Unplugged Weddings
No, I’m not talking about a wedding lit only by candles and that serves cold food while guests are serenaded by a lone a cappella guitarist.
An unplugged wedding is a fancy way of saying that the wedding day is technology free, which means guests are not allowed to use their phones and/or cameras during the day. Couples are increasingly choosing unplugged weddings for the sake of having their guests be more present during the day, and not view it all through their screens.
As a photographer I love this idea, after all it’s my job to capture all those important moments during the wedding day and knowing that I won’t be hindered in any way is fantastic. For me it means there is less chance of having someone step into my shot at a crucial moment, or distracting people as they are having their photo taken and thus having eyes looking all over the place instead of just at me. Guests also don’t realise that the flash from their cameras can ruin one of my shots if their flash goes off while I’m taking a photo. And lastly it keeps the wedding and more importantly you, the couple, off social media before you’ve even had a chance to eat your dinner. You pay a lot of money for professional photos and want those to be the ones that are shared.
However, I understand that guests are a huge part of the wedding day and they they want to capture the day and share how much fun they are having, how gorgeous the couple is, how lovely the venue is, how delicious the food looks and how crazy the dancing is getting. I get it!!
Enter the unplugged wedding, a way to have guests be present and still allow them to share the day on social media.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are planning on an unplugged wedding:
Prepare your guests
It is very important to let guests know ahead of time that you want an unplugged wedding. Give them a brief explanation in your invitations and then a gentle reminder as they arrive or before the ceremony starts. If they know why it’s important to you they are more likely to respect your wishes.
Have an unplugged ceremony only
If you still want your guests to capture parts of the day or share it on social media, you could consider only having an unplugged ceremony where you really want your guests attention.
Give guests photos to take home
You could use a photo booth or instant cameras to allow your guests to have something to take home or share on social media so they still feel like they have been part of the day.
Invite guests to take phots at certain times
Don’t underestimate asking your guests for what you want. Tell them that you will be cutting the cake or that the first dance is coming up and once the photographer has got their shot (we are quick, don’t worry) then guests are free to take photos too.
Have a plan
Decide in advance which parts of the day you want unplugged, how you want your wedding shared on social media and how you are going to let your guests know your wishes. Planning ahead will make it a smoother process on the wedding day itself.
Remember that at the end of the day it comes down to what you, the couple, wants and no matter what you choose to do it will be a day to remember.
