Creating A Charming Unplugged Wedding Sign

Unplugged wedding signs are becoming increasingly popular, with 75% of people admitting they are having or considering a snap-free wedding ceremony. There are many ways to ask for an unplugged wedding, from including subtle wording on your wedding welcome sign to having your celebrant make a funny announcement.

If you're looking to make your own unplugged wedding sign, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can buy a ready-made sign from Amazon or Etsy, or you could create your own using a template from Etsy.

- Welcome to our unplugged wedding. We invite you to be fully present with us during our ceremony, so please turn off all phones and cameras.

- The bride and groom kindly request an unplugged ceremony. Please turn off all devices and enjoy being fully present in this moment with us.

- The greatest gift you can give us today is to be truly present, so please turn off all phones and cameras and enjoy this special moment with us.

Choose a design style (e.g. minimalist, elegant, modern)

When it comes to choosing a design style for your unplugged wedding sign, there are several options to consider. Here are some popular design styles to help you make a decision:

Minimalist

Minimalist designs are characterised by simplicity and a less-is-more approach. This style often features clean lines, neutral colours, and minimal text or decorative elements. A minimalist unplugged wedding sign will convey the message clearly and concisely, without any unnecessary frills. This style is perfect for couples who want a sleek and modern look for their wedding decor.

Elegant

Elegant designs exude sophistication and refinement. This style typically incorporates classic typefaces, subtle colour palettes, and delicate details such as calligraphy or intricate illustrations. An elegant unplugged wedding sign will add a touch of class and luxury to your wedding decor. It's a great choice for couples who want to strike a balance between simplicity and glamour.

Modern

Modern designs embrace contemporary trends and often feature bold colours, unique typefaces, and experimental layouts. A modern unplugged wedding sign can be a great way to showcase your personality as a couple and set the tone for a fun and stylish celebration. This style is perfect for couples who want to break away from traditional wedding aesthetics and create a memorable visual impact.

Rustic

Rustic designs evoke a sense of warmth and charm, often featuring natural materials, earthy colour palettes, and handmade elements. A rustic unplugged wedding sign might incorporate elements such as wood, chalkboard, or burlap, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. This style is ideal for couples who want a more casual and intimate feel for their wedding.

Retro

Retro designs draw inspiration from past decades and can add a unique twist to your wedding decor. A retro unplugged wedding sign might feature vintage-inspired typefaces, nostalgic colour palettes, and playful illustrations. This style is perfect for couples who want to incorporate a touch of nostalgia and whimsy into their wedding aesthetic.

When choosing a design style for your unplugged wedding sign, consider the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding, as well as your personal preferences. You can also mix and match different design elements to create a unique look that reflects your style as a couple.

Select a material (e.g. wood, acrylic, cardboard)

When it comes to selecting a material for your unplugged wedding sign, there are several options to choose from, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you make an informed decision:

Wood:

Wooden signs exude a rustic charm and are a popular choice for wedding decor. They can be easily customised with paint or wood stain to match your wedding colour palette. Consider a vertical wooden sign with a simple message such as "Welcome to Our Unplugged Wedding" or "Please No Photos or Videos". You could also opt for a rustic chalkboard-style sign, adding a whimsical touch to your unplugged wedding request.

Acrylic:

Acrylic signs offer a modern and sleek appearance. They are available in various colours, including clear, white, black, gold, rose gold, and silver. You can choose from different finishes like matte, gloss, or frost, creating an elegant and stylish sign. Acrylic signs are often paired with wooden easels for a beautiful contrast. They are also durable and can be displayed indoors or outdoors.

Cardboard:

Cardboard is a lightweight and cost-effective option for your unplugged wedding sign. It can be easily customised with paint or printed designs. Cardboard signs are ideal if you want to include intricate details or fancy fonts. They are perfect for indoor displays and can be mounted on a wall or placed on an easel. Consider adding a cardboard sign to a floral backdrop or pairing it with other decorative elements for a unique look.

PVC Board:

PVC board is a sturdy and durable option, stronger than foam boards. It is a good choice if you want a ready-to-use sign that can be displayed indoors or outdoors. PVC boards can be customised with various designs and colours to match your wedding theme. They provide a smooth surface for printing or painting, ensuring a high-quality finish.

Paper:

Paper signs offer a simple and affordable option for your unplugged wedding sign. You can choose from a variety of paper types, such as textured cardstock or glossy photo paper, to create a sign that suits your style. Paper signs are typically unframed and can be easily mounted on a wall, placed on an easel, or displayed in a frame. This option provides flexibility in terms of design and placement.

Plastic:

Plastic signs are known for their durability and weather resistance, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor displays. They are often printed with modern designs and can include personalised touches. Plastic signs are lightweight and easy to transport, making them a convenient choice for your wedding decor.

Remember to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding when selecting the material for your unplugged wedding sign. The sign should complement your chosen colour palette and decor while effectively conveying your request for an unplugged ceremony.

Decide on a message (e.g. Eyes up, phones down, Be in the moment)

Deciding on a message for your unplugged wedding sign is a crucial step in ensuring your guests understand your wishes. Here are some ideas and tips to help you craft the perfect message:

Be Clear and Direct

It's important to be clear and direct in your message to ensure there is no confusion. Statements like "Please turn off your phones and cameras" or "We kindly request an unplugged ceremony" are polite but firm ways to convey your wishes. You can also be more specific, such as "Please refrain from taking photos or videos during the ceremony."

Focus on Presence and Experience

Many couples choose to have an unplugged wedding to encourage guests to be fully present and immersed in the moment. You can reflect this in your sign's message with phrases like "Be here now," "Eyes up, phones down," or "Be in the moment." This approach gently reminds guests that their experience will be enhanced by disconnecting from their devices.

Add a Touch of Humour

If you want to lighten the mood, consider adding a touch of humour to your sign. Something like "We promise to share our photos if you promise to be unplugged" or "Keep calm and unplug" can bring a smile to your guests' faces while still conveying the message.

Personalise Your Message

Make your sign more personal by including your names or a meaningful quote. For example, "John and Mary request your presence, not your phones" or "Be here now, because this moment is now." Adding a personal touch can make your sign more engaging and memorable for your guests.

Keep it Simple and Elegant

Opt for a simple and elegant message if you want your sign to complement your wedding decor. Statements like "Unplugged ceremony," "No phones beyond this point," or "Please turn off devices" are straightforward and easy to understand. You can also incorporate design elements, such as fonts and colours, to enhance the elegance of your sign.

Remember, the key is to communicate your wishes clearly and respectfully. Choose a message that reflects your personality and wedding theme, and don't be afraid to add a creative twist to make it unique.

Pick a colour scheme (e.g. gold, black and white, pastel)

When making an unplugged wedding sign, it's important to consider the colour scheme as it will set the tone and style of your wedding.

• Envision what you want to include in your celebration and select colours that resonate with you.
• Gather all the elements, such as the season, location, and formality of your wedding, to find a colour scheme that ties everything together.
• Get inspired by looking at other summer wedding colours or create a mood board to help you decide.
• Ensure you have between 2 to 5 colours in your palette, including a neutral shade and a fun accent colour like gold or silver.
• Don't be afraid to think outside the box and embrace contrast, like pairing light and dark shades or mixing bold and soft tones.

Now, here are some colour scheme ideas for your unplugged wedding sign:

• Spring: Pastel colours such as lavender, dusty blue, sage green, and light yellow are perfect for a dreamy, calm atmosphere. You can also include brighter shades like baby blue and peach to add a sense of warmth and joy.
• Summer: Bright and fresh colours like sunny yellow, vivid pink, and lively orange are ideal for a summer wedding. You can also incorporate more subtle hues like sky blue, creamy neutrals, and taupe for a whimsical touch.
• Fall: Cozy and romantic fall colours include burgundy, burnt orange, emerald, lavender, and terracotta. These rich hues capture the essence of the season and can be paired with neutrals like cream and dove gray.
• Winter: Create a fairy-tale ambiance with icy blues, mint tones, lilacs, and silver. For a bolder look, try vivid reds, dark greens, and gold.

Remember, your colour choices should reflect your personality and the overall vibe you want to create for your wedding. Feel free to experiment and have fun with it!

Add personal touches (e.g. names, wedding date, illustration)

Adding personal touches to your unplugged wedding sign is a great way to make your special day feel even more unique and special. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Names and Wedding Date

Including your names and wedding date on the sign is a lovely way to personalise it. This could be done in a simple format, such as:

> "Welcome to the wedding of [name] and [name]. Please turn off your phones and be present with us on [date]."

Alternatively, you could get creative and incorporate your names and wedding date in a fun or whimsical way. For example:

> "On [date], [name] and [name] are tying the knot! Please give us your undivided attention and turn off your phones."

Illustrations

Illustrations can add a unique and elegant touch to your unplugged wedding sign. Consider including a simple illustration of a camera with a line through it, or perhaps a more whimsical illustration of a couple getting married with their guests holding hands instead of phones.

If you're feeling creative, you could even try illustrating the sign yourself! This adds a truly personal touch to the day and is sure to be appreciated by your guests.

Colour Scheme

Incorporating your wedding colour scheme into the sign is another way to personalise it. Whether you're going for a bold and vibrant palette or a soft and romantic one, choose colours that reflect your theme. This could be through the text itself or by adding colourful borders, backgrounds, or other decorative elements.

Font and Style

The font and style of your sign can also be tailored to match your wedding theme and your personality as a couple. If you're having a rustic wedding, consider using a handwritten or script font. For a more modern or minimalist wedding, bold and clean fonts can make a statement.

You could even incorporate your wedding monogram or a custom illustration of the two of you. This adds a fun and unexpected element to the sign, making it truly yours.

Bilingual or Multilingual Sign

If you have guests attending your wedding who speak different languages, consider creating a bilingual or multilingual sign. This is a thoughtful way to ensure that all your guests feel included and understood.

For example, if you're having a wedding in a rustic barn with a country theme, you could have a sign that says:

> "Howdy, partners! We kindly request that y'all turn off your phones and gadgets for our unplugged wedding."

Or, if you're having a more formal affair, a simple translation of the request in one or two additional languages can be elegant and inclusive.

Remember, your unplugged wedding sign is a reflection of you as a couple, so feel free to get creative and have fun with it!

Frequently asked questions