Considering an Unplugged Ceremony
You’re getting married!
This is such an exciting time in your life and as you’re putting together the guest list you’re thinking about who means the most to you, whether it be friends or family. I’m sure you cant wait to celebrate your marriage with those that love you the most. It is hard for wedding guests to be fully present if they are trying to take pictures or record the ceremony on their phones. If you’ve thought about an unplugged ceremony or even heard of it you’re probably curious as to exactly what it means. I’ve laid out a few reasons to consider it and some ways to let your guests know below.
This is such an exciting time in your life! As you put together your wedding guest list, it’s all about including those who mean the most to you—family, lifelong friends, and loved ones who have been a part of your journey. The anticipation of celebrating your marriage surrounded by those who care about you is palpable, and crafting a day filled with love and memories can be both thrilling and overwhelming. However, as you envision this celebration, it’s worth considering how truly present your guests can be during the ceremony. In our digital age, the temptation to capture every moment on a smartphone can distract from the actual experience, particularly during such a profound event as saying “I do.”
This is where the concept of an unplugged ceremony comes into play. An unplugged ceremony invites your guests to set aside their devices and fully immerse themselves in the moment, allowing everyone to share in the intimacy and emotion of the occasion without interruptions. Not only does this create a more meaningful experience for you and your partner, but it also fosters an environment where your guests can engage without distractions. If you’re considering an unplugged ceremony, communicate your intentions clearly and kindly to your guests. You can include a note in your invitations or display tasteful signage at the venue. Explain how much their presence matters to you, and encourage them to live in the moment, cherishing the experience with you as it unfolds. Ultimately, an unplugged ceremony can transform your wedding day into a beautiful shared experience, allowing love to take center stage.
Being present on the wedding day
What I mean by this is that when your guests put their phones down they are living in the moment and capturing the day with their hearts and not a cell phone. In this day and age, everyone is a photographer – don’t get me wrong, phones can capture some amazing images but when doing so you are removing yourself from being present in the moment.
In today’s digital age, the allure of smartphones often distracts us from truly engaging with our surroundings and the people we’re with. When guests reach for their phones to take photos, they may unintentionally shift their focus away from the experience itself. What I mean by this is that when your guests put their phones down, they allow themselves to live in the moment, capturing the day with their hearts instead of through a screen. This shift fosters deeper connections, as they become more attuned to the atmosphere, emotions, and interactions happening around them.
While it’s undeniable that smartphones have made photography accessible to everyone, leading to some stunning captures, the act of photographing can often serve as a barrier between individuals and the present experience. Instead of fully enjoying a beautiful sunset, a lively celebration, or heartfelt conversations, the focus shifts to composing the perfect shot. By encouraging guests to unplug, we invite them to immerse themselves in the richness of the moment. The smiles, laughter, and spontaneity that unfold when people are fully present are far more beautiful than any photograph could capture. Embracing this philosophy enhances the overall experience, creating lasting memories that are not just recorded in pixels, but etched in the hearts of those who share them.
Speeds up Family Portraits
I don’t mind when friends and family members take photos during the portrait session. The couples that I work with treasure the moments of the day the most. When guests stand behind the photographer or off to the side taking photos it increases the amount of time that it takes to move through poses. Those who are in the photos don’t necessarily know where to look as they’re trying to appease their guests by looking at their phones. My couples tend to want to spend more time with their guests rather than taking a lot of posed portraits and I do my best to make that happen so that they can join in on cocktail hour to spend time with the people that mean the most to them.
In the world of portrait photography, capturing genuine emotions and candid moments is often more valuable to couples than endless posed shots. I completely understand that friends and family members love to capture their own memories during a portrait session, and I’ve found it can be a delightful part of the experience. However, this enthusiasm can sometimes create challenges. When guests stand behind me, snapping their own photos, it can lead to a bit of confusion for the newlyweds. They might find themselves torn between looking at me for the posed shots and glancing at their friends and family, often resulting in disengagement from the moment we’re trying to capture.
Most couples I work with cherish the idea of spending quality time with their loved ones on their special day, prioritizing connection over an abundance of posed portraits. While I want to honor the desire for those memorable snapshots, I also aim to ensure that our time together flows smoothly and naturally, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere. This not only makes for great images but also ensures that couples can join their guests during cocktail hour, celebrating their union with the people who mean the most. By finding a balance between structured photography and casual interactions, we can create a memorable experience that both captures and celebrates the essence of the day.
Guests Phones in the Background of the Photos
Whether it’s during the processional, recessional, or the formalities during the reception it’s nice to have your guests faces in the photos and not hiding behind their phones. I’ve seen so many ceremonies and receptions where the couple is so excited they just got married but you can’t see many of the guests reactions. One of the best ways to tell the story of the day, which is my overall goal, is to get reactions from guests and capture the emotion.
In today’s digital age, it’s becoming all too common to see guests at weddings glued to their phones, attempting to capture every moment themselves. While it’s understandable that friends and family want to document the day, this can unintentionally detract from the overall atmosphere and emotion of the event. During critical moments like the processional, recessional, and the heartfelt formalities of the reception, seeing guests’ faces—full of genuine joy, tears of happiness, and laughter—paints a much richer picture of the celebration. These authentic expressions not only enhance the storytelling of the day but also serve as a cherished reminder of the shared happiness that permeated the event.
As a photographer, my primary goal is to tell the story of your special day, and candid reactions are pivotal in this narrative. When guests are engaged and present, their unfiltered emotions create a compelling backdrop that complements the couple’s love. It’s in those fleeting moments of joy and surprise that the essence of the day is captured, reflecting the true spirit of the celebration. By encouraging guests to put their phones down and revel in the experience, we can ensure that everyone’s reactions and interactions are beautifully documented, enriching the couple’s wedding album with heartfelt memories that resonate for years to come. Ultimately, wedding photography is about preserving the emotions and connections that define the day, creating an invaluable keepsake for couples to treasure.
How do you tell your guests that you want an unplugged ceremony?
An unplugged ceremony is a beautiful way to create a more intimate and focused atmosphere during your special event. Communicating the desire for an unplugged ceremony to your guests can be done thoughtfully and effectively. Start by crafting a warm and inviting message that explains the significance of this choice. You might highlight that the presence of their loving attention is far more valuable than a sea of phones and cameras. Emphasize how you want everyone to be fully present, soaking in the emotions of the moment, without the distraction of devices. This explanation can help guests understand that their experience and connection is important to you.
To relay this message, consider several channels of communication. First, include a note in your wedding invitations or on your wedding website specifying that the ceremony will be unplugged. You can personalize it with a heartfelt statement that resonates with your wedding vision. Another option is to place signs at the entrance of your ceremony space, gently asking guests to silence their phones and refrain from taking photos. Additionally, you can mention it verbally during your rehearsal dinner or have a designated person, like your officiant, make an announcement just before the ceremony begins. This multifaceted approach ensures that your message is clear, helping your guests understand and respect your wishes while enhancing the collective experience of your special day.
There are so many ways now to let your guests know that you want an unplugged ceremony so the options are endless. Here are a few ways that I’ve found to be a great way to get the point across without feeling awkward about it.
The easiest way to tell your guests about the unplugged ceremony is a sign that’s placed where everyone will walk by. For the most part this can be enough but everyone has an Uncle Bob or Aunt Sally that feels as if that doesn’t pertain to them.
My favorite way of letting people know about your unplugged ceremony is having the officiant announce it. Some churches will take this part upon themselves as they don’t want wedding guests running around and taking photos, but others will only mention flash photography. I think the nicest and most impactful way that I’ve heard is, “the couple has asked that you put away your phones and instead capture the moment with your hearts and memories.” This was put so nicely and EVERYONE listened which was amazing. This may not be the first thing guests think about.
I hope you enjoyed hearing some of my thoughts on having an unplugged ceremony. If you want to hear more about this or talk about your wedding – contact me!
