With pretty much everyone having a smartphone on them at all times, here’s why it’s worth considering having an unplugged wedding ceremony.

What is an unplugged wedding ceremony?

Let me first explain, what is an unplugged ceremony? An unplugged wedding ceremony is a wedding ceremony where guests are asked to put away their phones, cameras, iPads, and other devices. Instead of taking their own photos and videos, and watching the ceremony from behind their screens, they’re asked to keep all devices turned off and be present in the moment.

What are the advantages of guests turning off their devices?

1: Your guests will be fully present.

Imagine looking out to your guests during the ceremony to be greeted by a sea of phones staring back at you. With an unplugged wedding, instead of spending the majority of the ceremony staring into their phones, their attention will be where it should be, on you, the couple! With an unplugged ceremony, your guests will be fully present and involved, experiencing this important moment together with you.

2: Your photographs will be better.

There’s no getting around it, phones (and even worse Ipads) are an ugly distraction in a photograph. They take away from the moment and they’re pretty much impossible to remove in photoshop. Also if someone is using a flash on their phone it will mess with your professional photographers’ settings, totally ruining an image.

3: Avoiding those awkward ring tones and distractions that interrupt important parts of your day.

This isn’t only limited to the ceremony (though that’s the worst) but also things like speeches, first dance etc. Asking guests to kindly keep their phones on silent throughout the day will be a big help in avoiding such interruptions.

How to go about hosting an unplugged wedding.

Communication is key. Think about mentioning it as early as possible such as on your invites, also if you’re planning a wedding website these are both great starting points.

A beautiful sign at the ceremony entrance makes for a gentle reminder. If you’re looking for some inspiration you’ll find lots here.

If you’re having ushers to guide people to their seats asking them to remind guests will also be helpful.

Finally, ask your officiant/celebrant to mention it at the beginning of the ceremony. You’ll be surprised at how many guests will have missed the signs or simply forget. Having the officiant/celebrant mention it at the beginning of the ceremony will ensure all guests are aware.