Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

With 32.5 million mobile phone subscriptions, that’s a lot of With 32.5 million mobile phone subscriptions in Australia in 2021, it’s evident that the majority of your wedding guests will likely possess a mobile phone. While you might not object to guests using their phones to capture moments during the ceremony, if you prefer to avoid a paparazzi-style approach to photography, it’s essential to encourage an “Unplugged” ceremony.

WHAT IS AN UNPLUGGED CEREMONY?

An ‘Unplugged Ceremony’ refers to a ceremony where guests are requested not to use their phones, cameras, or iPads. Before the ceremony commences, attendees are politely asked to power down their mobile devices and stow them away. Consequently, guests won’t be able to take any photos during the ceremony, ensuring that the professional photographer you’ve hired has exclusive access for capturing the moments.

Implementing an ‘Unplugged Ceremony’ is a thoughtful decision, especially considering how disruptive it can be when a mobile phone rings during a significant moment. Even if the ringtone is humorous, the interruption can detract from the solemnity of the occasion.

WHY GO UNPLUGGED?

Many couples invest a significant amount of money in hiring a professional wedding photographer to capture the cherished moments of their ceremony. These moments include your walk down the aisle, the exchange of vows, ring exchanges, and, of course, the first kiss.

The decision to exclude phones and cameras from your ceremony is a boon for your professional photographer. It ensures they have an unobstructed view and can capture these precious moments without navigating around guests holding up mobile devices. It’s astonishing how many beautiful wedding photos have been marred by the presence of iPads or guests’ faces obscured by phones lining the aisle.

Throughout your ceremony, you’ll want to gaze down the aisle and witness the genuine expressions on your family and friends’ faces – their smiles and tears filled with love and excitement. You wouldn’t want your view to be obstructed by mobile phones as guests try to take photos of you.

By allowing only your professional wedding photographer to document the ceremony, you empower them to excel in their role and secure the finest images of each special moment.

This is what you want to see during your ceremony when you look at your guests.

HOW TO GO UNPLUGGED?

The most straightforward method to initiate an “Unplugged” ceremony is to request your celebrant to convey a few words before the ceremony’s commencement. Additionally, you can utilise wedding signs placed at the entrance, politely requesting guests to switch off their phones and refrain from taking photos.

While these signs may possess aesthetic appeal, they often function more as charming decorations rather than instructions that guests adhere to.

TEN WAYS TO LET YOUR GUESTS KNOW YOU ARE HAVING AN UNPLUGGED CEREMONY

1) Welcome family and friends, “name” and “name” have hired a professional photographer to capture each special moment of the ceremony. So you can put your phones away and just capture how each moment feels with your hearts.

2) “Name” and “name,” have asked a professional photographer to capture the special moments of their ceremony so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy each moment. “Name” and “name” also wanted me to let you know that the photographer’s beautiful images will be available after the wedding.

3) Family and friends, please turn off all phones and cameras as “name” and “name” exchange thier vows. Photos are welcome after the ceremony as “name” and “name” are having a plugged-in reception.

4) As “name” and “name” tie the knot, please be thier guest as thier photographer will take care of the rest.

5) “Name” and “name” request the joyful sight of your smiles, without the distraction of electronic devices, so please put your phones and cameras away for the ceremony.

6) Family and friends, “name” and “name” are so glad you’re here! They have asked if you could all please put away your phones and cameras until the reception. They have promised to share the beautiful pictures the professional photographer will take today.

7) Welcome to the unplugged wedding of “name” and “name”. The couple would like to invite you all to be fully present with them during thier ceremony, so ask if you can please turn off all phones and put away your cameras. Thank you!

8) Family and friends, on behalf of “name” and “name”, I would like to welcome you to the celebration of their marriage. They wish to express their gratitude for each of you who is here today and respectfully request that you turn off and put away your mobile phones and cameras so you can be fully present in this special moment. Thank you.

9) “Name” and “name” have a professional photographer here today to capture the special moments of thier ceremony. So ask if you can please put your phones away as they would love for everyone to be present throughout the ceremony.

10) “Name” and “name” would like to thank you for coming today to celebrate their union of marriage. They have but one thing to ask, to please keep thier ceremony phone and camera-free. 

AFTER THE CEREMONY

After the ceremony, most couples desire their loved ones to take photos because, let’s admit it, no matter how exceptional the professional photographer is, they can’t be omnipresent. Thus, encouraging your guests to take photos will aid in capturing numerous additional special moments from your wedding.

SOCIAL MEDIA

In this era of social media, a mere moment after a photo is snapped at your wedding, you could find yourself tagged in a Facebook post or a precious moment from your day might appear on a guest’s Instagram story.

If you wish to grant your family and friends the opportunity to take photos after the ceremony but prefer that they refrain from sharing them on social media until you’ve had the chance to do so first, it’s important to communicate your preference.

This can be achieved by incorporating it into the “Unplugged” ceremony announcement or via a sign at your reception.

Additionally, you might consider requesting your guests to share copies with you or tag you in their posts. This way, you can relish the unofficial photos of your special day.

SHARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS

Typically, your family and friends have no ill intentions when they reach for their phones or cameras during the ceremony. Their intention is merely to capture a keepsake from this exceptionally significant occasion. By informing your guests that you’re enthusiastic about sharing the professional photos with them, it will greatly facilitate encouraging them to set aside their technology and fully immerse themselves in the moment.