Mobiles banned at more weddings as couples want guests focused on ceremony

BRIDES and grooms are banning guests from using phone cameras and social media on their special day.

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THEY’RE being called “unplugged” weddings.

Brides and grooms are banning guests from using phone cameras and social media on their special day — annoyed at distracted guests, unflattering photos posted online and a barrage of screens facing them as they walk down the aisle.

They join a growing revolt against the ubiquity of electronic devices, from rock bands to cafes such as Redfern’s Chapter Five Espresso where patrons are told to leave their laptops at home.

Celebrant Steven Lee said three-quarters of weddings he conducts now ban guests from using iPads, phones and cameras during the ceremony.

“It’s got to the point where I’ve spent hours writing a lovely ceremony, and no one’s really listening,” he said. “Instead they’re taking photos, scrolling, uploading on Facebook.”

Mr Lee said brides had complained to him of awkward photographs being uploaded to social media immediately, instead of the professional images they had paid thousands for.

“The bride spends all this money looking gorgeous for the wedding and someone snaps her with a funny face and puts that up as she’s still exchanging vows — it’s a shocker,” he said.

Emma Bennett and her bridal party — and not a mobile in sight.

US rock group The Eagles requested an electronic blackout on their Australian tour last year, while the Queen has spoken of her unease at being greeted by a sea of phones instead of smiles.

When Emma and Michael Brown were married last year, they asked the priest to tell guests to put away their phones.

“Our video­grapher pointed out that what has been happening is people lean over into the aisle to get a shot and it ruins their view, as well as the groom’s,” Emma said. “You are paying good money for those guys to take the best pictures.”