One thing you can count on at your wedding is that many of your guests will be taking photos. All the technology that’s packed into a cell phone makes this so easy. But many couples are taking steps to minimize camera use by having an unplugged ceremony.
Some couples embrace technology. After all, it’s supposed to make our lives easier, right? And that technology is not just portable but common place (83% of all phones have cameras), and social media makes sharing so accessible. Taking pictures and showing them off to the world becomes tempting. But just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should do something, hence the desire and importance for having an unplugged ceremony.
Why have an unplugged ceremony? The act of guests taking photos at someone’s wedding doesn’t seem like it could create a problem, but there are three big areas where it is very problematic: 1) they’re busy squinting at their viewscreens instead of watching and fully experiencing the ceremony in front of them, 2) they get in the way of other guests, ruining others’ enjoyment of the event, and 3) they get in the way of the professional photographer, ruining once-in-a-lifetime shots that the couple would have cherished.
And once they take those photos, what are they going to do with them? Print them out to display in their homes? Nope. Maybe glance at them a time or two, and that’s it. Or they’ll feel the need to share on social media, but often do so before the couple want any of their wedding photos to go public. (See #2 of the “Guidelines for Having An Unplugged Wedding Ceremony” below).
Even couples who readily embrace technology realize that they don’t want technology to interfere with or overshadow their wedding ceremony. So, how can they preserve their privacy and keep their guests from becoming amateur paparazzi and their wedding from going viral? This concern has prompted many wedding planners and coordinators to formulate some guidelines covering taking photos and sharing them on social media, particularly the ceremony. Having an unplugged ceremony is not just a passing fad.
Guidelines for Having an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony
- Most couples want a distinction between the wedding ceremony with its more solemn aspects and the reception with its celebratory feel.
- If the bride doesn’t want people to see her in her gown before she goes down the aisle, she needs to make sure that her attendants (and everyone else who may pop in to see her while she’s getting ready for her wedding ceremony) understand that sharing photos of her in that gown before the ceremony is forbidden.
- Planners and coordinators suggest putting a notice in the program which clearly states that this is an unplugged ceremony.
- Some brides post signs at the entrance to the ceremony that asks guests to refrain from using electronics. Posting a sign at the spot where the guest book is placed is a workable solution as every guest will pass by.
- Some couples have their ushers gently remind guests that this is an unplugged ceremony.
- Reinforce this request by asking the officiant to remind the guests to silence and put away their electronics.
IMO, having your officiant make an announcement before the ceremony begins is the most effective method. Guests are thinking about finding a place to sit and watch the ceremony. There is no guarantee that they will notice or read a sign, and it’s likely that they aren’t fully listening to what the usher is saying either. But your officiant is the “person of authority,” therefore a person to be listened to. So when the officiant says “Please don’t,” people will comply.
Plugging Back In After Your Unplugged Ceremony
While most couples want their wedding ceremonies to be unplugged, they are also perfectly ok with guests taking pics at the reception. The vibe of a reception is more of a party atmosphere compared to the solemnity of a ceremony, so allowing guests to take photos works. In fact, some couples will create a special hashtag for guests to use when posting photos on social media. That way they can easily collect and view all the photos their guests took on the wedding day.
Tips for creating a wedding day hashtag:
- Don’t use something generic. Instead of “#WeTiedTheKnot” use “SueAndJimTiedTheKnot”
- Use letters and numbers only, symbols won’t work. #SueAndJim will work, #Sue&Jim won’t.
- Make sure it’s easy to spell.
- Be cautious if using abbreviations.
Places to share your hashtag:
- Your wedding website
- In your invitation suite (on a separate piece, not the invitation itself)
- Your ceremony program
- Reception welcome sign
- Sign near guest book
- On each guest table
- Have someone make an announcement
FAQs of an Unplugged Ceremony
What is the reason for having an unplugged wedding?
Having an unplugged ceremony helps to ensure that guests’ cell phones are silent/put away, eliminating any distractions. It also encourages your guests to stay in the moment and fully watch and experience what is going on in front of them instead of paying attention to their devices.
What is the benefit of having an unplugged wedding ceremony?
The benefits are twofold.
1) It benefits the guest by allowing them to be more present in the moment, and fully witness your wedding ceremony rather than focusing on looking through a view screen.
2) It benefits you and your partner because it prevents guests from getting in the way of the professionals you hired (and paid good money for) to take the images and videos.
Yes, believe it or not, guests have actually gotten in the aisle, which physically blocks the way of the photographer (and the photographer’s lens). That little 3″ x 6″ device becomes ginormous and blocks the view of the people behind them.
Is it rude to have an unplugged wedding?
No, it is absolutely not rude. While at first glance, the request may sound negative (“Don’t do this”), you are actually requesting that your guests fully participate and share the experience that is your wedding ceremony.
What should the officiant say for unplugged ceremony?
Your officiant can say something like: “The bride and groom kindly request an unplugged ceremony. Please turn off and put away all devices and enjoy being fully present in the moment.”
How do you ensure an unplugged ceremony?
Other than confiscating all recording devices prior to the start of the event, there really is no 100% way to ensure that everyone will comply with your request to have an unplugged ceremony. However most people are respectful and honor the couple’s wishes.
Telling your guests that you’re going unplugged on your invites is a great place to start. Reinforce this by including this info on your wedding website, if you have one. Have a sign near the ceremony entrance. Include a little reminder in your ceremony program. And, the best way to make sure everyone gets the memo – have your officiant make an announcement.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Author of “Wedding Invitations, RSVPs, and More! Oh My!” and “From ‘I Will’ to ‘I Do’”
Looking for fun ideas, or need help with your wedding plans? Contact me today at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!