An Unplugged Wedding?

I have heard a lot of people talking about an “ Unplugged Wedding.” This is where you invite your guests to put down their phones/cameras/iPads, etc., and enjoy your wedding day in a traditional way, cherishing the memories with their eyes rather than through the screens of their phones.
Some couples implement this for their ceremony, and others ask for the entire celebration to remain unplugged.
As we have all gotten so attached to our devices, isn’t it a refreshing idea?!

I have heard a lot of photographers supporting the idea of an “ Unplugged Wedding ” for various reasons.

Here Comes the Bride

A very important photograph is of the bride walking up the aisle. It is incredibly difficult for the wedding photographer to take this photograph.

There are no second chances! When the wedding guests are leaning out into the aisle to capture this moment, it can cause many problems for the wedding photographer.

Sometimes, people lean their hand into the aisle,, thinking this is a happy medium.

Unfortunately, it’s not. It’s the same as leaning into the aisle. Your guest’s hands will still obstruct your picture-perfect moment.

Wedding Guide Book

Just Married!

Equally, when the married couple is going down the aisle, the same issues occur. It would be fantastic if the wedding guests remembered that the wedding photographer will get the best photograph possible of these two moments.

Please leave it to the professional!

Photo Bomb

When guests are moving around taking their own photos, they can “photo bomb” the wedding photographer’s picture-perfect shot by accident.

I have often seen the bride and groom getting upset when they see images taken by their wedding guests posted on social media during their wedding day. I believe that it is the couple’s decision when images should be circulated on social media platforms.

Wouldn’t you rather share a WOW wedding photograph from your big day when you are ready? Rather than an iPhone image that you’re not looking your best in being sent around on Facebook?!

To Unplug or not to Unplug?

I can see both sides of the argument. As a professional wedding photographer, I think that finding a happy medium is the best option.
Your wedding guests will want to take photographs on your very special day, and for the most part, they are very mindful that the professional wedding photographer is there to do his or her job.

I think that unplugging your wedding guests is important only during the ceremony.
The most important point is for guests to remember that capturing the bride coming up the aisle and the married couple going down the aisle are two moments I have to get right for the couple. I only have one shot to get it picture-perfect.

Please don’t lean into the aisle! Keep your phone in Your pocket … :)

There are some very important moments throughout the ceremony, and photos can easily be ruined (completely by accident) by your wedding guests. Some churches are small and have very narrow aisles, etc.

Wedding guests do not mean to get in the way, but it happens. They could be standing in the wrong place at exactly the wrong time. It’s a shame to lose a lovely moment because a wedding guest was in the way.

Unplug or not to Unplug Your Wedding – short video :)

After the ceremony, I know that we can all get along just fine

An Unplugged Wedding? - wedding photographer perspective 1

During the reception, I can have 1000 cameras around me and even help people take photos.

I don’t mind that at all!

I think it adds to everyone’s excitement and enjoyment of the day.

People are taking photos all the time, so it’s just an idea to have an unplugged wedding ceremony. It has become popular so that people can enjoy the ceremony and not get distracted thinking about capturing photos.

But whether the Bride and Groom want an Unplugged Wedding or not, it’s their day and their choice. I always respect my clients’ wishes, and guests should do the same.

Top Tips for Your Unplugged Wedding

If you decide on an Unplugged Wedding, you can buy decorative signs which let your guests know that your wedding day is an unplugged wedding or mention it in Your invitation or mass booklet.