Modern couples in the throes of wedding planning are often faced with a challenging choice: is it better to go unplugged on your wedding day or let your guests live it up on social media?
While unplugged ceremonies offer intimate and device-free environments that allow guests to focus on the significance of the moment, social-forward celebrations encourage guest interaction and sharing the experience instantly on social media.
But which is the better option?
Luckily, you can have both.
Here’s a look at how you can find balance between an unplugged vs. social-forward wedding.
Key Takeaways
- What is an Unplugged Ceremony?
- Why are Unplugged Ceremonies Trending?
- What is a Social-Forward Reception?
- Why are Social-Forward Ceremonies Trending?
- How to Combine an Unplugged Ceremony and a Social-Forward Reception Seamlessly
- Why Rosen Weddings Venues are Perfect for Unplugged Ceremonies and Social-Forward Receptions
What is an Unplugged Ceremony?
An unplugged ceremony requests guests put away their phones and cameras to be fully present while you and your partner say, “I do.”
Some couples offer their guests a brief collective moment once they reach the altar to snap a few photos before asking everyone to put their phones away for the rest of the ceremony.
Requesting everyone to keep their phones away preserves the emotional intimacy of a wedding ceremony, eliminating distractions and creating a more meaningful atmosphere.
Why are Unplugged Ceremonies Trending?
A wedding ceremony is a pivotal moment in any love story.
Not to mention couples often spend months preparing and planning for the perfect matrimonial moment. It’s perfectly normal to want guests to be fully immersed in the moment for emotional connection.
An unplugged ceremony also creates fewer obstructions for your photographer and videographer, who won’t have to spend the ceremony dodging well-meaning guests trying to get their own pictures to preserve precious memories.
Additionally, your beautiful wedding photos won’t be spotted with glowing screens at the ceremony, preserving a timeless feel in your official pictures, too.
What is a Social-Forward Reception?
Once you’ve exchanged your vows and reveled in the romance and intimacy of your device-free ceremony, it’s time to get the party started.
Many couples are intentionally designing their receptions to be interactive, highly shareable, and perfect for engaging with social media.
Photo booths, live painters, custom hashtags, and aesthetic food and drink presentations are all ways to enhance the guest experience and encourage taking and sharing photos.
Some couples are even hiring professional content creators to manage their own social media content, following current trends and creating high-quality content with a quick turnaround.
Why are Social-Forward Receptions Trending?
Weddings are naturally joyous occasions to capture and share. Guests have presumably dressed up, likely even traveled to celebrate you; they want to take pictures and show off an incredible experience.
Plus, wedding couples love getting real-time highlights of their big day. Wedding hashtags and content creators allow brides and grooms to relive their celebration before the evening’s even over.
How to Combine an Unplugged Ceremony and a Social-Forward Reception Seamlessly
While unplugged ceremonies and social-forward receptions are contradicting trends, the two can be blended seamlessly for an incredible celebratory experience.
As your guests arrive at your ceremony, display clear signage requesting an unplugged ceremony and asking everyone to turn off their phones and put them away.
You can also have your officiant make an announcement before the ceremony begins, asking everyone to respect your desire for an unplugged ceremony.
Similarly, have your DJ or MC invite everyone to take out their phones and snap photos at the start of the reception, giving everyone permission to start capturing details and moments of the celebration.
Create designated photo spots with neon signs, unique lighting, and other aesthetic features to encourage controlled social content consistent with your wedding branding.
Most importantly, make decisions based on your own personalities rather than strictly relying on trends. It’s your special day, so it should reflect you, your partner, and your love story.
Why Rosen Weddings Venues are Perfect for Unplugged Ceremonies and Social-Forward Receptions
Whether you’re Orlando locals or a couple planning a destination wedding, our four Rosen Weddings venues offer the perfect balance for unplugged ceremonies and social -forward receptions.
Our hotels offer beautiful backdrops for picture-perfect weddings, including elegant garden, waterfront, golf course, ballroom, and pool settings. Each hotel also has its own unique architectural features to showcase throughout your event.
Each venue offers multiple spaces ideal for intimate ceremonies and fabulous receptions. In-house catering teams can design exquisite displays of food and personalized drinks for a culinary experience that looks as good as it tastes.
Plus, at the end of the night, your guests can take advantage of discounts on beautiful onsite accommodations, making your event a true destination wedding centered around comfort and convenience.
Reach out to one of our incredible wedding specialists today to learn more about how you can make the most of your wedding at a Rosen Weddings venue.