For some people, taking photos during weddings is an absolute must. They want their guests to document every memorable moment, and post it on social media ASAP. Then there are others who want the focus to be solely on the special union and celebration that is their big day. If you’re one of those couples who are thinking of an unplugged wedding, then this is for you. We’re dishing out some ways you can tell your guests not to whip out their phones at your wedding.
Letting your guests know ahead of time is always best. You can insert a small card or note when you give out your invitations, add it to your wedding website, or even print it out on your missalette! Looking for words to use? Try these:
“The greatest gift you can give us is to be truly present, so we would like to request that during our wedding you turn off all phones and cameras, and enjoy this special moment with us.”
“We invite you to be fully present with us during our wedding, so we would like to request that you turn off all phones and cameras, and share in the joy of our big day. Thank you!”
Another way you can remind your guests of your no phones rule is to have your lector or member of your entourage announce it over the sound system before the ceremony. You can let them say something like:
“The bride and groom kindly request an unplugged wedding. Please turn off all devices and enjoy being fully present in this moment with us.”
“The bride and groom request the joyful sight of your smiles, without the distraction of electronic devices. So please switch off your devices and stow them away, because we’d love to see your smiles aiming our way.”
Here’s another fun way to let your guests know that phones are a no no! Let your flower girl or ring bearer walk down the aisle with a sign that’ll catch your guests’ attention. It doesn’t have to be a strict reminder, something fun and light will do the trick! Here are some examples:
“I know I’m cute, but Tito/Tita said no phones.”
“No phones please! Don’t worry, the photographer will send you cute photos of me.”
Here’s your chance to make use of a beautiful wedding signage! Place it at the entrance of your wedding reception to make sure everyone who passes by can see it. The great thing about signs is you can be direct to the point.
“Welcome to our unplugged wedding. We invite you to be fully present with us during this special moment. Please turn off all cell phones, cameras, and any other device, and enjoy this special moment with us. Thank you!”
“On our wedding day, the most special day of our lives, we want all of your attention as we become man and wife. Please shut off your camera and power down your phone, because this whole flowered sanctuary is a no-battery zone. We appreciate your help on this, our happy day. Now help us make some memories the old-fashioned way.”
If a big signage at the entrance isn’t enough, make miniature versions and use them as table centerpieces. You can even design them according to your theme and color palette. Here are some pegs for the wording you can use:
“As a courtesy, please turn off all cameras and phones for the duration of the wedding. Resist temptation. Be in the moment. Stay strong.”
“Thank you for coming. We have but one plea. Please keep our wedding camera-free.”
Just a gentle reminder before your entrance at the reception or before your first dance, is one way to make sure your unplugged rule is enforced. You can have your host or DJ say something like this:
“Good evening! It is my pleasure to welcome you to the wedding of Groom’s Name and Bride’s Name. Please take a moment to put your cameras away. The couple have requested that no photos be taken during the wedding, so please take a moment to put your cameras and/or phones away. Thank you so much for understanding.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, please put down your cell phones and join the bride and groom for their first dance. Let’s leave the picture-taking to the professionals!”
If you’re super set on having an unplugged wedding, assign a member of your entourage to be on the lookout for people using their cameras and phones. Your “guards” don’t need to send them out of the room, just try something like this:
“Hi, the bride and groom have asked me to respectfully suggest guests to put down their gadgets, and just enjoy the day. Can I please ask you to put your phone/camera away?”
“Hi, Groom’s Name and Bride’s Name have asked me to respectfully request that all guests be fully in the moment by turning off their cell phones and cameras. Can I ask you to kindly put them away?”