The new trend of unplugged weddings was not started to help your guests be present during the most important day of your life (although it is an awesome bonus!), it was to make sure the thousands of pounds you spent on your wedding photographer wasn’t just to get good pictures of uncle Geoff with his red ipad at eye level in front of everyone.
Having a well-intentioned guest (or uncle Geoff and his ipad) stepping in the middle of the aisle to get that first kiss shot, and by doing so getting right in front of your wedding photographer is not something you want to ruin your beautiful memories (and yes, who hasn’t seen uncle Geoff at a wedding?).
There is also the added stress of social media, if a friend takes a phone pic of you in your dress and posts it to Facebook will that end up being the way your fiance sees you for the first time on your wedding day?
What is an unplugged wedding ceremony?
An unplugged wedding is a celebration of love, friendship and family that takes place without technology. It’s not just about turning off the cell phones or banning Internet access; it’s about eliminating the distractions of technology, so you can focus on what’s most important: your relationship with each other and with your guests. An unplugged wedding ceremony is a traditional wedding where no technology of any sort is used. This includes phones, laptops, tablets, cameras and anything else that can record or transmit images.
Why should you have an unplugged wedding?
The biggest reason why you should have an unplugged wedding is because it makes your guests feel more connected to the event. They won’t be able to text their friends about what is happening at the ceremony because there won’t be anything happening on their phones! Instead of using technology as a distraction from what is happening in front of them, guests will enjoy listening intently to every word that is said.
How to tell your guests you want an unplugged wedding ceremony?
These days it is completely acceptable to ask your guests to join you for an unplugged wedding! This can be done in a number of beautiful and crafty ways (and thanks to Pinterest you can see all of them!) but one of the most simple, non-offensive signs I have seen read:
There’s a gal taking pictures…we asked her to come. So please rest your cameras, our ceremony needs only one.
The Newlyweds
Some of the common methods to tell your guests that you want an unplugged wedding ceremony are:
- saying it in the invites
- putting an ‘unplugged wedding’ sign during the ceremony
- having your officiant give an announcement
Is it rude to ask guests not to take photos during the ceremony?
Definitely not! After all you want your guests to be present during the ceremony, not spending the time choosing the right camera preset of the right hashtag for their Instagram upload. Asking your guests to go unplugged and be present will show that you actually care.