Worried about a sea of phones popping up the moment you walk down the aisle? An unplugged wedding ceremony might be exactly what you need. It's a simple way to keep your guests present in the moment, rather than watching your big day through a screen.
Featured image credit: Stefano Ferrier Photography
What is an unplugged wedding ceremony?
An unplugged wedding ceremony is exactly what it sounds like: asking guests to put their phones and cameras away so everyone can be fully present. How far you take it is entirely up to you. Some couples only ask for an unplugged ceremony itself, others extend it to the reception too, and some simply ask that nothing gets posted on social media until they've shared their own photos first.
There's no one right way to do it. It's your day, so the rules are yours to set.
Top tip: Decide early on how strict you want to be, so you can communicate it clearly and consistently across your invitations, website and signage.
Why couples choose to go unplugged
There are plenty of good reasons an unplugged wedding ceremony has become so popular:
- Guests are fully present, rather than distracted by their screens.
- Your photographer or videographer gets a clear view, without a forest of phones blocking the shot.
- Fewer phones beeping or ringing mid-ceremony, thankfully.
- You get to walk down the aisle looking at smiling faces, not the backs of phones.
- You have more control over which photos end up online, and when.
How to let guests know
The tricky part isn't deciding on an unplugged wedding ceremony, it's making sure everyone knows about it in advance. Here's how to spread the word without sounding bossy.
On your invitation or website
A short, friendly note is all you need. Something like:
"We're having an unplugged ceremony. We'd love for you to be fully present with us, so we'll be asking that phones and cameras stay away during the vows. Thank you!"
If you're working with a stationery designer, ask if they have wording suggestions that fit your invitation style.
With signage on the day
A well-placed sign at the entrance to your ceremony is a gentle, effective reminder right when guests need it most.
Through word of mouth
Ask your celebrant, ushers, or a trusted friend or family member to mention it before the ceremony begins. Guests are far less likely to argue the point with a friendly face than with a printed sign alone.
Top tip: Use two or three of these methods together. A single mention rarely sticks, but a note, a sign and a quiet word from a friend will.
Whatever you decide, an unplugged wedding ceremony means less phone-scrolling and a lot more genuine, undistracted celebration, exactly how your big day should be.
