Unplugged Wedding: Everything You Need to Know

Have you heard of an unplugged wedding? Cellphones go everywhere with us these days. I cannot think of a single event I have attended recently where someone hasn’t been taking a selfie! That’s not necessarily a bad thing most of the time, but during a wedding ceremony, it can be distracting. I’ve seen guests getting up and walking around during the exchange of vows to get the perfect shot! I’ve even seen overzealous guests duck in front of the hired photographer thus blocking their shot! Wedding pictures are being shared on social media before the couple has even signed their marriage certificate! Is it any wonder that we are now seeing an increase in the number of unplugged weddings?

What is an Unplugged Wedding?

An unplugged wedding is another Alternative Wedding where the couple has made the decision to ask guests not to use their cell phones to take pictures or video clips during the ceremony. This usually extends to also asking that no images are uploaded onto social media. The main reason behind choosing an unplugged wedding is to allow the couple to be the ones to share the first images from their wedding. But, it can also help to minimize distraction and disruption at the ceremony too.

There are varying degrees of just how unplugged the wedding is to be. Some couples choose to make it ceremony only and welcome guests to take photos at the reception. Others have a strict no photo policy across the entire event. Some even allow photos but ask for a social media blackout until after the couple has posted their pictures.

5 Reasons to Choose an Unplugged Wedding

Here are five of the best reasons to choose an unplugged wedding!

1. As you walk down the aisle, you will get to see your guests’ faces – not their cellphones!
2. If you have hired a photographer – at considerable expense – you don’t want guests getting in their shot as they snap their own pictures!
3. It helps to avoid distraction from guests moving around to get a better shot or constantly using a camera flash!
4. You can be the ones to share the first photographs of your wedding on social media!
5. Knowing that your guests are fully present in the moment as you exchange your vows.

How to Tell Your Guests!

The tricky part is telling your guests to put their cellphones away! Snapping an Instagram picture has become such an ingrained part of life that there will likely be some who will balk at the idea of no photographs. However, this is your day and guests need to abide by your wishes. There are a few great options for letting them know about your unplugged wedding:

• Include the information on the wedding invite or in your order of service.
• Display a sign at the entrance clearly stating your rules!
• Ask the Officiant to remind guests to put away cell phones and cameras before he or she begins the ceremony.

What are your thoughts on having an Unplugged Wedding? Would you restrict photographs during your ceremony? I would love to hear your opinions!

By Dave Westfall , the Alternative Wedding Planner