As a seasoned NYC officiant, I've had the pleasure of uniting couples in matrimony in both unplugged ceremonies and traditional ones.
I've witnessed the intimate connection of unplugged ceremonies, where a sea of smiling faces replaces the glow of screens during the couple's special moment. By going unplugged, couples can encourage their guests to be truly present during the wedding, which helps create lasting memories for all in attendance.
In this article, we will explore the importance of unplugged ceremonies, provide 10 wording options for officiants to help create a genuine, heartfelt experience for everyone involved, and offer tips on how to successfully execute an unplugged ceremony.
In today's constantly connected world, it's no surprise that weddings are often filled with guests eager to capture every moment using their smartphones and cameras.
Unfortunately, this can often result in obstructed views, screens glowing in the background, and a lack of connection between guests and the couple.
Unplugged ceremonies offer couples an opportunity to encourage their guests to be fully present and engaged during their wedding, creating lasting memories for all in attendance. Couples report feeling more connected to their guests when they go unplugged, and guests often appreciate the opportunity to be truly present during the ceremony.
To help your guests understand your desire for an unplugged ceremony, make sure to communicate your wishes early on.
Consider sharing your decision on wedding invitations, your wedding website, and planning apps.
Additionally, you can use stylish signs and physical reminders at the venue to gently remind guests to put away their devices during the ceremony.
With personalized ceremonies becoming more commonplace, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to communicating your unplugged wishes to your guests.
To help you find the perfect wording for your ceremony, we’ve compiled a list of five distinct styles, along with two examples for each:
- "Dear friends and family, we gather here today in the presence of love as we unite [Name 1] and [Name 2] in the sacred bond of marriage. We kindly request you to switch off your electronic devices and fully submerge yourselves in this beautiful and special occasion."
- "Ladies and gentlemen, we kindly ask that all electronic devices be turned off during this sacred ceremony in order to honor the couple's wishes."
- "Please take this moment to silence and put away all phones, cameras, and electronic devices as we prepare to witness the joining of these two hearts in marriage."
- "Welcome, everyone! Love fills the air as we join [Name 1] and [Name 2] hand-in-hand on their journey towards everlasting happiness. In this celebration of unity, let's turn our hearts towards the couple and tune out technology. Please power down any gadgets so that you can be completely present."
- "Hey everyone, we want you to be fully present with us during this special moment, so please put away your phones and cameras and enjoy the love that surrounds us."
- "Just a quick reminder, folks: let's keep the focus on the couple and their love during the ceremony by leaving our gadgets tucked away."
- "Attention, esteemed guests! Today we're prepping for takeoff on Flight 'Forever Love', with [Name 1] and [Name 2] as our captains. For everyone's safety—and sanity—please secure all electronic devices in airplane mode promptly!"
- "Unplugged ceremony alert! We're going old school today, so please leave the selfies, tweets, and photo-sharing for the celebration after the ceremony."
- "Smartphones and cameras, beware, for today, we go where no device has dared to go before: an unplugged ceremony. So hold onto your hats, and let's stay present in this beautiful moment."
- "Let us leave behind the distractions of technology and embrace the beauty of this moment, hand in hand, heart to heart."
- "In the hushed whispers of the wind, we gather today to witness a love story; please place your devices aside and be a part of this timeless tale."
- "As we embark on this romantic tale of two souls intertwining in a dance of love, let your hearts beat in harmony without the interruptions of beeps or buzzes. Set adrift your smartphones and cameras in a sea of silence, as we marvel at the beauty of [Name 1] and [Name 2]'s union."
- "In this sacred space, we invite you to disconnect from the outside world and connect with the love that surrounds us, undisturbed by technology."
- "As we enter this sanctuary of love, let us set aside our digital distractions and open our hearts to the bond being formed before us."
During the ceremony, it's crucial for the officiant to help maintain the unplugged atmosphere. If a guest starts to use a device, the officiant should gently remind them of the couple's wishes.
This can be done by making eye contact, offering a polite smile, and giving a quick, discreet reminder to put away the device.
Even with well-intended guidelines, some guests may still struggle with the concept of an unplugged ceremony. Here are a few tips for officiants to handle these situations gracefully:
- Gently remind guests of the couple's wish for an unplugged ceremony as you notice someone using a device.
- Offer alternative options, such as designated photo times with professional photographers after the ceremony or provide a specific hashtag for social media sharing during the reception.
A completely unplugged ceremony might not be the right fit for everyone. Some couples may want to allow guests to use their devices during certain moments, such as the reception or designated photo opportunities. In these instances, communicate with your officiant or planner to designate specific times when device use is allowed, and when it is not. This will help create a more balanced experience for your guests, while still preserving the intimate atmosphere of your wedding.
Whether you opt for a fully unplugged ceremony or designate certain moments for device use, the goal is to create an intimate, present atmosphere that fosters connection between the couple and their loved ones. By communicating your desires clearly and providing gentle reminders, you can ensure that your special day will be filled with the genuine love and meaningful memories that you deserve.
