Is it fair to ask your guests to turn off their cameras during the ceremony?
While some couples are encouraging their guests to take as many images as they’d like at their wedding… others are asking that guests turn off their cameras and smartphones for the day. An unplugged wedding is a wedding that restricts the use of any devices that record video and take photos. It can be during the wedding ceremony itself or for the entire wedding ceremony and reception. Many couples will place a sign at the entrance to kindly remind their guests of their unplugged wedding. There are definitely strong thoughts from both perspectives.

Why choose an unplugged wedding?

Guests are fully present throughout the ceremony:
The bride and groom wish to have their guests fully present with them throughout one of the most memorable days of their life. An important aspect of a wedding is having your special friends and families witness you exchange your vows. It can be difficult to ensure this if many people are distracted by their electronic device. When you discourage these devices at a wedding, it encourages your guests to look up and be actively listening throughout the ceremony.

The photographer captures the moment:
The bride and groom spend a lot of money on their photographer for their special day. It may be disappointing to view your wedding photos and notice many smartphones being held up in the background. An unplugged wedding allows for the photographer to capture their images without the distraction of others also capturing the moment.

Image Source: Google Images

It eliminates the chance of an unintentional “first look”.
Having an unplugged wedding eliminates the chance of having your images shared before the ceremony. The bride wants to keep her wedding gown a secret from her significant other until the ceremony. However, with Social Media being so popular, a picture can be uploaded so quickly. It would be disappointing to have your dress revealed before the ceremony takes place. An unplugged wedding allows for the couple to decide when to reveal their wedding images.

Why not to choose an unplugged wedding?
Although there are some strong thoughts for an unplugged wedding, there can be just as many for a wedding that allows guests to take images.
Many couples will encourage their guests to take images throughout their wedding day and even share them on social media. Often couples will create a hashtag which guests can use on Instagram, or Facebook.

Image Source: Google Images

The bride and groom are able to view their wedding from a different perspective
Your photographer is usually only one or two cameras. Therefore, having your guests take images allows them to capture special moments that your photographer may miss. You are able to see your wedding day from multiple perspectives and your guests might be able to capture different angles then the photographer.

Out of town guests might appreciate a sneak peek.
For guests that are unable to attend the wedding, they will appreciate seeing photos the day of, rather than waiting to view the professional photos.

The compromise:
One way to meet in the middle is to compromise between the two options. You could politely ask your guests to refrain from taking images at the ceremony and allow them to bring their cameras out for the reception.

What are your thoughts on an unplugged wedding?