You see it all the time in wedding blogs & magazines, but what does having an ‘unplugged wedding’ actually mean?
Well an unplugged wedding is exactly that, your guests unplug themselves from phones, ipads (other tablets are available…), cameras (yes Uncle Bob that means you too!) and any other device or technology lurking in their bags or pockets. Its about enjoying the moments as they happen, looking around and seeing friends and family, seeing the emotions & feeling the love. We live in a world where people constantly check their phones, take photos and upload them to the social media platform of their choice, but no bride wants to be faced with a wall of phones as she’s about to walk up the aisle. She’s excited and nervous and would much rather see everyone’s smiling faces.
So should you have an unplugged wedding?
Think about your guests and why you invited them. Assuming you wanted them there to enjoy the day and to share in the special moment of your marriage ceremony, there is no need for guests to be checking their phones.
Alright I’ll admit that as a professional wedding photographer I’m biased in favour of an unplugged ceremony. But in my defence theres nothing more frustrating than a guest stepping out into the aisle at a critical moment. If I miss that brief first kiss because Aunty Edna’s ipad was in the way it does tend to upset me!
My favourite story about guests-with-cameras happened several years ago. The Registrar was new and a little flustered and consequently forgot to ask guests not to take any photos. They were a fairly well behaved bunch – right up until the signing of the register. I heard the commotion behind me and Robb took this picture just after the stampeding guests sent me flying. I’m actually lying on the floor out of shot!
Social Media
Ah social media. Love it or hate it an increasingly important part of everyday life and that’s ok. But it is NOT ok for guests to splash their photos all over Instagram & Facebook before you’ve even reached the altar! This is your wedding day and you should be able to choose what is shared and who shares it. At the very least you are entitled to ask that photos stay private until the wedding day is over.
You want your guests to enjoy the day, and be part of it. You have invited them because you want them there, there in person and not hidden behind a phone.
Should you Ban Phones and Cameras altogether?
Perhaps a little harsh and in all honesty no one will leave their phone at home these days. But guests should understand that you want them there to enjoy the moment. After all you’ve hired a professional wedding photographer to do all the hard work.
There are plenty of ways to let your guests know what you have decided. You can include a note in with the wedding invitation and put up signs at the church or venue. Your Minister or Registrar will also happily make an announcement before you walk up the aisle too. No excuses!
Why not check out Unplugged Weddings on Pinterest for creative ways to inform your guests.
We loved this wording: “Welcome to our unplugged wedding. Thank you for coming to share our day, but for the ceremony please put your cameras and phones away”.
