You may have heard this term floating around for a while now, but what is an unplugged wedding? Essentially it’s when you ask your guest to put their phones, cameras and yes even ipads away and to fully experience your wedding in person rather than through a screen. While there will be many couples who love the idea of their guests snapping photos and video all day long, and sharing them as they please, but what if the paparazzi experience isn’t your style?
But would it really be so bad, after all guests would simply be taking lots of candid shots!
While on the surface it may seem like a wonderful idea, just imagine that big moment of walking down the aisle. How do you picture it? All of your nearest and dearest gathered together ready to celebrate, their smiles and tears of joy and excitement. I’m sure you don’t imagine a sea of screens and flashes. Yet with the boom of technology these days, it is no longer the long standing joke of good old uncle bob with his fancy camera taking extra photos. It can often be the majority of your guests that will spend the day hidden away behind their phone screen instead of simply living in the moment.
Your ceremony isn’t the only moment that can be intruded by phones, it can be your speeches, cake cutting and also when your videographer and photographer want to take you away for your couple shots. These moments and more will absolutely be captured in full by your photographer and videographer, after all that is what you are paying them to do! I always want to get the best shot I can for my couples since it’s such an important day and I want them to remember it in full, this has meant having to kindly ask a guest to step out of the aisle or to mind out of the way if they are unintentionally blocking me which can be quite awkward. Not to mention it is so important for a couple to feel comfortable and relaxed during their couple shots. We want laughter smiles and romance, which isn’t at all helped by having family hanging around.
So your saying I should ban all phones?
There’s no need at all to ban every single phone or camera from your guests, not to mention it does sound a bit harsh for since some guest photos are absolutely lovely. It’s more about trying to help your guests become more aware, to just take a moment to enjoy the day and be fully present, to feel their emotions and to take it all in, to be there with you and for you. Not to mention you can pick which parts pf the day you absolutely want guests to put their phones away and enjoy, and which parts your happy for them to snap away to their hearts content. Never forget that it is your day, so your choice!
This sounds great, but how do I politely tell my guests?
There are many fantastic and creative ways to let your guests know your preference for taking photos, you can let your guests know ahead of time by including a note in the invitations, with personalised signs with quirky poems or a note on the order of service. As a last line of defence, don’t forget you can always nicely ask your officiant to give your guests a gentle reminder just before the start of the ceremony!
At the end of the day there are many reasons to have a plugged wedding, just as there are to have an unplugged one. Have a chat with your partner in advance, find out what you are both comfortable with and make a plan to go from there.
Caroline x
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