An unplugged wedding. Why?
Our phones have become way more than just a simple mode of communication. Our phones are our cookbooks, our love letters, our dictionaries, our radios, our means of social interaction, the list goes on and on and on. We have also stepped into a generation where just about every one of us has one. Middle schoolers carry them and so do 80 year old great grandmothers.
They are an accessory that we all have at our fingertips so it’s common to see them in the hands of your wedding guests.
As a photographer, it honestly doesn’t bother or hinder my job at all…that is unless Uncle Joe is standing in the isle with his iPad…that’s pretty frustrating. But at the same time, I just figure that this is what these guests are choosing, and so this is what I will photograph. I think the sad part really comes for you, the couple. This is how your wedding day will be documented and in 50 years those are the memories you will have. And by the way, sometimes you might have a guest taking video for you. If that is the case you should definitely have that person touch base with my team. That way we can be sure to stay out of one another’s shots. I would do the same for your guest as I would a paid videographer.
Unplugged wedding to the rescue.
I am sure you are thinking, “how can I gently express my wishes to my guests?” It really is as simple as spelling out your request on a sign and including a reminder in the program.
For example: “Welcome to our unplugged wedding. We invite you to be fully present during our ceremony. Please turn off all gadgets and enjoy the moment with us.”
Some signs will even remind the guests that the couple has paid a photography team to do the work for them so everyone can just sit back, relax, and enjoy!
The greatest thing about a wedding is that it gets to be whatever you want it to be..and if you really want your guests to be sharing your day with you without distraction, then don’t be afraid to ask them! I bet they will be happily surprised by the freedom and break from the device.
