Unplugged Ceremonies: Why We Love Them

Unplugged ceremonies are a trend that will never go out of style! An unplugged ceremony occurs when the couple requests that guests silence and put away all devices during the ceremony portion of the wedding. It creates a much more intimate environment and makes the moment all the more special to have every guest present. After all, the ceremony is the core of a wedding, and often the quickest part. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of an unplugged ceremony and how to ensure your guests comply.

BE IN THE MOMENT

Putting away all devices immediately eliminates all the distractions that come along with them; there will be no calls, notifications, or noises. During the ceremony, the goal is to have all eyes on the bride and groom. This is a pivotal moment for them, and all the guests should be giving their full attention to the couple choosing the spend the rest of their lives together. Removing all devices will keep the ceremony more private and create a stronger emotional experience for everyone involved. This way, when the couple looks out toward their friends and family, they will see smiling faces rather than phones and cameras. Additionally, the bride and groom will have full control over what moments of the ceremony are shared online with the content provided by the photographer and videographer.

PHOTO & VIDEO QUALITY

The photographer and videographer have got it covered! They are pros and won’t miss a moment! There is absolutely no need for photos and videos taken by guests during the ceremony. The content that would be captured by guests is undoubtedly lower quality, and may never get back to the couple. However, guests taking photos can impact the quality of content from the vendors. Unplugged ceremonies will ensure a beautiful outcome for the professional photos and video. The results will be unobstructed by guests raising their devices up, standing in the aisle, or getting in the way of the vendors. There is only one shot to get these pictures and the unplugged ceremony will help guarantee the highest quality results.

GUEST INSTRUCTION

Now that you’re sold on an unplugged ceremony, there are several ways to ensure guest cooperation. The key is to repeat, repeat, REPEAT! Snapping a photo on a phone is second nature, so make sure to remind people more than once. The first way is to include “unplugged ceremony” on the invitation and, if using ceremony programs, include the phrase again there. However, this is not enough on its own. Near the ceremony space or at the welcome table, include a sign to inform guests and clarify expectations. If you know your guests won’t be able to resist, set out a basket to collect all devices to return after the ceremony. The final line of defense is to have the officiant make an announcement just before the processional begins, but after all the guests are seated. Don’t forget to reassure the guests that the professional ceremony photos will be shared and that there will be many more photo opportunities later on.

Having an unplugged ceremony is completely optional, but we highly recommend considering its benefits. The guests will be engaged, the ceremony will be more intimate, and the photos and video will be of the highest quality. Make sure to remind guests a few times to ensure their compliance and encourage taking photos during the reception. If you have any questions leave a comment below or click here to schedule a consultation with our team of industry experts. We can’t wait to meet you!