Your ceremony deserves everyone’s full attention—not the back of their smartphones. Here’s how to kindly but firmly ask your guests to put their devices away during your big moment.
1. Create Beautiful Signage That Sets the Tone
Wedding signs have evolved far beyond pointing guests toward the bathroom. A well-designed sign at your ceremony entrance can communicate your phone-free wishes while maintaining the elegant atmosphere you’ve worked so hard to create.
Consider wooden easels with calligraphy that reads “Welcome to our unplugged ceremony. Please silence your devices and be fully present as we say ‘I do.'” The key is making it feel like an invitation to something special rather than a scolding.
Position these signs strategically where guests naturally pause—at the entrance to your ceremony space or along the aisle approach. Multiple smaller signs often work better than one large one, especially for outdoor venues where sight lines vary.
2. Have Your Officiant Make a Warm Announcement
Nothing beats a personal touch from the person leading your ceremony. A brief, heartfelt request from your officiant carries more weight than any sign ever could.
The timing matters enormously here. Have your officiant address the phone policy right after welcoming everyone but before the processional begins. This gives guests a moment to actually turn off their devices rather than scrambling during your entrance.
“Before we begin this beautiful celebration, [Bride] and [Groom] have asked that we all be fully present together.
Please take a moment now to silence your phones and put them away. They’ve hired a wonderful photographer to capture every moment, so just relax and enjoy.”
The magic happens when your officiant explains the “why” behind the request. Guests respond better when they understand you want their undivided attention, not when they feel like you’re being controlling.
3. Enlist Your Wedding Party as Gentle Enforcers
Your bridesmaids and groomsmen aren’t just there to look pretty and hold flowers. They can be your secret weapon for ensuring guests actually follow through on the phone-free ceremony.
Brief your wedding party during the rehearsal about your expectations. They should arrive early on wedding day and casually mention the unplugged ceremony to guests as they mingle before the processional begins.
The conversation doesn’t need to be awkward or confrontational. A simple “Just so you know, they’re doing an unplugged ceremony today—isn’t that sweet?” plants the seed and gives guests advance notice.
Your wedding party can also model the behavior you want to see. When your own bridesmaids and groomsmen keep their phones tucked away, guests naturally follow suit.
4. Include the Request in Your Wedding Program
Programs offer the perfect opportunity to explain your reasoning in your own words. This personal touch helps guests understand that your request comes from love, not bridezilla tendencies.
A simple note at the bottom of your program works beautifully: “We’ve chosen to have an unplugged ceremony so we can share this moment with all of you. Please keep your phones and cameras put away—our photographer will capture everything perfectly.”
Some couples go further and explain their philosophy about being present for meaningful moments. This deeper explanation resonates with guests who might otherwise feel tempted to snap photos for social media.
The program also serves as a physical reminder that guests hold throughout the ceremony. Even if they missed the officiant’s announcement, they’ll see your note when they flip through the program.
5. Address It in Your Pre-Wedding Communications
Don’t wait until ceremony day to spring this on your guests. A gentle heads-up in your wedding website or pre-ceremony communications prevents any surprises or pushback.
Your wedding website’s FAQ section is perfect for this information. Frame it positively: “We’re so excited to share our special day with you! We’ve chosen to have an unplugged ceremony so we can be fully present with each other and with all of you.”
Consider including this information in any pre-wedding events too. Rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, or even save-the-dates can mention your preference for an unplugged ceremony.
The goal is making this feel like a natural part of your wedding vision rather than an afterthought or restriction. When guests arrive already knowing your preference, compliance becomes much easier.
Creating Your Phone-Free Wedding Strategy
| Method | Timing | Effectiveness | Guest Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Signs | Pre-ceremony | High | Generally positive |
| Officiant Announcement | During ceremony | Very high | Respectful compliance |
| Wedding Party Reminders | Pre-ceremony mingling | Medium | Casual acceptance |
| Program Notes | Throughout ceremony | Medium | Thoughtful understanding |
| Pre-wedding Communications | Weeks before | High | Prepared cooperation |
The most successful couples combine multiple methods rather than relying on just one. Layering your communication ensures the message reaches everyone, regardless of how they best receive information.
Different guests respond to different types of reminders. Your tech-savvy millennial cousins might appreciate the wedding website note, while your traditional grandparents might respond better to the officiant’s verbal request.
Handling the Inevitable Pushback
Even with perfect communication, you’ll encounter guests who resist the phone-free concept. Stay calm and remember that most resistance comes from good intentions—they want to capture memories of your special day.
Some guests will argue that they want photos for themselves or to share with family members who couldn’t attend. Acknowledge their sweet intentions while firmly maintaining your boundary.
“I completely understand wanting to capture the moment, and that means so much to us. Our photographer will be sharing photos afterward, and we really want everyone to experience this with us in real time.”
Others might worry about missing important calls or messages during your ceremony. Remind them that most ceremonies last only 20-30 minutes, and true emergencies are incredibly rare.
The Long-Term Benefits of Going Unplugged
Couples who choose phone-free ceremonies consistently report feeling more connected to their guests during the actual exchange of vows. Without screens creating barriers, eye contact and emotional connection flourish naturally.
Your professional photos will also look dramatically better without random phones and tablets popping up in every shot. Nothing ruins a beautiful ceremony photo like Uncle Bob’s iPad blocking half the wedding party.
The ripple effects extend beyond your wedding day too. Guests often thank couples afterward for encouraging them to be fully present for such a meaningful moment.
Making Peace with Your Decision
Trust your instincts about what feels right for your wedding day. If an unplugged ceremony aligns with your values and vision, don’t let anyone talk you out of it.
Some couples worry about seeming controlling or high-maintenance, but requesting full attention during your wedding ceremony is completely reasonable.
You’re not asking guests to give up their phones forever—just for the 20 minutes it takes to get married.
Your wedding day deserves everyone’s complete presence and attention. These gentle reminders help ensure that happens while maintaining the warm, celebratory atmosphere you want for your special day.