Unplugged ceremony signs are becoming increasingly popular, and we totally understand why. With social media dominating our lives and every moment being shared online, it’s refreshing to see couples taking a step back and choosing to have a technology-free wedding ceremony.
Of course, it’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely a trend that’s on the rise. In fact, a recent survey on Hitched showed that up to two thirds of British couples are either having or considering a snap-free wedding ceremony.
What is an Unplugged Wedding?
Essentially, it’s when the soon-to-be-wed couple asks their guests not to take photos or use their phones or cameras throughout the ceremony. There are different levels of unplugged ceremonies – some couples just request no photos, while others want guests to be completely off their devices.
So, Why Do Couples Choose To Have An Unplugged Ceremony?
Many want their guests to be fully present and engaged in the moment, rather than focusing on capturing the perfect shot or viewing their wedding through a lens. Others prefer to keep their wedding photos a complete surprise until their professional pictures are ready to be shared and don’t want any part of their wedding on social media until they are ready to share moments from their day.
Pro’s of Having an Unplugged Wedding
- Guests are more present and engaged in the moment: By asking guests to put away their devices and refrain from taking photos or videos, you’re encouraging them to be fully present and enjoy the ceremony without any distractions.
- Better quality photos: With guests not taking photos and videos themselves, the photographer has a better chance of getting clear and unobstructed shots of the wedding ceremony and reception.
- No unflattering or unwanted photos: By having an unplugged ceremony, you can avoid any potentially unflattering or unwanted photos of you or your guests ending up on social media.
- Professional photos stand out: By waiting for your professional wedding photos to be ready before sharing them, you’ll ensure that they’re the first photos that people see, and they’ll stand out more.
Cons of an Unplugged Wedding
- Missing out on guest photos: By asking guests not to take photos, you may miss out on some candid or spontaneous moments that your professional photographer might not capture.
- Difficult to enforce: It can be tough to enforce a no-photos rule, especially if guests aren’t aware of it beforehand or don’t take it seriously
- Guests might be disappointed: Some guests might feel disappointed if they’re unable to take photos or share their experience on social media.
Communicating Your Unplugged Wedding Policy
If you’ve made the decision to have your wedding unplugged, you need to ensure you communicate that with your guests. If they happen to take a picture but weren’t told not to, it’s not really their fault.
There are plenty of ways you can announce you’re unplugged ceremony. We’ve listed a few of the best ways here – you can choose one, or decide to give your guests multiple reminders.
- Have your Celebrant or Registrar announce it
- Have an Unplugged Wedding Sign
- Communicate long before the wedding day with an invitation insert
- Ensure key people in your wedding party are aware of your choice to have an unplugged wedding or ceremony
- Let your Photographer know if they’re taking the only pictures, ensure they also know to capture plenty of those candid shots, you may otherwise miss
Whether or not to have an unplugged wedding ceremony is a completely personal decision that should be based on your own individual preferences and priorities.
While an unplugged ceremony can help guests be more present and engaged in the moment, it can also result in missing out on guest photos and can be difficult to enforce. However, by waiting for professional photos to be ready before sharing them, couples can ensure that their special day is captured in a way that truly reflects their vision. Ultimately, it’s important for couples to weigh the pros and cons and then do what’s best for them and their wedding.