How to Host a No-Phone Wedding Without Offending Your Guests
Creating Presence, Privacy & Pure Magic
No-phone wedding has become a sought-after trend in today’s digital age, where reaching for our phones to snap, post, and share every moment is second nature. Yet, many modern couples—especially those planning luxury weddings—are craving something more precious: true presence. This is why the idea of a no-phone wedding is gaining momentum, giving couples the opportunity to host an intimate, distraction-free celebration that focuses on genuine connection.
A “no-phone” or unplugged wedding is a beautiful way to protect the intimacy of your ceremony, keep your professional photography pristine, and allow your guests to be truly there. But let’s be honest: asking people to put away their phones can feel awkward… unless you do it right.
In LA table events, we believe in creating moments that are not only stylish and surprising but also deeply meaningful. Here is how to host a marriage without a phone, without harassing your guests.
1. Set the tone quickly
Communicate your vision from the beginning. Mention your unplugged wishes on your:
- Wedding website
- Save-the-date
- Invitation suite (“We kindly request an unplugged ceremony.”)
Explain it as a way to preserve the atmosphere, respect your photographer, and keep guests present, not as a strict rule. A gentle explanation goes a long way.
2. Use Elegant Signage on the Day
Welcome your guests with tasteful signage that matches your wedding aesthetic. A few wording ideas:
- “We invite you to be fully present with us — please keep phones away during the ceremony.”
- “This moment is just for us. Kindly no photos or videos until after the ‘I Do’.”
- Have the sign placed at the ceremony entrance and repeated subtly near seating.
La Table Tip: We can design custom acrylic, mirror, or linen signage to match your theme beautifully.
3. Let Your Officiant Make the Announcement
Sometimes, all it takes is a warm request from the officiant right before the ceremony begins. Ask them to:
- Kindly remind guests to silence and put their phones
- Reassure them that professional photos will be shared later
- Emphasise the gift of being fully present
This adds a human touch and avoids putting the couple in an awkward spot.
4. Offer Alternatives for Social Sharers
You’re not banning phones forever—just for the most sacred moments. Here’s how to offer balance:
- Create a photo time after the ceremony or during the reception
- Provide a photo booth or Instagrammable corner for fun selfies
- Share a custom wedding hashtag for later posting
You’re not asking guests to unplug all day, just for the part that matters most.
5. Trust Your Photographer (and Show Guests You Did)
Let guests know that every beautiful moment is being captured professionally and will be shared. You could even include a note like:
“Put your phone away, and we’ll deliver the magic right to your inbox.”
Consider offering a private online album for guests after the wedding. La Table can help coordinate with your photography team to make this seamless.
6. Lead by Example
As a couple, you set the energy. If you’re constantly reaching for your phone, guests will follow. But if you’re present, joyful, and immersed, it gives everyone else permission to do the same.
You deserve a day that feels timeless, not filtered. Let that be your guide.
Final Thoughts from La Table
A no-phone wedding isn’t about control. It’s about connection.
It’s about the sound of live vows instead of notification pings, and the sight of smiling guests instead of screens. It’s about turning a moment into a memory — real, raw, and unforgettable.
If you’re planning a wedding that prioritises presence and elegance, La Table Events is here to bring it to life. From luxury ceremony design to guest communication, we make sure every detail is thoughtful, graceful, and unmistakably you.
💌 Ready to plan a wedding that’s all about real moments?
Contact La Table Events today and let’s create an experience your guests will never want to scroll past — because they lived it.