Ahhh – the golden age of technology where our cell phones have basically become an extra body part. Don’t get me wrong, I love my cell phone. It’s how I do business on the go, and it definitely has a time and a place.
But, I promise ya – your wedding ceremony is not the time or the place for cell phones.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to practically elbow wrestle your great uncle twice removed who wants to stand directly in front of me with his gigantic iPad. Or, how many times your elementary school neighbor has stepped into the isle to photograph your first kiss on her iPhone 5. Then she posts her grainy blurry photo on Facebook, tagging you in it, announcing your marriage before you’ve had the opportunity to do it yourself.
Cringe worthy – right?! I know.
Every time something like this happens, I cry inside.
This is why I suggest always announcing you will be having an unplugged ceremony. Some of your more persistent guests will still bust out their cell phones – sigh – but making that announcement really does cut down on the amount of people whipping out devices to “capture” your wedding.
When you look back at your wedding day images, you want to remember what it felt like to be in that moment. The look on your new spouses face. The way the warm sun felt on your skin as you walked down the isle. The way your dad hugged you tight before he gave you away.
All of those little fleeting moments are captured so beautifully through professional photography and videography, and having all of your guests holding up cell phones in your photos is really just well, distracting.
It’s also a bit disheartening to look back on your photographs and see the majority of your guests watching your ceremony behind their cell phone screen as they try to take photos instead of really being present in the moment.
Here are my suggestions on how to tactfully let your guests know that you have chosen to have an unplugged ceremony:
An adorable sign at the front of your ceremony is a great way to alert guests that your desire is for them to be fully present in the moment with you as you enter into marriage.
Another way is to have your officiant make an announcement at the alter after your guests are seated prior to the start of your ceremony. They can politely ask that you guests please turn off cell phones and cameras to fully enjoy this moment with you.
I promise, going unplugged is worth it!
