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Updated Oct 14, 2024Why an Unplugged Ceremony Might be the Right Move for Your Wedding
Because unplugging = being more present during the wedding day.
Photo: Ricky Rodriguez Photography,Photo: Madi Taylor Photography
These days, it feels like so many people are living their moments through a screen rather than living them in real-time, so it's no wonder nearlyweds are opting for an unplugged ceremony. There's nothing wrong with wanting to capture memories for yourself, but at weddings especially, professional photographers and videographers are there to ensure no part of the day goes undocumented. And some guests also struggle with the wedding etiquette of not checking their phones during a ceremony.
We spoke with wedding experts Jyl Deering of Deering Events, based in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, and Russ and Morgan Powell of Powell Weddings and Events in Salt Lake City, Utah, who answered, "What is an unplugged ceremony?" The Powells say, "Unplugged ceremonies have gained in popularity as we have started posting more and more of our day-to-day lives and experiences to social media. Many couples ask for their guests to put their phones (and iPads) down and enjoy the day alongside them instead of documenting everything."
We also touch on ways to ensure your guests get the memo, like using handy options from The Knot Invitations to customize the day-of offerings, such as programs and signs, to address an unplugged wedding. So, here's everything you need to know about an unplugged wedding and how to truly enjoy the best day of your life.
In this article: What Is an Unplugged Wedding? | Unplugged Ceremony Wording | Unplugged Ceremony Sign Ideas | How to Enforce an Unplugged Wedding
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What Is an Unplugged Wedding?
What is the no phone rule at a wedding? It's not about disconnecting, actually, but fully connecting with the ones around you during a wedding. Our wedding experts agree it's about living in the moment without a distraction, aka your phone. "Unplugged ceremonies are defined by asking guests to put down the technology and enjoy the events without documenting the event on their electronic devices," the Powells say.
So, why do people do unplugged ceremonies? Jyl Deering says, "Mainly it's so you don't have people in your photos, leaning into the aisle, etc., taking photos or distracting you/the photographers. I feel that for 30 minutes, guests can unplug, listen and experience your wedding."
The Powells add, "Another reason couples are opting for unplugged ceremonies is to avoid photobombing important ceremony moments…[Guests] want to get 'the shot' and post to social media to share with friends and family. Imagine the photos of your special moments with everyone glued to their phones instead of smiling and sharing the emotion of the moment, or worse, the photographer missing your first kiss because there is a camera or iPad in the aisle blocking you."
Unplugged wedding receptions are also gaining popularity with Gen Z, so the newlyweds and their loved ones can embrace the moment without a screen in everyone's view. This trend has led to an increase in quiet weddings, so the couple gets to announce their day on their own time while their professional photos and videos capture the memories. You also don't run the risk of a random guest sharing low-quality photos of your big day, making it a serious plus for all the money you put into professional photography and videography for your wedding. This is especially important if you plan on making your own social media wedding announcement and want to beat your guests to the punch.
Unplugged Ceremony Wording
Announcing an unplugged ceremony is the best way to get the message across to your loved ones to put the devices away. The most important aspect of communicating with wedding guests is little reminders here and there, and it may also help to give them an explanation why you're doing an unplugged wedding. Deering adds, "Again, having unplugged just keeps people focused on the importance of the wedding, and phones are such a distraction!"
When it comes to how to ask for an unplugged ceremony, our wedding experts emphasize being polite but clear in your wording, and ensuring it's visible (like on a welcome sign) or reiterated (like with an officiant announcement). So, how do you politely say "unplugged ceremony"? Here are some examples to spread throughout your signage and more.
Unplugged Ceremony Announcement for Officiant
Incorporating unplugged ceremony wording for officiants into your wedding day is a wonderful way to ensure your point gets across. It's one of the wedding officiant duties to make announcements, anyway, so adding this bit to the beginning of your wedding will help ensure phones are tucked away. Consider adding examples like these to your unplugged ceremony script.
Welcome to the celebration of ___ and ___. We invite you to be fully present, so we request that you refrain from using phones or other devices during today's ceremony. Thank you.
Welcome, friends, family and loved ones, to this joyous union between ____ and _____. The couple has requested that all devices be on silent and you refrain from taking photos or videos during the ceremony, so that everyone can enjoy the moment. Thank you.
Unplugged Wedding Sign Wording
Wording for unplugged ceremony signs can differ, and finding ways to stay on theme and in your personalities is key. You can inject a little humor or make a rhyming poem so that the message gets across politely and in a memorable way.
Welcome to our unplugged ceremony. Kindly switch off all cameras, phones and devices to enjoy this special moment with us.
Pick a seat, not a side. We're all family once the knot is tied. Please turn off your devices, and be our guest. Don't worry, our photographer can handle the rest.
We love our photographer (and you will, too). Please put away your phones until after the ceremony.
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Unplugged Ceremony Wording on Your Website
Not sure how to say "unplugged ceremony" on your wedding website? Telling your friends and family ahead of time can help them prepare, so consider using The Knot Wedding Website, which lets you customize the text on the page and add a note about an unplugged wedding. Here are some ways you can add it to your website.
We can't wait to see you on our wedding day! We will be having an unplugged ceremony, so that everyone is present in the moment, and we kindly ask that you put away all devices.
We're having an unplugged ceremony. What does that mean? We just want our loved ones to be fully present, so we'll have a phone station to drop off your devices before the ceremony. (But don't worry, our photographer will have plenty of shots we'll share with you.)
Unplugged Wedding Wording on Your Invitation
If you really want to plan ahead, adding unplugged wedding wording on invitations (especially if you have a drop-off station) will give your guests tons of notice. The right wedding invitation wording for this should strike a balance between courteous and clear. And if you need wedding invitations that allow customizations, you can filter by price range, style and more on The Knot Invitations.
Note: Our ceremony will be unplugged, so we kindly request no devices until afterward.
Kindly put your phones away during our unplugged ceremony so we can all enjoy this moment together.
Unplugged Wedding Program Wording
Many wedding pros recommend adding language to your unplugged wedding program to specify no devices. Choosing the right wedding program wording and placement will ensure your nearest and dearest see the message clearly. You should also choose wedding programs that are eye-catching and easy to read. The Knot Invitations allows you to customize the day-of offerings, like programs and signs, to address an unplugged wedding.
_____ and _____ kindly request an unplugged ceremony so we can all share this moment in real-time. Please turn your devices off or put them away until after the ceremony.
The best moments are felt, not recorded. Please put all devices away for our unplugged ceremony. With love, _____ and ______.
Unplugged Ceremony Sign Ideas
Pinpointing how to announce an unplugged ceremony can be as easy as finding the right sign. And there are multiple ways you can go about this. "I also have had people have a sign and a basket to put phones in at the entrance of a ceremony," Deering adds. We've put together some trendy and classic unplugged ceremony signs to add to your mood board. Here are some examples of wedding signs you need to let people know to unplug.
"No Phones at Wedding" Sign and Check-In Station
Photo: Lauren Scotti Photography
One great way to ensure your unplugged wedding announcement is seen is by having a phone check-in station where guests leave their devices. This clever tactic keeps everyone's items safe while letting your ceremony be free of pings and obstructed views. "I also have had people really use this when they fear sports are a factor for people checking their phones, college football, especially," Deering says.
Retro Welcome to Our Unplugged Ceremony Sign
Fitting your unplugged sign to the theme is a must, like this adorably vintage floral design. Plus, this colorful sign is sure to grab guests' attention so they get the message for the ceremony.
Crystal Clear Unplugged Ceremony Signs
Placing your unplugged wedding sign right at the ceremony entrance is a smart idea, and this one utilizes some of your aisle decor, too. Have an artist paint a fun design (like these florals) to incorporate some of your bouquet blooms.
Decorative Mirror No Phones Wedding Sign
Use an old decorative mirror for some DIY wedding signs, including one to announce your "no cell phones" wedding. Not only is this breathtaking, but it can be a more cost-effective option when you scour some thrift shops and antique stores.
Chic Acrylic Unplugged Wedding Ceremony Sign
Acrylic signs fit into any venue and theme, and placing your unplugged sign beside a floral arrangement brings a pop of color. Place it right at the welcome table with a sweet message to your loved ones.
Beachy No Cell Phone Wedding Sign
The gold writing on this matte black sign is tres chic, and it perfectly matches the gold lantern decor. A budget-friendly alternative to this design is a chalkboard-style with added greenery that you can decorate yourself.
Funny Unplugged Ceremony Sign With Favors
Adding clever wordplay or a funny little addition, such as these sunglasses, will get the message across without being too severe. Consider injecting some inside jokes or puns into your unplugged welcome sign for a bit of light humor.
How to Enforce an Unplugged Wedding
Leveraging multiple announcements throughout your wedding, such as signs, your program, an officiant's announcement and a phone drop-off, is the best course of action for couples. Our wedding experts have a few ideas for how to enforce your no phones ceremony. "Having a sign to start, mentioned in the program (if you have one) and then the last reminder, and the most important, is the officiant announcing it before the wedding party walks down the aisle. This puts it in people's minds immediately," Deering says.
The Powells add, "A few fun things we have seen that help a couple achieve an unplugged ceremony: Have the officiant remind guests to put their phones away and be present. After getting to the front of the aisle, turn towards your guests and have the officiant invite everyone to get 'the photo' and then put their phones away." This way, your loved ones get a chance to snag a one-of-a-kind picture while still being present during the rest of the ceremony.
You can also use The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find day-of coordinators and wedding officiants (or even niche vendors like photo attendants for unplugged weddings) to help make sure your "no devices" wedding happens.
