The Pros and Cons of Having an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

A guest snaps a quick photo of the couple during the ceremony — a beautiful moment, but one that raises the question: should weddings be unplugged? Photo Credit JJMT Photography

In the age of smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity, the concept of an unplugged wedding ceremony is gaining popularity. Couples are deciding to ask guests to leave their phones, cameras, and other electronic devices behind during the ceremony.

But is it a good idea? Let's explore the pros and cons of having an unplugged wedding ceremony to help you decide if it’s right for your big day.

The Pros of an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

1. Uninterrupted Moments One of the biggest advantages of an unplugged wedding ceremony is the ability to experience and savour the moment fully. Weddings are deeply emotional events, and having everyone’s attention focused on you, the couple, rather than through a camera lens or smartphone screen, ensures that the intimacy and significance of the ceremony aren’t lost. You get to share your vows without the distraction of tech.

2. More Guest Engagement When guests are present without distractions, they tend to be more emotionally engaged in the ceremony. Instead of trying to snap that perfect Instagram shot, they can be fully immersed in the vows, the music, and the moments unfolding in front of them. This allows for a more authentic, meaningful experience for both the couple and their loved ones.

3. Better Professional Photos If you guests have their phones out, the chances of someone accidentally blocking a professional photographer’s shot are higher. Photographers often have to deal with a sea of phones that are pointed at the bride as she goes up the aisle.  By keeping phones away, you give your hired photographer the chance to capture the perfect moments without interference, ensuring the memories are beautifully documented.

4. Promotes Privacy and Control Weddings often feel like public events, especially with the rise of social media. Asking guests to keep their phones away gives you more control over when and how your wedding moments are shared online. You can reserve the right to post pictures at your discretion, keeping special moments private until you're ready to share them with the world.

The Cons of an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

1. Guest Resistance The idea of an unplugged wedding can be met with resistance. For many people, taking photos or videos is a natural part of attending an event. Some guests may feel frustrated or upset at being asked not to take pictures, especially if they are used to sharing experiences on social media.

2. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Some guests may feel left out of the experience if they’re not allowed to document the ceremony. They may want to take photos for themselves or for family members who couldn't attend. By limiting their ability to do so, you could unintentionally create feelings of exclusion. You could, perhaps designate one person who will take those types of shots, or even use FaceTime to live stream your ceremony for those who want to join remotely.

   
   

3. The “No Photos” Rule May Be Hard to Enforce Even if your celebrant  ask guests to avoid using their phones, there’s always the chance someone will sneak a picture anyway. This may lead to awkward situations or moments of tension if someone does not follow the request.

   
   

4. Harder to Share Experiences in Real-Time If you’re a couple who loves the idea of sharing your wedding moments with friends and family in real-time via social media or messaging, an unplugged ceremony can make it harder to do so. People often love to post live updates or sneak-peek pictures of the ceremony, especially if there are guests who cannot attend.

So, Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?

Ultimately, the decision to have an unplugged wedding ceremony comes down to your personal preferences and values. If you prioritise emotional connection, intimate moments, and a more private wedding experience, an unplugged ceremony could be a great choice.

On the other hand, if your guests enjoy sharing memories and you want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to document their experience, you might want to reconsider—or at least allow photos after the ceremony.

You can also find a middle ground by allowing guests to take photos once you have joined each other in the ceremony space and then request that they put them away for the duration of the ceremony. Some couples ask me to encourage guests to take selfies when they are seated and waiting for the ceremony to start and then to put their phones away for the duration of the ceremony. This can help you achieve a balance between capturing memories and ensuring your special moments are uninterrupted.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that your wedding day reflects your vision, your personality and creates memories that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.

For more advice and support with creating your personalised wedding ceremony, I'd love to hear from you!

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