Is it time to pull the plug on ‘unplugged’ ceremonies?

Wedding season is in full swing, and more specifically for 2023 wedees-to-be, wedding planning is likely to be in full swing.

And you might be considering an unplugged ceremony.

Typically unplugged weddings and ceremonies are requested by the bride and groom, to be phone-free and camera-free – other than the professional photographer of course. Particularly since the rise of ‘instant’ social media forms like Instagram Stories, SnapChat and BeReal etc., unplugged ceremonies have become increasingly popular.

There are of course, several variations on the unplugged ceremony: the outright banning of mobile phones from the ceremony altogether, the request to not photograph or film during the ceremony, the request not to share videos or images of the wedding until the bride and/or groom has posted to social media.

But with every choice, there are pros and cons. We chatted to our pals who opted for an unplugged ceremony in 2022.

Pros of an unplugged ceremony

• No phones in your face as you walk down the aisle.
  • Also easier for your professional (and very expensive) photographers and videographers to get the shot.
• It means that your guests are focussed on the ceremony and the love in the room.
• Probably most importantly, there will be no arms with iPhones attached in your professional wedding photos.
• If there are no phones there is no ‘leaking’ of your wedding dress and wedding aesthetic before you share it yourself – as superficial as this is, we all know that this is something brides are precious about.
• By requesting all phones be left outside the ceremony, there is no chance of having that awkward (and loud) ring tone go off during the ceremony.

Cons of an unplugged ceremony

According to our friends who have had unplugged ceremonies – some of whom regret having a strictly unplugged ceremony – these are the top five cons of having (or rather requesting) an unplugged ceremony.

• Guests don’t always abide by the rules, and one of our friends said that this made her quite anxious and irritated when she saw people with their phones out during her unplugged ceremony.
• You might miss out on some candid shots of iconic moments like walking down the aisle as a couple or first kiss for example.
  • Being unhappy with the professional photography shots and having no alternatives – this was a big one for our friends, three mentioned this as a major regret of an unplugged ceremony.
  • At the end of the day, you’ll likely want any and all shots of your wedding once the Big Day is over.
• Not having any images or videos to share with unwell relatives or family members and friends unable to attend.
• You won’t be able to view yourself and your wedding from your guest’s perspective.

Will you choose an unplugged wedding?

Lead Image via Pinterest