Unplugged ceremony and/or reception?

I had an unplugged ceremony. But, people still had out their cellphones, taking pictures. One friend's GF had a semi-pro camera out taking pictures also. Did I notice this while we were getting married? Nope. Did anyone complain? Not that I know of. Am I grateful that some people did snap a few cellphone pics? Absolutely. They were my first peek at any kind of photos from the ceremony.

@Celia, thank you! I couldn't agree more! Our ceremony will be outside and non-religious, but that shouldn't mean the etiquette would be any different than a church. Most of the reception I don't really care what people do, but what about the entrances and 1st dance? Even then? I definitelt don't want ipads or phones in the photos I pay the professional to take during the ceremony!

Thanks for the ideas! A respectful sign and a short reminder by the officiant should do the trick.

I got this made for my ceremony and I am going to have my officiant announce it.

Sorry not sorry, but I think taking pictures during the ceremony of another person is really tacky and rude anyway, but I'm big on cell phone etiquette anyway (no phones at the table, no being on the phone with other people around). My aunt whipped out her ipad at her sons wedding, and I promise she couldn't hear anything that was being said because she fussed with the darn thing the whole time.

People need to keep in mind that we've paid professionals many monies to take pictures of this thing that we're only expecting to do once. Your blurry 5 second iphone video is not needed.

We are having an unplugged ceremony. It will most likely be different at the reception but for the ceremony, absolutely keep your devices put away. We will be putting it on a detail card when invites go out, a sign and announcements from the officiant and DJ.

We thought about it but ultimately decided to not do an unplugged ceremony. Like pp has said, my guests might get a shot that the photographer missed. As long as they don't get in the way of the photographer, I don't mind. I've considered putting a sign up requesting guests be considerate of the photographer and not to use the flashes on their cameras or get in their way.

Unplugged Claremont is the way to go, but at the reception you would miss out on so many awesome pictures and videos

We will have the pretty sign at the entrance of our ceremony and our officiant will make a brief announcement before the party enters.

Yep I'm doing it!

The photographer I really want actually offers a discount for an unplugged ceremony (and first dance). I already wanted an unplugged ceremony, but knowing this extra perk sure doesn't hurt.

I'm definitely doing an unplugged ceremony. My FH thinks it's ridiculous but Idc. I've been to weddings where ppl have leaned over into the aisle to attempt to take pics of the bride. I've taken pics as well during ceremonies BUT I have never gotten out of my seat nor did I block someone else's line of sight. So yea I'm doing unplugged because I'm paying too much for photography to have phones & tablets in it. Plus I really don't want ppl sharing my ceremony on social media before I do. Now reception is free game, just don't get in my photographerso way!!

It feels controlling to me and in reality you can't control what adults do with their property or devices. I honestly don't think you're going to notice who's on a phone or not when you're walking down the aisle to your husband.

But that's just me.

Honestly, I can't stand when brides ask for unplugged ceremonies for the reason you're giving. To prevent intrusions with the professional photographer? Yes. You're paying a ton for photography and you want your photos to be free of people in the aisles. But to ban personal electronics in order to prevent guests from doing or thinking anything except keeping all eyes on you sounds narcissistic to me. Yes, people should go to weddings to watch the ceremony, but adults should also be expected to adult and if they want to check their phone to see if their sitter called (meaning they're not "fully present"), that shouldn't get you riled up.

If you want to go unplugged, do it for the reasons related to your photography, not because you want to control the actions and thoughts of others to keep the attention on you.

ETA: I'm with @MAMW all the way! You can't control how adults adult. They may show up to a wedding with other things on their mind. As long as their thoughts don't interfere with your ceremony, it should be the least of your worries. And as for an unplugged reception? That's just insanely rude.

We had one and I don't regret it. Our photographer did her job and got great shots of everything. Our reception was totally different; I wanted my guests taking pictures!

Im having one only for the ceremony so I don't have people's phones in my super expensive photos! The reception? Have at it people!

It's frustrating to me everywhere you go of every second of the day people are face planted in a phone. People can't cross streets without having a phone, sitting in a restaurant with other people, phone in face. I want it unplugged because I don't want pictures plastered all over social media. People should get off their phones for one day and enjoy the company of 150 other human beings. How we survived without electronic devices in the past, is amazing.

If a person can't spare 20 minutes to be fully at another's wedding, then they should stay home. It's not narcissistic; that is just common sense. The ceremony IS all about the couple, not about your 'fabulous' cell phone shot, your need to check your email or even your need to be late because you can't get your shit together for someone's day.

I hate unplugged ceremonies. It's kind of like telling people how to dress. Adults know what to do and it's kind of like you're babysitting them. If you're concerned about photos you can kindly have your JP make an announcement saying please stay out of the aisle. Definitely do not have an unplugged reception. That is beyond rude and people want to take pictures. Let adults be adults.

We are planning on doing it for the ceremony!