You’re exchanging your vows and sneak a quick glance at your wedding guests; staring back at you is a sea of people fixated on their lcd screens. Welcome to the era of the over documented wedding, where, even if you hired someone to take photos, every guest has a camera or an iPhone and is tweeting the entire event. They’re are physically there with you, but are they really present?
We advise couples to consider an unplugged ceremony, not only to encourage your guests to be in the moment with you, but also to avoid the obstacles it can create while documenting your ceremony. Working around guests trying to capture the event for themselves can often create significant challenges for us.
Below is some wording you can use to request your guests respect your wishes for a device free ceremony. You can add this into your invitation or program and also ask the officiant to remind guests shortly before the ceremony begins.
“We want you to be able to really enjoy our wedding day, feeling truly present and in the moment with us. We’ve hired an amazing wedding photographer who will be capturing the way the ceremony looks- and we’re inviting each of you to sit back, relax, and enjoy how the wedding feels. We’re respectfully asking that everyone consider leaving all camera and cell phones off. Of course, we will happily share our wedding photos with you afterward!”