Calvert County Maryland Wedding Glamping Photographer

Why You Should Have an Unplugged Wedding & How to Make Your Guests Feel Included

For Brides

August 22, 2016

Your guests are beyond excited to experience your wedding day with you, and this day & age they will almost always have a camera or a cell phone with them when they arrive. More than likely a large portion of your wedding budget is spent on your photography coverage so your concerns about guests bringing cameras may have crept into your mind. You may also be concerned about getting images of your guests holding up cell phones or tablets during your ceremony, in the aisle, or possibly stepping in front your photographer. This is a common concern for my couples, and (I’ll be honest) a huge concern for wedding photographers.

You may also have heard horror stories from brides who were delivered images full of cell phones blocking views. Or you may have seen a popular article floating around Facebook – where the groom couldn’t even see his bride walking down the aisle towards him because of guests blocking his view with their phones. (Sad. Very, very sad.)

One repeating question that comes to my attention during consultations time and time again is, “Do you recommend an unplugged wedding?” And another, “What does your contract say about guests bringing cameras to my wedding?” This can become a touchy subject because you want your guests to document their time with you, share on social media using your cleverly crafted hashtag, or not keep Uncle Bob from being able to bring his DSLR to the wedding. I completely understand, and I also cringe when someone steps in my way blocking an important shot because they want a cell phone picture. So, today we’re going to talk about how you can pull off having an unplugged wedding, AND still make your guests feel included.

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What is an “Unplugged Wedding”?

An unplugged wedding is one where a couple informs their friends and family to keep electronics turned OFF during the ceremony portion of their wedding so they can be present in the moment and not act as a distraction to other guests, or possibly block the hired photographer’s viewpoint.

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Amanda Adams Photography

How can I let my guests know that I’d like to have an Unplugged Wedding?

Many brides will include an information card inside of their invitations letting their guests know that the wedding will be unplugged. It will include a cute little description of what “unplugged” means. Searching the internet will give you some creative ways to break the news to your guests in the form of a poem or beautifully worded script.

At the wedding couples will also have signs reminding guests of their unplugged ceremony, oftentimes placed on the table where the guestbook is or at the entrance of the ceremony location. Having signs to remind guests of your request is a wonderful way to make sure they’re aware of your wishes before entering the ceremony area.

Does an unplugged wedding mean my guests can’t EVER take pictures?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! My contract does state that no other professional photographer is to be hired to shoot stills during the day of the wedding, other than me. However, that doesn’t mean that your family should have to leave their cameras at home. I understand how important it is for family and friends to document your wedding day and share in the excitement and love you two are creating for them. I don’t ever want to take away that opportunity from them.

Besides, being able to capture reception images like the one below makes me extremely happy!! I love seeing families and friends making their own memories and documenting them with pictures. I could never deny them that.

Calvert County Maryland Wedding Glamping Photographer

Amanda Adams Photography

Suggestions from a Wedding Photographer

I’ve photographed weddings where my view (my ONLY available viewpoint due to tight spaces or narrow aisles) was blocked by people with cell phones and large tablets. Watching this happen breaks my heart for my couple because these moments can never be recreated. I’ve also dealt with having to toss images of the first kiss at the ceremony because guests brought their DSLR’s and were snapping shots with their flash on. The reason this happens is because my cameras are metered for the available light and when a very bright light source is added to the scene at the same time I’m taking a picture the whole frame is blown out and ruined. There is no way I can use it, and I’m forced into having to toss an image that should have been given to my lovely couple. In addition to these experiences I also wholeheartedly believe that electronics and social media have pulled us away from reality and being present when we’re experiencing a moment. I want nothing more for your guests than the opportunity to watch with their eyes, not through a screen. To feel with their hearts and not be concerned about whether or not they should walk into the aisle to get a picture of the kiss. They will have the chance to fully experience your ceremony the way you intended, without the distraction of cell phones or tablets.

Now that we’ve talked a little bit about what my policy is regarding cameras and what an unplugged wedding really is, let’s take a few more minutes to talk about what my suggestions would be to pull this off successfully and still make your guests feel included on your special day!

  1. Use your online gallery delivery as a way to encourage your guests to remain unplugged. Everyone will have easy access to view the beautiful moments captured during your ceremony simply by getting access to your final gallery online. This is a great way for them to be present during your ceremony, as well as have the chance to view and even purchase their favorite images! Win, win!
  2. If you really think your guests are dying to have a cell phone shot of you with your brand new husband, consider having your DJ or planner make a quick announcement before family formals are captured by your wedding photographer. The announcement can go something like this, “If you would like the opportunity to grab a quick shot of the bride & groom together we are now giving you the opportunity! Grab your cell phones or cameras and in 5 minutes time we will be leaving the family with their professional photographer for their formals.” This has worked for us in numerous weddings and the guests leave for the cocktail hour feeling like they were included and given some time to do what they’ve been dying to do since they saw you in your dress for the first time!
  3. We will do a lot of planning ahead of time to make sure your family formals runs smoothly. The reason we do this is because we want you to enjoy your time with guests and not be caught up in extended time with us, unless it’s something you really want. The guys are almost always dying for a beer! And by the time family formals roll around, you’re ready for a break as well. We want you to have time to enjoy at least PART of your cocktail hour! And your cocktail hour is a great time of the night to grab guests and include them in those coveted cell phone shots and hashtaged images on Instagram.
  4. Once dinner and dancing begins, the cameras and phones come out. This part of the night is an extremely fun part for me because I get to watch everyone let loose and have a great time together! I will never, ever stand in the way of someone getting their own photographs. And I’m also more than happy to grab their cell phones so I can capture some group shots for them, that way they’re included in these pictures.

I’d Love to Hear From You!!

Do you have any stories or experiences you’d like to share? Are you considering an unplugged wedding, but just didn’t know how to go about setting it up? I’d love to hear from you!! Just comment below.

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