In our wonderfully connected world, where every moment seems to demand a capture and a share, there’s a growing desire for something beautifully simple: to just be present. This is especially true for one of life’s most precious occasions – your wedding day.
Enter the concept of the “unplugged wedding.” Simply put, it’s a ceremony where guests are kindly asked to put away their phones, cameras, and other digital devices, allowing everyone to truly soak in the magic of the moment. As a Brisbane marriage celebrant, I’ve seen firsthand the profound difference an unplugged ceremony can make, transforming a beautiful event into an intimate and truly cherished experience.
But how do you convey this request to your loved ones without sounding demanding or restrictive? It’s all about polite, clear, and heartfelt communication. Let’s explore how you can encourage your guests to embrace the moment with you.
Why go unplugged? the benefits for you and your guests
Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s touch on the ‘why.’ Understanding the benefits will help you articulate your request with genuine conviction.
For the couple:
- Flawless professional photos: imagine your aisle shots without a sea of phone screens blocking the view, or Uncle Barry’s flash going off mid-frame. Your professional photographer and videographer are experts, hired to capture every precious angle perfectly, without any digital clutter. An unplugged ceremony ensures your official memories are pristine and unobstructed.
- Genuine presence: when guests aren’t fiddling with their phones, they are truly there. They’re watching your eyes, feeling the emotion in your vows, and sharing in every laugh and tear. This creates a palpable atmosphere of support and connection that elevates the entire experience.
- Enjoying your moment: as a couple, you’ve spent months, perhaps years, planning this day. You want to be fully immersed in it, not distracted by guests trying to capture their own angles or worrying about what’s being posted online. An unplugged ceremony allows you to be completely present in your “I do.”
- Privacy and intimacy: some couples prefer to share their intimate ceremony privately before sharing professional images later. An unplugged ceremony respects this desire for a more personal, less public start to your marriage.
For the guests:
- Freedom to truly enjoy: guests are often relieved to be “given permission” to simply enjoy the ceremony without the pressure to snap the perfect photo. They can relax, engage, and genuinely witness your commitment.
- Experience the emotion live: there’s nothing quite like experiencing a significant moment firsthand, without the filter of a screen. Guests can applaud, shed a tear, and feel the shared joy without worrying about getting the shot.
- Professional memories to share: you’ll be sharing your stunning professional photos and videos later, so guests can simply anticipate receiving those high-quality memories without needing to capture their own.
As a celebrant, I’ve observed that guests often appreciate this request. It allows everyone to fully participate in the shared joy and intimacy of the ceremony, making it a much more memorable and heartfelt occasion for all.
Crafting your request: the polite approach
The key to a successful unplugged ceremony is communicating your request with warmth, clarity, and genuine appreciation, rather than sounding demanding or negative. Frame it positively, focusing on the beautiful intention behind your decision.
Here are some approaches and phrases you can adapt:
- Focus on the ‘why’: “we want you fully present,” or “we’d love for you to truly be in the moment with us.”
- Highlight your professionals: “our amazing photographers and videographers will capture every detail,” or “we have wonderful professionals to ensure every memory is perfectly documented, which we will happily share with you.”
- Emphasise the experience: “we invite you to experience our ceremony with your eyes and hearts, rather than through a lens.”
Be clear, but kind:
- Gentle suggestion: “we kindly request that you tuck away your phones and cameras during the ceremony.”
- Warm and inviting: “we’d be honoured if you’d join us fully in the moment, without the distraction of devices, as we say our vows.”
- Direct and appreciative: “to allow our professional photographers to capture unobstructed moments, and for everyone to truly be present, we ask that you please refrain from using phones or cameras during our ceremony. We promise to share all the beautiful photos!”
- Humorous (if it fits your style): “put down your phones and pick up a tissue! we’d love for you to truly be here with us for every tear and laugh.”
Remember, it’s about inviting your guests into a shared, present experience, not telling them off. Your tone will set the expectation.
Where and when to communicate your unplugged request
Effective communication isn’t just about what you say, but also where and when you say it. Repetition in various forms ensures your message is clearly received.
your wedding website: This is the primary hub for all your wedding information, making it the perfect place for a more detailed explanation of your unplugged request. You can dedicate a small section to it under “ceremony details” or “our vision.” This allows guests to read it at their leisure and understand your reasoning.
- invitation inserts/details card: A concise, polite mention on a separate details card included with your formal invitation is an excellent way to introduce the concept early on. Something like, “to allow everyone to be fully present, we kindly request an unplugged ceremony. We’ll happily share professional photos with you after the day.”
- ceremony program: If you’re having printed ceremony programs, a gentle reminder inside is a great idea. It reinforces the message as guests are settling in. For example, a small icon with a crossed-out phone, or a brief note like: “welcome! we invite you to switch off your devices and immerse yourselves in our special moment.”
- signage at the venue: A clear, aesthetically pleasing sign at the entrance to your ceremony space is incredibly effective. This serves as a visual cue just before guests take their seats.
Examples include:
- “welcome to our unplugged ceremony. please put away your phones and cameras. thank you for being truly present.”
- “kindly turn off all devices and join us in this special moment, our photographers will capture every memory.”
- your celebrant’s announcement: This is arguably the most effective method. As your celebrant, I can make a warm, inviting, yet clear announcement just before the processional begins. This is typically done after guests have been welcomed and are seated, just before the bridal party or yourself makes their entrance. This catches everyone’s attention at the right moment.
“Good afternoon everyone! if you could now take a moment to silence your phones, and perhaps tuck them away for the duration of the ceremony. [couple’s names] have asked that you be fully present with them in this special moment, and trust their wonderful photographer and videographer to capture all the magic. We’ll happily share those beautiful memories with you later. thank you for helping us create such a truly heartfelt atmosphere.”
briefing your wedding party: Make sure a few trusted friends and immediate family are aware of your unplugged request. They can help subtly encourage adherence and lead by example.
Addressing potential guest concerns
Some guests might have genuine reasons for wanting their phones, or simply not understand why you’d ask them to put them away. Having polite answers ready can help.
“But I want to share it on social media!” Gently explain that you’d love for them to celebrate on social media after the ceremony – perhaps during the reception, when the professional photos start to roll out, or once you’ve had a chance to share some official snaps.
- “I want to see my photo!” Reassure them that you will happily share the professional photos with everyone, and that their presence and enjoyment mean more than any personal photo they could capture.
- “What if i need my phone for an emergency?” Acknowledge that exceptions are understood for true emergencies. Most people will use discretion. The request is generally aimed at casual photo-taking and scrolling.
Ultimately, it’s about trusting your professional photographer and videographer to capture every angle, every smile, and every emotional tear. Your guests’ job is simply to witness, celebrate, and be fully immersed in your love story.
Ready to create genuinely present memories?
Embracing an unplugged wedding is a wonderful way to foster a truly intimate and personal atmosphere on your special day. It allows you and your loved ones to be fully present, creating memories that are truly lived, not just documented through a screen.
As your celebrant, I’m here to support your vision and ensure your ceremony is everything you dream of – whether fully unplugged or with a balance that suits you. I can help you craft the perfect words to politely communicate your wishes to your guests, ensuring a seamless and heartfelt experience for everyone.
Ready to discuss how we can create an authentic and present ceremony experience for your unique love story? Contact me today for a no-obligation chat.
