So what exactly is an “unplugged” wedding? Unplugged simply means asking all of your guests including those in the wedding party, to turn off all of their devices (phones, tablets, cameras, etc.) during your ceremony or reception.
The definition is simple enough, but deciding what to do on your wedding day can be a bit more challenging. Here’s a list of pros and cons for you to consider.
Pros for an unplugged wedding ceremony:
Being Present!
Digital devices can easily turn into unintentional distractions. Ask your guests to disconnect from their phones and social media to be present and in the moment with you during your ceremony. When you look out into the crowd of your nearest and dearest gathered around you, you’ll see a sea of smiling faces instead of screens.
Let your photographer do their job!
So often at weddings you’ll see the bride walking gracefully down the aisle and a well-meaning but over-zealous guests hops in front of her to get “the shot” on their phone or tablet. Not only does this block the view of other guests, but more importantly it blocks the view of your photographer.
While the interruption only lasts a split second, it can mean the difference between your photographer getting the perfect shot, or not. You worked so hard to find a photographer that matches your wants and needs, let them do their job! This also allows your guests to relax and enjoy the ceremony.
It makes the setting less intimidating!
Standing at the altar saying your vows in front of your closest family and friends with a sea of phones, cameras, and tablets can be super intense and a bit intimidating, especially when you’re trying to be present in the moment. Worse still if someone’s phone begins to ring by mistake mid-way through your carefully written vows.
Avoid this type of mishap by asking your photographer to document your ceremony discreetly, which means you only have to deal with one camera being pointed at you.
Cons for an unplugged ceremony:
Wedding Hashtags!
Some couples embrace the use of electronics and create a brand for their special day by using a wedding hashtag that they ask the guests to use when posting photos on social media.
These candid images taken throughout the day by family and friends can be a great way to relive your wedding from the guest’s perspective and they’re fun to share on social media.
No wait time!
Given the immediate nature of social media, you’ll be able to see all of the photos that guests have taken and shared from your wedding the very next day, or even the very next minute! While it can take some time for a photographer to share a gallery of images with you, photos posted to social media are immediate. No waiting involved.
Avoid miffed guests!
If your family and friends love taking photos and are super eager to document your wedding, they may not be happy if they’re asked not to use their phones, cameras, and tablets.
While you must take all of the pros and cons into consideration when deciding what will best fit your wedding, as a photographer I always recommend an unplugged ceremony. Not sure what to do? Email me! I’d love to chat with you about your options and help you figure the best solution.
If you’ve decided to go for an unplugged ceremony but aren’t sure how to tell your guests, check out my Pinterest board for a little inspiration. 🙂
Reader Interactions