

iPhone wedding tips

iphone video tips

Have you ever seen a Hollywood film with black bars on the side? Thats what your footage is going to look like if you hold your phone vertically. Make sure to hold the phone sideways, so the video clips will look good in wedding video later.

2. Don’t photobomb the vows

funny wedding photobomb vows

The couple most likely hired a professional photographer, they really don’t need you getting all up in their business while they’re saying the vows.

Let the couple have their moment and stay back with the crowd in your seats, unlike this goofy incident of a baby upstaging a couple’s vows:

3. No iPads

ipad at wedding

Really? There’s no way to not be obnoxious when filming with a big honking iPad. Just get a camera or smartphone at that point.

4. Don’t block the people behind you during the ceremony

bad camera etiquette wedding  Grandma won’t like being stuck behind the “paparazzi” during the ceremony. So if you want to take video during the ceremony, sit on an aisle and be aware of the people behind you.

Also, some photographers sit in the back of the church and use a long lens to capture the ceremony. Make sure you’re not blocking their shot!

5. Be your own Tripod

iPhone wedding photo

If you’re taking video clips longer than a few seconds, your hands will naturally start to drift downwards. Best bet is to be a tripod: grip the phone with both hands and gently brace your elbows against the top of ribs. Super important to remember whilst filming the first dance!

6. Don’t videobomb the first dance

If the couple has a videographer, the first dance will be incredibly important to them. I understand that you want to film it too, so you can post to Facebook, instagram, etc, but please don’t videobomb this intimate moment for them.

7. Enjoy the reception – don’t stand against the wall commenting on photos

bridesmaids iphones

Your friends spent a small fortune on this reception. Don’t spend the night standing against the wall, on your smartphone, commenting on the photos uploaded by your other friends at the party you are now attending. Live it and have fun!

8. Shut up

Shhh here comes the brides

If you’re going to take video at someone’s wedding… shut up while filming. They really don’t need your commentary.

9. Upload it, don’t text it

iPhone wedding etiquette

Texted photos and videos are great for sharing; not so great when you try to do anything with that footage . You can’t edit a texted video clip, unless you’re ok with looking like a lego figure in your wedding video. If you want to share photos and videos with the bride, upload the full resolution files to their WeddingMix account, so they can include the clips in their wedding video later.

10. Your boobs are not a home for your smartphone

smartphone etiquette at weddings

As a wedding video editor, I’ve seen many a clip of bridesmaids grabbing their smartphones from in between their boobage. I don’t care HOW much you need to update your Facebook status – Wedding day boobs are for fun, not to hold your phone.