Your wedding, unplugged: Should you ban electronics on your big day?

Are you worried that social media and cell phones will interrupt the biggest day of your life? Read on for advice about how to throw a relaxed wedding sans electronics.

Would you like a more intimate wedding? Worried that social media and cell phones will interrupt the biggest day of your life? You're not alone. Popular wedding site The Knot cites the "unplugged wedding" as one of 2014's hottest wedding trends—but should you ban devices on your big day? Read on for advice about how to throw a relaxed wedding sans electronics.

• Think about the last time a friend spent more time texting than paying attention to your conversation.
• Phones and cameras can distract guests from the actual event and make socializing more difficult at a big celebration.
• More and more couples are opting to remove distracting and intrusive mobile devices and other electronics from their weddings in favour of simpler and more intimate ceremonies and receptions.
• If you're tired of social media chatter or want to create a feeling of exclusivity and camaraderie at your wedding, you might want to consider banning electronic devices altogether.

• Since most of us carry our mobile devices with us all the time, guests might need a few reminders ahead of the big day.
• It's a good idea to ask guests to refrain from photography on your actual invitation—worded in a friendly way.

• If you don't want phones or devices at the church or the reception, have your ushers ask for any and all devices prior to the event. Beware: you don't want your guests to feel like they're entering prison, so use common sense.
• The Knot suggests a "device check," much like a coat checking station. Just make sure your guests are assured that their phones will be stored in a secure location throughout the wedding and reception.

• Guests may balk at your requirement, not because they love their devices, but because they're afraid they won't capture photos of the actual event.
• Show them that memory-making is a priority by having a roving reception photographer to focus on wedding guests, and consider fun alternatives like a photo booth.
• Also, don't forget to follow up on your intimate, private wedding day by making photos available to wedding guests who want to relive memories along with you.

Once your guests have unplugged their phones, enjoy your more relaxed, intimate and unscripted gathering. It's your day, your way—with no devices to interrupt your sheer enjoyment of family, friends, and a new stage in life.