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UNPLUGGED WEDDING

WHAT IS AN UNPLUGGED WEDDING?

An “unplugged” wedding is when the couple decides they prefer their wedding guests not to take photos or share them on social media. There are various variations of this concept, ranging from having an unplugged ceremony only to implementing a strict “no photo policy” for the entire wedding celebration or even a complete “social media blackout” until the next day or until the couple announces their marriage themselves.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH TAKING PHOTOS?

 

Over the last 15-20 years, built-in cameras in mobile phones and social media have changed the way we share our lives. Now, most people have the ability to take photos or videos and share them with the world in a matter of seconds. For many, it’s just fun and enjoyable, and many are active on TikTok and Instagram, sharing their lives with everyone. This isn’t inherently a problem if that’s what they want. The challenge arises when not everyone wants their life shared online. In recent years, there’s been a backlash against the explosive use of social media, with more and more people choosing to limit their online presence as much as possible. It’s important to respect this, even though as a guest, it may be tempting to share such a wonderful experience with friends online. If you’re considering holding a completely or partially “unplugged” wedding, here are some tips you might want to consider.

PROS

 

1. PRESENCE

The absence of things like phones during your wedding creates an increased sense of presence. Without distractions, guests can fully experience and immerse themselves in the planned event. This enhances their ability to listen and remember the ceremony. It also opens up opportunities for interactions with new people, fostering deeper connections and creating a memorable celebration of love.

2. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS

By hiring a professional wedding photographer, you’ll get high-quality images. They are equipped to handle different lighting conditions and capture moments perfectly. This ensures you get photos that stand out from the more casual shots your guests might take. Additionally, you avoid the challenge of competing for the photographer’s position or having guests getting in the way of beautiful shots. This allows the photographer to focus solely on capturing the key moments of your wedding.

3. PRIVACY

We live in a time where sharing everything online has become the norm. But it’s important to remember that not everyone wants their life documented and shared on social media. While the person taking the photo owns the copyright, they don’t automatically have the right to share it without considering others’ privacy. Beyond respecting your wedding guests’ rights, you should also consider those not invited to your big day. Sharing photos and videos with people who weren’t invited (but perhaps feel they should have been) can create awkward situations.

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CONS

1. IMPATIENCE

Since it usually takes a few weeks to receive your photos from your photographer, some guests, and maybe even you, may feel impatient to see them. Be sure to inform your guests that they’ll receive photos as soon as you do. Have a sharing plan in place for how they can view the pictures. Most professional photographers offer beautiful online galleries where guests can both download images and order prints as desired. You might also consider asking your photographer to send a “sneak peek” of a handful of photos a few days after the wedding. This way, everyone gets a little teaser showing what they can look forward to!

2. COMPLAINTS

Although it’s rarely that dramatic, the biggest disadvantage of an “unplugged” wedding is dealing with complaints. Not everyone will fully understand (or agree) with your decision and might even feel offended by your restriction on their phone use. Some guests may have arranged for their children to be looked after and want to be easily reachable in case of an emergency. But remember, everything in moderation. Your guests’ phones don’t need to be locked away in a cabinet—they still have them on hand and can step out to take a call if necessary. The discipline lies in not using the phone as a camera or staring at it instead of being present with you.

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LIMIT THE "UNPLUGGED" PART OF THE WEDDING

 

You don’t have to have a completely “unplugged” wedding from start to finish. Your ceremony is the perfect moment to ask guests to put away their phones and enjoy the moment. I often recommend to my couples that they ask the officiant or a similar person to remind guests to keep their phones in their pockets or bags. Although many couples include this in their invitations, there are always a few who forget, and it can feel awkward.

 

I’ve actually witnessed a situation where, despite repeated reminders from the officiant and the couple’s request, a guest continued to take out their phone and film multiple times during the ceremony. It was truly uncomfortable to witness as the officiant clearly became more and more frustrated and was interrupted during their work. Fortunately, it’s extremely rare for someone to ignore the “rules.” Most guests have no problem keeping their phones away until after the ceremony is over. However, more and more couples are also asking people to respect that they don’t want pictures shared on social media.

 

The most important aspect of organizing a fully or partially “unplugged” wedding is communication with your guests. For some of your guests, this may be their first time hearing about the concept of an “unplugged wedding,” so be mindful and understanding. It can feel invasive to some.

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BAND, DJ OR
PLAYLIST?

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THE TIMELINE

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THE GOOD
WEDDING SPEECH

FINDING THE RIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHER

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UNPLUGGED
WEDDING?

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THE COCKTAIL HOUR

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