Why You Should Consider an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony
We’ve all seen it. The photos of the first kiss where there are six iPhones, an iPad, and a camera right in the aisle, or worse, someone who stands up directly in front of the photographer right before that important moment. Yikes. On your wedding day, you want your wedding photographer to be able to document all of your important moments, and you don’t want your photos to be ruined with cell phones and other devices cluttering your photos. So, how do you avoid this?
TELL YOUR GUESTS YOU’RE HAVING AN UNPLUGGED WEDDING CEREMONY.
FIRST, WHAT IS AN UNPLUGGED WEDDING CEREMONY?
An unplugged ceremony is where you ask your wedding guests to refrain from using any devices during your ceremony. This includes phones, cameras, iPads and tablets.
HOW DO I COMMUNICATE WITH MY GUESTS THAT WE ARE HAVING AN UNPLUGGED WEDDING CEREMONY?
There are several ways you can tell your guests you’d like your ceremony to be device-free. First, set the expectation by including a line about your request on your invitation and wedding website. Then, next to your wedding programs and/or the entrance, to your ceremony, put a sign that states you’ll be having an unplugged ceremony, and be sure to clarify what an unplugged ceremony is. While they are becoming more popular, some guests may not know what an unplugged ceremony is. Finally, the most effective way to remind guests that the ceremony will be unplugged is to have someone announce that there will be no photos or cell phones allowed during your ceremony. Have your officiant or a family member do this a few minutes before the processional begins. You can also have the announcer reassure the guests that there will be plenty of opportunities for photos at the reception. Reinforcement of your request in a few different formats is key, as guests may forget what was on the invitations, or you may have people who arrive after the announcement is made.
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER HAVING AN UNPLUGGED WEDDING CEREMONY?
- Your guests will be concentrated on you and being present in the moment, not on their phones.
Instead of your guests worrying about getting a photo, or worse, being distracted by all of the things on their cell phones, they can be present with you during this time. - Your photographer will be able to get better photos.
Like I said above, it is so frustrating to have your first kiss photo interrupted by an iPad or to see nothing but cell phones in the aisle. This also makes it easier for your photographer to get photos from many angles instead of trying to dodge cell phone and cameras.
3. No one will block you from seeing your spouse as they come down the aisle or as you make your way down the aisle.
Guests tend to step out into the aisle to take photos, which could block you from seeing the reaction of you seeing each other about to get married! That is such a special moment that you do not want to miss.
4. You will see the faces of your family and friends when you look out into the aisle, not their phones.
When you look out and see who is present on your wedding day, you want to see the faces of your loved ones.
5. It will remind guests to turn their phones on silent.
You don’t want someone’s phone ringing or buzzing when you’re in the middle of your vows.
Overall, an unplugged ceremony makes for a much more memorable and intimate experience for you and your guests. Do not feel guilty about asking people to put their phones away. It will make your day so much more enjoyable and your photographer will make sure to document all of the love between you two.
