You’ve hired a professional wedding photographer to take photos, so do you really want all your guests snapping away too?
In today’s world, with phones boasting 48-megapixel cameras and the ability to instantly share photos with hundreds of friends via social media, it’s no surprise that guests are constantly snapping away and uploading photos. Even after they’ve posted, they’re often checking comments, likes, and tweets—the list goes on.
Unplugged Weddings: Ensure your Guests are ‘there’
Every family also has someone who is a hobbyist or wannabe pro photographer with the kit and a passion for taking photos. You know who they are—always telling you to get together for the group shot. And let’s not forget the dreaded selfie stick!
So perhaps an unplugged wedding is the way to go?!
What does an unplugged wedding mean?
Simply put, an ‘unplugged’ wedding ceremony is one where guests are asked or required not to use their phones or cameras to take pictures during the ceremony. No social media, no phones, no cameras—just enjoy the moment and be present.
Why you should have an unplugged wedding?
For some, this may not be an issue; it may be part of their life and something they enjoy. However, you might not realise the impact until after your perfect day when you see your official wedding photos captured by your photographer.
Photo credit: eau claire photographics – The dreaded Selfie stick still taking over weddings around the world!
Some couples don’t want their special day splashed all over social media for people they don’t even know. They want their guests to enjoy the day, appreciate the effort and planning that has gone into it, and have a good time. You want your guests to switch off from the outside world, enjoy the surroundings, and appreciate the day, viewing it through their own eyes rather than an LCD screen.
You invited your guests to come and celebrate your love on this day, so you want them to be truly ‘present.’ Check out these 23 Photos that Will Make You have an Unplugged Wedding!
From a guest’s perspective, it’s almost a habit—or even a need—to take a photo because everyone else is doing it. They forget that you have hired a professional wedding photographer, that the day is about the couple and the people they love, and that they can simply sit back, enjoy, and appreciate the moment.
Photo credit: IQvideography – It is not just phones and cameras, it’s iPads too!
So I should Ban Phones?
Phones don’t need to be banned entirely. If there is an emergency with a guest’s family or something urgent, people will want to have their phone on hand. Guests will feel more relaxed knowing they can be contacted if necessary, especially if they have kids. If you were asked to leave your phone at home, would you?
You might consider kindly asking your guests not to take photos and to keep their phones in their pockets just for the ceremony and while you walk down the aisle.
Speak with your wedding photographer about sharing a few photos with your guests not long after the wedding. This could be via social media or email—whatever works best. Just make sure your guests know they will be able to see some photos and relive the day.
The Wedding Photographers view…
“I think it’s a great idea, especially when the bride is walking down the aisle. People spend far too long looking through their phones; enjoy the moment for what it is. The bride and groom might also want the first images that go on Facebook to be from the official photographer rather than a guest. It’s an exciting day, so sit back, enjoy it, and let the photographer worry about capturing the images.” – Paul Williams, Manchester-based Wedding Photographer.
“Nowadays, with the strong influence of media culture, everything is online, instant, and shared. Often, couples getting married may wish to take a break from that and opt for an unplugged wedding. This is a great choice if you want to do your own thing and not follow the crowd. While family and friends might be tempted to reach for their iPhones and snap away, it’s important to respect the couple’s wishes and the ceremony. Phones, flashes, and the constant clicking from guests could be overwhelming for some couples.” – Charmaine Gittens, Scotland based Wedding Photographer.
3 Ways to kindly ask Your Wedding Guests to Put Away Their Phones…
Wedding Invite & Programme Note
A simple note on the invite or the wedding programme asking guests to kindly turn off their devices, phones, and cameras can help prevent unwanted ringtones, distracted guests, and phones and cameras being waved around. You might also follow this up with an announcement before the ceremony, as mentioned in the next point.
“Clearly communicate with everyone beforehand that you wish to have an unplugged wedding to avoid any surprises. It is your wedding day, so simply do what makes you both feel happy.” – Charmaine Gittens, Scotland based Wedding Photographer.
An Announcement
Tying in with the first point, the best man or a wedding official could politely ask your guests not to take photos, as you have a wedding photographer capturing your special day. This way, guests can sit back and enjoy the ceremony!
If you have a band or DJ, you could also ask them to remind guests to refrain from taking photos during the first dance. This helps ensure that your wedding photos aren’t spoiled by guests holding up their phones or random bright flashes from cameras.
Signs
Of course, you can have a bit of fun when kindly informing guests to put their phones away. Consider creating a creative message on a sign and placing it outside the church or ceremony for guests to see. Just be prepared—someone might capture a snapshot of it on their phone!
“I usually recommend using a chalkboard or a basket for collecting phones. Make it themed so it doesn’t come across as rude or as if you’re ‘seizing’ people’s phones.” – Paul Williams, Manchester based Wedding Photographer.
Plugged or unplugged?
“We wanted an understated, unplugged wedding that was a celebration of love and our commitment to one another—nothing else. The fundamental elements of our wedding were happiness, laughter, and living in the moment.” — Unplugged Bride
This article isn’t about telling you what you should do but rather about an important consideration that many couples might not think about. It can be too late when you see photos popping up on Facebook with guests holding up their phones in your wedding photos captured by your professional photographer.
You may read this and not be fussed, and that’s fine. However, you may realise, after reading this, that you hadn’t considered it, and that’s what it’s about—ensuring your day is as perfect as you want it to be after spending weeks planning every little detail. Do you need or want hundreds of photos taken by your guests?
Just remember, you’ve hired and paid for a professional wedding photographer to capture the story of your beautiful wedding day. Make sure you get the best story and the best photos possible.
So are you having an unplugged wedding? Do you care if your guests take their own photos? Wedding photographers, what are your views on unplugged weddings?
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