Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?

If you're planning your wedding, you may have wondered whether you should have an unplugged ceremony. You may even have seen signs at weddings you've attended: Welcome to our unplugged ceremony. Please put away your phones and cameras.

But do you actually need an unplugged ceremony? Is asking your guests not to take photos reasonable, or is it an unnecessary restriction? And could you be missing out on some wonderful candid photos by asking everyone to put their phones away?

Like many wedding decisions, there are good reasons for both choices. Let's look at the pros and cons so you can decide what's right for you.

What Is an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?

An unplugged ceremony is simply one where guests are asked not to take photographs or videos during the ceremony. It doesn't necessarily mean switching phones off completely; usually, guests are asked to put them on silent and keep them tucked away.

Why Do Couples Choose an Unplugged Ceremony?

There are several good reasons why couples choose an unplugged ceremony. For a start, it gives your guests the chance to simply watch, listen and enjoy what's happening in front of them. It's difficult to take in the full impact of a ceremony when you're watching part of it through a phone screen.

You may also be paying a considerable amount of money for a professional photographer, and the last thing you want is a sea of phones appearing in your beautiful professional photos. This can happen particularly during the entrance and exit, when guests naturally want to capture the moment. Even worse is a guest stepping into the aisle or standing up just as your photographer is trying to capture an important moment.

Then there are the ringing phones. I always ask guests to put their phones on silent before a ceremony begins, but quite often there's still one that rings at exactly the wrong moment. This is usually followed by a frantic scramble to silence it while everyone else looks around to see whose phone it is. I generally make a joke of it, and it can cause quite a bit of merriment, but it does interrupt the flow of the ceremony. The owner of the phone is usually mortified, and the couple may not find it nearly as funny as everyone else does.

But Is There Anything Wrong With Guests Taking Photos?

On the other hand, photos taken by your guests can be absolutely wonderful. Some of my favourite photos from my own wedding were taken by a family member and emailed to me almost immediately. They captured moments from the ceremony in a relaxed, informal way that I loved, and I didn't mind in the slightest that our guests were taking photos.

Not every couple chooses to have, or can afford, a professional photographer. In those circumstances, photos taken by family and friends can be particularly precious, giving couples a collection of memories from different viewpoints throughout their ceremony.

And even if you do have a professional photographer, there's something rather special about seeing your wedding through the eyes of the people who were there celebrating with you.

 

Do You Need an Unplugged Wedding Sign?

A sign can certainly be useful for those of us who actually read signs (me!), but not everyone notices them as they arrive (my husband!). So while an unplugged ceremony sign can be a helpful reminder, I wouldn't rely on it alone.

This is where your celebrant can help. A friendly announcement, included with the usual housekeeping before the ceremony begins, is likely to be much clearer and more effective. Everyone hears the same message at the same time, and there's no confusion about whether you'd prefer phones and cameras to stay tucked away.

Can You Have an Unplugged Ceremony and Still Allow Photos?

A designated photo opportunity can be a great compromise, particularly if you know you have guests (often a parent or an aunt!) who will be determined to take photos, even if they have to do it by stealth.

Once everyone is in place at the beginning of the ceremony, your celebrant can give guests a few moments to take as many photos as they like. Then the phones and cameras are put away, and everyone can settle back and enjoy the ceremony.

I've included a photo opportunity like this in several ceremonies, and it works really well. Guests are happy because they've got their photos, the couple gets the unplugged ceremony they wanted, and I've never yet had anyone try to sneak another photo afterwards.

How Should Your Celebrant Word the Announcement?

When I'm asked to have guests put their phones away, I tend to deliver the message in a slightly mock-stern way. I explain that the couple has chosen to have an unplugged ceremony, what that means, and that it's something they've specifically requested. I then warn everyone that there's always one person who will try to sneak a photo, but I. Will. Be. Watching. It always gets a laugh, while still making the couple's wishes very clear.

If we're including a photo opportunity, I'll explain that at the same time. I let guests know that their chance is coming, and when it does, they can whip out their phones and take as many photos as they like. Once their time is up, the phones go away again and we continue with the ceremony.

It keeps the whole thing light-hearted while making sure everyone knows exactly what's expected.

So, Should You Have an Unplugged Ceremony?

Well, there really isn't a right or wrong answer. If seeing phones during your ceremony is going to bother you, an unplugged ceremony may be the right choice for you. If you love the idea of receiving candid photos from your guests afterwards, let them take them. And if you'd like a little of both, a designated photo opportunity can be a great compromise.

The important thing is to have the conversation with your partner beforehand and decide what feels right for the two of you. Once you've made that decision, make your wishes clear so your guests know exactly what you'd prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we ask guests not to post wedding photos on social media?

Absolutely. An unplugged ceremony and a request not to post photos online are two different things, so if you'd prefer guests to wait before sharing photographs on social media, make that clear. You might simply ask them not to post anything until you've had the chance to share your own news or photos first.

Should we discuss an unplugged ceremony with our photographer?

Yes. Your photographer may have their own thoughts about guest photography and can tell you whether phones and cameras are likely to affect the photographs they're trying to capture. Once you've decided what you'd prefer, let your celebrant know too so everyone is on the same page.

Can guests take photos during the signing?

Of course, if you're happy for them to. Some couples choose to keep the ceremony itself unplugged but allow guests to bring their phones out once the formal part is over. The signing can be a relaxed opportunity for guests to take a few photos without interrupting the important moments of the ceremony.

What if a guest ignores our request and takes photos anyway?

Try not to let it spoil your ceremony. Your celebrant can make your wishes very clear beforehand, but ultimately you can't control what every guest does. Once the ceremony has begun, your attention should be on each other rather than watching to see who has a phone in their hand.

Can we have an unplugged ceremony but allow photos afterwards?

Absolutely. An unplugged ceremony doesn't mean banning phones for your entire wedding day. You can ask guests to keep them tucked away during the ceremony and then take as many photos as they like afterwards. This gives you an uninterrupted ceremony while still allowing your family and friends to capture plenty of memories.

If you have any questions about getting married, feel free to get in touch. I'm always happy to help make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Weddings with Cathy Home Page

Enjoying the blog? Join my newsletter mailing list for occasional wedding planning tips, ceremony ideas and new posts. No spam, and you can unsubscribe at any time.