Have you thought about having an unplugged wedding?
What is an unplugged wedding?
Almost every person at your wedding will have a camera with them; a phone, an iPad or a good old-fashioned camera. At an unplugged wedding, couples ask their guests to not take photos during the ceremony, or any other part of the day you choose. Before the bride enters the ceremony, the vicar or registrar can ask everyone to put their devices away and not take pictures.
Why you might consider it
There are a few reasons why some couples choose to go unplugged. These can include:
Wanting their guests to be present in the moment, enjoy the service and concentrate on this special time with them. After the ceremony there is still lots of time for photos.
They don't want large iPad’s and phones ruining the professionals photos. Of course, some people don't mind seeing them in the photos, but others prefer to have a clear shot without technical devices.
Often, when guests take their own pictures on their phones, they upload them to Facebook that same day. Some newly-weds choose to be the first ones to share a photo on social media rather than their guests, which perhaps might not be until the next day.
With cameras, comes guests standing in the photographers way. Having invested in a professional photographer to capture the ceremony, some people ensure they can get the shots they need without having to navigate around guests.
Perhaps an unplugged wedding is not for you...
Some couples embrace their guests taking their own pictures because they want to see photos from all angles and perspectives. By setting up a hashtag for their wedding, they specifically ask their guests to share their photos with them on social media. They don’t mind if this is captured on camera by the professional photographer.
Conclusion
There is no right or wrong way to celebrate your wedding. As photographers, we capture the day as it unfolds, devices or not. If you do choose to have an unplugged wedding, it doesn't have to be all day - it could be just for the ceremony and perhaps the speeches?
Written by Eleth Mageehan, (c) 2021, all rights reserved.
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