Have you ever been to a wedding and ended up missing most of the ceremony because of people holding up their phones to take photos or videos?
It’s annoying for guests, but it’s even MORE annoying for the professional photographer or videographer who’s trying to do their job.
For that reason, “unplugged” weddings are becoming more and more popular. But, how do you ask guests not to take photos at a wedding without alienating them?
Read on for unplugged ceremony wording ideas for every wedding type…
What is an unplugged ceremony?
At an unplugged wedding ceremony, your guests are asked not to take photos or videos. Guests may also be asked to refrain from uploading photos to social media on the day. The idea is that your guests should be truly “present” to experience the event, with the photos and video left to the professionals.
Unplugged ceremony wording ideas you can steal
Let’s get right down to it. I’ve pulled together some unplugged wedding wording examples to let your guests know about the “no photos” rule.
Funny unplugged ceremony wording
“Hey, beautiful!
We want to see that gorgeous face, not your phone. So, no photos until after the ceremony…
Thanks!”
Formal unplugged wedding example
“Please honor our wishes for you to be fully present with us today.
We’d respectfully ask you to refrain from taking photos or posting to social media.
Thank you.”
Casual unplugged ceremony example text
“Leave it to the professionals…
We invite you to sit back and enjoy our wedding ceremony. So, put those phones away and trust the pros!
How do you announce an unplugged ceremony?
Let’s face it, most of us these days are pretty attached to our phones. So, it can be tough to convince people not to use them.
The secret is to repeat the message a few times!
When it comes to your wedding day, there are a few options for reminding your guests about your no phones rule, no matter what unplugged ceremony wording you opt for…
Unplugged wedding wording on the invitation
The first place you may like to let people know that there are no phones during your wedding ceremony is in your wedding invitations.
I wouldn’t recommend that you put the message on the invitation card itself, but the wedding detail card would be a good option for a simple message or alternatively highlight the wording on your wedding website.
Display unplugged ceremony signs
Displaying your unplugged rule on a sign that your guests see as they enter your ceremony venue is a great idea.
Put it in your wedding program or order of service
For those guests that don’t see your beautiful signs, you have another opportunity to bring your unplugged rule to their attention in your wedding program or ceremony order of service.
The program lets them know what to expect from your big day, so adding the unplugged message here makes perfect sense.
Ask your wedding celebrant to remind guests
Your officiant can also repeat your unplugged wedding ceremony wording before they start the wedding ceremony in case there are still a few people who haven’t yet got the memo!
Request that guests give up their phones for the ceremony
Asking your guests to put their phones in a basket for the duration of the ceremony IS an option you have. But, I would think twice about this one.
The vast majority of your guests will be happy to abide by your “no photos during wedding ceremony” rule, so taking their phones off them may not leave them with the best memories of the day.
Should you have an unplugged wedding reception?
Asking guests to refrain from taking photos during your ceremony is one thing, but asking them not to take ANY photos during the day at all is another.
Personally, I think asking guests to put their phones away for the cocktail hour, dinner, and evening reception is (a) unrealistic and, (b) verging on bridezilla territory!
THAT SAID… you can absolutely ask guests not to post any photos on social media throughout the day or, at least, to refrain from posting photos of the bride and groom so that you’re in control of the sneak peek photos that are released.
There you have it – all the unplugged ceremony wording you need to let your guests know respectfully.