It may have been a worry of yours, banning mobile phones during your wedding ceremony, but these days it’s becoming a popular choice with couples who want to make sure their guests are being present during their ceremony and making mental memories rather than ones for the ‘gram. These wedding ceremonies are known as an unplugged wedding ceremony.
What is an unplugged wedding ceremony?
The phrase “unplugged” has been coined to describe weddings where guests are asked to put their electronics away. But what are the benefits of this?
- Auntie Shannon won’t be stood in the aisle as you’re walking down trying to get a photo of you to show her friends at bingo, whilst ruining your actual professional wedding photos. (Yes, this happens!)
- Your ceremony photos won’t end up on social media before you announce your wedding. You control which photos get shared with family or friends who couldn’t make your special day. No photos of you blinking or unflattering angles.
- Your guests will be present, enjoying the moments rather watching them through their phones.
- When looking through the photos from your wedding ceremony you’ll be able to see the faces of your guests, not their phones blocking them as they film your ceremony only for it to be stored on their phone and never seen again.
How to request an unplugged wedding ceremony
So, how do you politely ask guests to pop their technology back in their bags without getting a frosty reception?
The first option is to add the request for an unplugged wedding ceremony onto your invitations. This way, people are forewarned and know you’d rather not have people making TikTok videos of your vows.
The other option is to ask the person performing your ceremony to make an announcement about your unplugged ceremony. This option means they’re the “bad guy”, not you!
Either way, from a photographer’s point of view, we love an unplugged wedding ceremony. I’ve had many a photo ruined by someone standing out in the aisle to get their shot of the bride.
If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer take a look at my wedding portfolio page here.