It's not a new idea, by any means, but has anyone considered the idea of "unplugging" your guests for your wedding? I've been disheartened at a few weddings where the constant clicking of the shutter, beeps of the auto-focus, and red IR beam of too many Uncle Bobs' flash units have stolen the thunder from an otherwise perfect ceremony. I can't even count the shoulders I've tapped and politely asked to move out of the aisle for weddings... it's just sad.
I first read about the idea of a couple asking their guests to turn off the electronics *ESPECIALLY* their cameras from Offbeatbride.com. It sounded amazing and made all too much sense. I mean, realistically speaking, a wedding is something that people want to remember- and the influx of affordable and pretty cool little cameras have made documentation of people's lives readily accessible. But the ceremony, which I would feel pretty safe in assuming all the guests have been invited to, is for the couple- about the couple- and all eyes should be on the couple.
To the GUEST:
Wedding photography is something that is not inexpensive by any means- So, when you're invited to a wedding, wouldn't it make sense to respect the investment that was made by the couple getting married? Surely they've paid a decent chunk of change to have their wedding professionally documented and it seems completely rude to not only disrupt a wedding for your super-not-necessary-must-have shot, but it's downright a slap in the face to the professional who you're likely stepping directly in front of. I can't stop staring at some of those horrific pictures of a guest photobombing a wedding image whether it's with their body, their hands in the air holding that NOT discreet ipad, or the glare and colors of their flashes blowing out a ceremony shot.
To the COUPLE:
Being an unplugged bride sends the message that you truly CARE about the people you've invited. Having a small note on your program, or having the officiant make a very simple statement before the bride walks down the aisle is not the end of the world-- and it is a prime opportunity to tell every guest that you value their emotional presence in the biggest moment of your life to date. Hiding behind a screen is essentially creating a barrier between the real celebration of the love of the couple and the guest trying to "capture" that fleeting moment already being documented by the professional photographer.
Ever imagined that moment where you (the Bride) begins the slow walk down the aisle where every eye is on you, and your husband to be it gazing lovingly at you- and only you? Now, reality is that while you may only have eyes for each other, I've seen too many weddings where the only thing you'll notice in your wedding pictures is the fifty or so LCD screens being lifted over heads and shoved into the aisle to flash in your face. At the time, it's really not a big deal to you... but it's hard to remember that extremely amazing moment in time when all you'll see are the screens in your album.
Being an unplugged bride doesn't mean you are asking your guests to refrain from pictures entirely-- by all means, even as a wedding photographer, I arrive fully expecting an entourage of guests taking images over my shoulder. But the ceremony is about connection and unifying- wouldn't you want your guests to be present to celebrate that moment with you?
UPDATED:
I have been asked numerous times about what I recommend for informing guests that the couple has chosen to go "unplugged." There are a few items to consider:
1- Make a SIGN. A non-wordy, up front, no holds barred sign. It's the easiest, fastest, and unapologetic way to let your guests know what your expectations are of them. My favorite signs are right at the entrance to the ceremony site, and then again repeated in the program. They are to the point, "We have the picture side covered- please turn off your electronics and refrain from taking pictures. Be in the moment with us!" (SO many ways of saying it. Get creative, but don't get wordy- guests will NEVER read a whole big paragraph.)
2- Have your officiant make a statement before the parents/grandparents/bridal party etc.. begin to walk down the aisle. This is the perfect time for the officiant to say something, as, in my experience, the aisle shots are when guests can be the most visible in wedding photographs.
3- Put it on the wedding website, or have the bridal party spread the word-- there's nothing like the power of suggestion and word of mouth! "Oh my gosh, have you HEARD? Joe Smith is having a completely unplugged ceremony- have you heard of that before!? So smart. They are just the most innovative couple ever."
UPDATED:
I have been asked numerous times about what I recommend for informing guests that the couple has chosen to go "unplugged." There are a few items to consider:
1- Make a SIGN. A non-wordy, up front, no holds barred sign. It's the easiest, fastest, and unapologetic way to let your guests know what your expectations are of them. My favorite signs are right at the entrance to the ceremony site, and then again repeated in the program. They are to the point, "We have the picture side covered- please turn off your electronics and refrain from taking pictures. Be in the moment with us!" (SO many ways of saying it. Get creative, but don't get wordy- guests will NEVER read a whole big paragraph.)
2- Have your officiant make a statement before the parents/grandparents/bridal party etc.. begin to walk down the aisle. This is the perfect time for the officiant to say something, as, in my experience, the aisle shots are when guests can be the most visible in wedding photographs.
3- Put it on the wedding website, or have the bridal party spread the word-- there's nothing like the power of suggestion and word of mouth! "Oh my gosh, have you HEARD? Joe Smith is having a completely unplugged ceremony- have you heard of that before!? So smart. They are just the most innovative couple ever."
I strongly encourage brides and grooms considering this to check out Offbeatbride's article and talk with your photographer about whether this could be the answer you need to have an emotion-filled ceremony with your family and friends celebrating with you!
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