Planning a wedding or an event? If you’re considering an unplugged ceremony, you’re not alone! Unplugged ceremonies have become increasingly popular for couples who want their guests to be fully present in the moment, without distractions from phones, cameras, or social media.
But what exactly does an unplugged ceremony mean, and how do you ask your guests to respect this rule in a way that’s clear, respectful, and still charming?
In this post, I’m going to walk you through 33 original and effective wordings you can use to announce an unplugged ceremony.
Whether you’re writing a sign, sending out an invitation, or crafting a ceremony program, I’ve got you covered.
These phrases are designed to guide your guests toward understanding the importance of staying off their devices, while maintaining a friendly and warm tone.
I’ll also share a few personal insights, common mistakes to avoid, and step-by-step instructions on how to communicate this request effectively. Let’s dive in!
Why Have an Unplugged Ceremony?
Before we dive into the 33 wording ideas, let’s take a moment to reflect on why you might choose an unplugged ceremony in the first place.
An unplugged ceremony is an event where guests are encouraged to put away their phones and cameras to focus on the experience. There are several reasons couples opt for an unplugged wedding or ceremony:
- The Professional Photographer’s Experience: Unplugged ceremonies allow your professional photographer to capture stunning, uninterrupted photos. When guests are constantly taking their own pictures or videos, it can interfere with the photographer’s ability to get the best shots.
- Authentic Experience for Guests: This type of ceremony encourages guests to be present in the moment, rather than distracted by capturing photos. They can truly enjoy the ceremony, connect with their emotions, and celebrate your union.
- Creating Timeless Memories: Instead of hundreds of cell phone pictures circulating on social media, you’ll have timeless, professionally captured memories. Your guests’ attention will be fully on you, your partner, and the experience.
- Avoiding Awkward Photos: Guests walking in front of the photographer, snapping awkward photos, or blocking your view can lead to moments you might not want to remember. With an unplugged ceremony, everyone knows their role is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the event.
33 Wording Samples You Can Use To Announce Your Unplugged Ceremony
1. Simple Request with a Light Tone
“Please take a moment to be fully present in this special moment. We invite you to turn off all phones and cameras during the ceremony, so we can all enjoy the beauty of the day together.”
2. A Warm Welcome to Guests
“Welcome to our unplugged ceremony! We kindly ask that you put away all devices so that we can all be fully present and savor every precious moment.”
3. Emphasizing Presence Over Perfection
“Our wedding isn’t about perfection, but about being here with us. Please enjoy the ceremony without any distractions by turning off your phones and cameras.”
4. Gentle Reminder
“Out of respect for the intimacy of this moment, we request that all guests keep their phones and cameras off during the ceremony. Thank you for understanding!”
5. Humorous Approach
“We promise we won’t mind if you don’t capture every moment – we’d much rather see your smiling face! Please keep your devices off and enjoy the ceremony.”
6. Elegant and Classy
“Today, we ask for your presence, not your phones. Please join us in making this moment timeless by being present and putting away all devices.”
7. Thank You in Advance
“Thank you for helping us create beautiful memories by keeping your phones and cameras put away during the ceremony. We’re so grateful for your attention!”
8. A Personal Request
“As we begin this new chapter, we ask that you put away your devices and allow us all to be fully present in this special moment. Thank you for sharing it with us.”
9. With Gratitude and Respect
“Your presence here today means the world to us. To help us preserve these memories in the most meaningful way, we kindly ask that you turn off your phones and cameras during the ceremony.”
10. Light and Fun
“Please stay unplugged during the ceremony – we want your full attention, not your phone’s attention!”
11. Call for Participation
“Join us in enjoying a moment free of distractions. Please turn off your phones and cameras, and let’s celebrate this beautiful moment together.”
12. Family-Oriented Request
“To ensure everyone can fully enjoy our ceremony, we ask that all devices remain off. This is a special time for our families to be present with us, not behind screens.”
13. Capture the Moment Through Memory, Not Lenses
“We ask that you keep your phones away and let us capture these moments through the eyes of our photographer, so we can all relive them together later.”
14. A Sweet Way to Ask
“Let’s make this moment special by keeping phones and cameras away. We’ll cherish these memories with you, captured through the eyes of our photographer.”
15. Cherishing the Moment
“Please help us create a beautiful memory by keeping your devices off during the ceremony. We appreciate your understanding and support.”
16. Simplicity in the Request
“A moment like this deserves our full attention. Please put your phones and cameras away so we can all enjoy the ceremony together.”
17. Focusing on the Experience
“Let’s savor this moment together, without distractions. Please turn off your devices and be present in the ceremony.”
18. Playful but Polite
“Please turn off your phones and cameras so you don’t miss a single second of this unforgettable day!”
19. Straightforward and Clear
“Out of respect for the sanctity of this moment, we ask that all phones and cameras be turned off during the ceremony.”
20. A Touch of Humor
“Feel free to take as many pictures as you like later – but for now, let’s leave the cameras down and the phones off. Thank you!”
21. Appreciative Approach
“To ensure everyone can enjoy this beautiful ceremony without distractions, we kindly ask that phones and cameras be turned off.”
22. Traditional and Timeless
“We request that all devices be turned off during our ceremony to ensure a moment of complete focus and joy.”
23. Minimalist Request
“Please unplug and enjoy the ceremony. No phones or cameras, just your presence and your love.”
24. Sharing the Experience
“Let’s make this day about love, not screens. We invite you to turn off your phones and cameras, so we can enjoy the ceremony together.”
25. A Personal Touch
“As we start this new chapter, we ask you to join us in being fully present. Please turn off your phones and cameras so we can share this moment with you.”
26. A Reminder with Gratitude
“Please help us by keeping phones and cameras off during the ceremony. We are so grateful for your attention and presence!”
27. Romantic and Emotional
“Let’s experience this special moment with all our hearts, without distractions. Please turn off your devices and allow us to share this moment with you.”
28. Family-Oriented with Heart
“As we exchange vows, let’s be present with one another. Please keep your devices away, and share this moment with us.”
29. Sweet and Simple
“Please turn off your devices during the ceremony and be fully present in this special moment with us.”
30. Heartfelt Request
“We’re so excited to share this day with you! To keep it as intimate and special as possible, please put away your phones and cameras.”
31. For the Photo-Op Moment
“Allow our professional photographer to capture every special moment by turning off your phones and cameras during the ceremony.”
32. Focusing on the Ceremony
“Let’s keep our ceremony free of distractions – please turn off all phones and cameras so we can enjoy the moment together.”
33. Celebration in Presence
“Join us in making this ceremony a moment to remember. Please put away your phones and cameras and be present with us.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While it’s important to create a polite and clear request for your unplugged ceremony, there are a few common mistakes couples often make that can lead to confusion or frustration among guests.
1. Being Too Abrupt
Avoid wording that feels too harsh or commanding. Remember, your guests are there to support you, so make sure your tone is warm and respectful.
2. Not Providing Clear Instructions
Make sure your request is straightforward. If you just say “unplugged ceremony,” some guests might not understand whether you mean no pictures, no social media, or no phones at all.
3. Overlooking the Photographer’s Role
It’s essential to remind guests that the photographer is there to capture the moment. This will help them feel more comfortable putting away their devices.
4. Lack of Signage
While some guests may understand the unplugged ceremony request from invitations or programs, it’s always a good idea to place a few signs around the venue. This helps avoid any confusion when guests are arriving or settling down.
Conclusion: Make Your Day Unforgettable
An unplugged ceremony can be one of the most meaningful decisions you make for your wedding day.
By allowing everyone to focus solely on the celebration, you create a more intimate, memorable experience.
Whether you choose a humorous, respectful, or romantic wording for your request, remember the key is to keep it clear and positive.
If you found these ideas helpful, don’t hesitate to leave a comment, share your thoughts, or try incorporating one of these wording ideas into your own unplugged ceremony request!
FAQs
Q1: Should I include an unplugged ceremony request on the wedding invitation?
Yes! Including it on the invitation or website ensures guests know what to expect before the event.
Q2: What should I do if a guest tries to take pictures during the ceremony?
A polite reminder from the officiant can help. Let them know the request again in a way that doesn’t interrupt the flow of the ceremony.
Q3: How can I make sure all my guests understand the unplugged request?
In addition to placing signs at the venue, consider having a reminder in your ceremony program and informing the officiant to mention it as well.
