At Hodsock Priory, we have hosted all kinds of wedding days. From chic, intimate celebrations to huge weekend-long parties, our luxurious, exclusive-use wedding venue in Nottinghamshire has seen it all. We’ve seen wedding trends come and go, but one thing growing in popularity is the ‘unplugged wedding’. Perhaps you’ve heard of the term and are fully onboard with the idea of an unplugged ceremony or wedding day? Maybe you’re left scratching your head wondering what on earth we are on about. Here’s everything you need to know about having your own unplugged wedding.

What is an unplugged wedding?

An unplugged wedding is essentially where couples ask guests to not to use their phones, post pictures on social media or take their own photos. Instead of watching the day through a phone screen as they try and film the vows or first dance, guests are encouraged to be in the moment, live it in real time and truly enjoy the wedding day. Hodsock Priory has seen a real move towards screen-free celebrations over the past few years.

Does it have to be all day?

Weddings are so personal, so it’s completely up to the you as a couple to decide what you prefer. Some couples opt for an unplugged ceremony, some choose to go unplugged for the whole day. One way of working the unplugged ethos into your wedding day is to ban phones during the ceremony, leaving it to the professionals to capture the photos of this special moment, then let guests snap away during the reception. It’s a ‘best of both worlds’ approach. 

What are the pros of an unplugged wedding?

• We have all seen those wedding photos where there is a sea of iPhones pointing at the newlyweds. Maybe you love the realness and candid nature, or perhaps you find them distracting. Many guests love the chance to take photos of you throughout the day. However, camera phones can be a little intrusive on your professional wedding photos. An unplugged wedding means your chosen wedding photographer can do their job without having to navigate your guests’ phones.

• Ever had to hastily ‘untag’ a photo of yourself on Facebook or Instagram? We’ve all been there! Social media is so woven into our lives that your guests may think nothing of posting photos of you and your wedding. It‘s unlikely you’ll have your mobile phone handy to vet all of these posts, so if you’re not keen on guests sharing photos online which you don’t like or are not ready to put out there, an unplugged wedding is a sensible option.  

• Banning phones and cameras during the ceremony or day means no beeping, clicking or flashing disruptions. 

• A phone-free day means that your guests will be fully present and able to enjoy your wedding in real time, rather than through their phones. Plus, you get to see their smiling faces as you walk down the aisle, not a sea of phones.

• An unplugged wedding means you get to control the narrative of your big day. While some couples have no issues with guests capturing the day in their own way, others may prefer to curate what is shared online. If this is you, definitely go unplugged.

What are the cons of an unplugged wedding?

• While you can rely on your pro wedding photographer for those must-have photos, it’s your guests who are able to capture the most candid snaps of your day. From your great aunt living her best life on the dancefloor to your best friends piling into your newlywed suite at Hodsock Priory to re-do their lipstick before the evening guests arrive, sometimes it’s those behind-the-scenes shots that are the memories worth capturing.

• Asking guests to turn their phones off for the whole day may be met with a definite ‘no’. While most guests will understand the need to switch off their phones during the ceremony, some may need to keep their phone close at all time (especially those who have left the kids with the grandparents or a child minder) and will want to switch it straight back on after the ‘I do’s.

• Banning any social media uploads of your wedding means you’ll be missing out on all those memories popping up year after year. And you may feel a bit disappointed not to have any photos of your day to look at the next morning, or while you wait to jet off on honeymoon.

• Some guests may feel put out. Whether it’s your friends who feel disappointed they can’t post any pics to Instagram or older relatives who  can’t understand why they can’t bring their camera along, you won’t be able to please everyone.

How to have an unplugged wedding

If you’ve decided an unplugged wedding is the way to go, there are some things you can do to make sure everyone gets onboard.

• Give your guests plenty of notice. It’s not essential to mention your unplugged wedding on your invites, but chat about it with friends and family so they have an idea of your plans.

• Display on-the-day signs welcoming guests to your unplugged wedding. Something like ‘Welcome to our unplugged wedding. Kindly switch off all phones and cameras and enjoy this special day with us. Thank you!’ gets the point across easily and politely.

• Ask your officiant to remind guests that the ceremony is unplugged and to make sure their phones are off and cameras put away before you begin.

Your wedding at Hodsock Priory

Whether you choose to go unplugged or not, we can promise you an unforgettable wedding at Hodsock Priory. If you’re looking for an exclusive-use, luxurious stately home wedding venue in Nottinghamshire, we really have it all. To find out more about a wedding at Hodsock Priory, to ask a question or to book a viewing please just click here.