If you’re new to the world of weddings, you may be wondering what an unplugged wedding ceremony is and whether or not it’s for you. An unplugged wedding ceremony is where you ask guests to refrain from using their phones and other devices throughout the ceremony. With technology constantly evolving, it’s easier to share live moments with family and friends, however; this often poses other problems too. Many couples opt for an unplugged wedding ceremony for numerous reasons including privacy, leaving room for your photographer and/or videographer to do their job(s), preventing distractions and allowing your guests to remain present. An unplugged wedding ceremony isn’t for everyone so it’s important to consider these options and then decide which option is best for you.

It allows privacy for the couple.

A wedding ceremony is extremely intimate and couples often prefer that it stays that way. By opting for an unplugged wedding ceremony, you get to choose how and when and with whom your moments are being shared with. In the digital era that we are now in, it’s not uncommon for a guest to share pictures of the couple before the ceremony is over! By asking your guests to refrain from using their devices ensures that you’re able to share pictures and the moments at your discretion, if you wish to share them at all. It’s also so much less intimidating knowing that the images that your photographer is taking of you, are at times when you’re looking your absolute best. Couples may opt to keep their wedding ceremony photos to themselves and ultimately, that choice is up to you!

Leave it to the professionals.

Another reason to consider an unplugged wedding ceremony is so that your guests' devices don’t get in the way of your photographer or videographer trying to take professional photos/video. You have likely invested a lot of money to ensure that your moments are being captured properly and so leave it to the professionals. Phones and other devices can get in the way of the moment that’s trying to take place or even worse, having one of your guests get in the way by trying to take a picture. Not only will your photographer and/or videographer be capturing the moments between the two of you but also lots of candid moments of your guests. You will appreciate your images so much more when you see the emotions on your guests faces and get to experience those feelings with them! Professional photographers and videographers use their experience and expertise to capture you and your guests in the best possible way, so consider the emotional impact these images and videos will have versus those taken on a phone or tablet.

It prevents distractions.

Phones and other devices are inevitably a distraction during a wedding ceremony. Having an unplugged wedding ceremony ensures that everyone, including your guests, are able to be present and celebrate this moment with you. This also ensures that the phone notifications of your guests aren’t disruptive during the ceremony which can in turn, affect the moment that’s taking place. Having an unplugged wedding ceremony also ensures that your guests lighting and/or flash isn’t interfering with your photographer and/or videographer which could affect the final product that’s being delivered to you.

Your guests will remain present.

As a guest to your wedding, it’s never their intention to ruin your ceremony by taking photos, however; you want them there as your guest and so they are able to remain present with you while you exchange vows. Something else to consider is that when you walk down the aisle or look out into your crowd of people, you want to see all of their faces including the tears of joy, happiness and excitement. An unplugged wedding ceremony helps to set the focus where it should be! Allow your guests to fully embrace your wedding with an unplugged ceremony.

How to Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony:

Couples are often intimidated to have an unplugged wedding ceremony because they don’t want to upset or insult their guests or they aren’t sure how to get the message across in a positive way. Here are a few ways that you can politely let your guests know that you’ve opted for an unplugged wedding ceremony:

Have your officiant announce it.

Prior to the ceremony, have your officiant let your guests know that you’ve opted for an unplugged wedding ceremony and that they should refrain from using their devices. This means that all phones are put away AND silenced.

Have it listed on your website and/or invitation.

Another place that you can let your guests know that you’re having an unplugged wedding ceremony is on your invitation or wedding website. If you want to keep your invitation minimal and modern, have your website listed on the back where you can share more information including your unplugged wedding ceremony, accommodations, location, FAQ and more.

Have a sign.

In the event that your guests don’t always read or visit your website, you can have a sign posted at your ceremony. There are so many cute and affordable templates that you can purchase through Etsy or consider making your own on Canva!

Lastly, not everyone is aware of what an unplugged wedding ceremony looks like so it’s important to provide multiple reminders and information for all of your guests. Regardless of which route you decide to go when it comes to an unplugged wedding ceremony, your guests are there to celebrate with you no matter what! With all of this information in mind, it all comes down to what your priorities are as a couple and what you want your day to look like. There are so many other opportunities for your guests throughout the day to take candid videos and/or images, if you choose! If you opt for your entire wedding day to remain unplugged, that’s okay too. It’s your day, your way.

If you’re in the process of planning your wedding or elopement, get in touch with me about wedding photography through this link here.