Put Away The Phones! How to Politely (But Firmly) Request An Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

I believe wedding ceremonies are better when guests are asked to put their phones and cameras away. It can be a hard request to make – after all, your guests want to take pictures because they care about you. However, I think what you get out of making that request is absolutely, 100% worth it.

2 reasons:

1.  Your guests will be present at the ceremony.  One thing that makes an emotional, touching ceremony are the loved ones watching. It’s when the group is fully there. If guests are taking pictures, they aren’t looking at you, but instead their phone or camera.

2.  Being a photographer, I know I’m biased, but it looks better in pictures when there aren’t a bunch of cameras held up in the air.  Sometimes I’ll be taking pictures of a bride walking down the aisle and it is a beautiful moment and then surrounding her are . . . a bunch of arms sticking into the aisle holding chunky electronic things. Haha. It is not the end of the world but simply, not romantic.

If this is something you want to request of your guests, a good way to do it is to have the officiant make an announcement right before the ceremony starts.

I usually hear them say something like, “The bride & groom have requested that all guests put their cameras away because they would like everyone to be as present as possible for the ceremony. They promise there will be professional pictures that will be shared with everyone.

Something to consider if you are planning a wedding.  🙂

This Post Has 7 Comments

  1. joan petelin

    could I have just today to order photos. I promise to do it. Tony’s mom – Tony and Chandra’s wedding 9/10/11. Thank you

  2. Carina

    That’s a great advice! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

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