Thanks to modern technology, guests often become “professional wedding photographers”. While we understand their enthusiasm, we’ve found that unplugged ceremonies are great for a myriad of reasons. Here are some of our favorites:
- Guests can be in the moment
By giving your guest permission to put down their phones, they can truly appreciate the special ceremony you spent months planning and feel the love you have for one another. It also is a great way to set the tone for the remainder of the day.
The wedding processional is one of the sweeter times to truly see the bride come down the aisle. Not through your smartphone.
- No fear of interruptions
Nothing can kill your special moment faster than a wedding guest fumbling to turn off his Sports Center ringtone or a guest’s flash blinding you as you turn to face one another and recite your vows. Avoid distractions with a clear no-phone or camera policy.
- Less is More
Rather than having to weed through tons of photos taken by Aunt Sharon, your co-workers date and the 30 other people who took photos during your ceremony, you can enjoy the quality, curated images provided by your professional photographer.
How sweet is this first look!? Would be even sweeter without a guest’s phone.
- Clear line of site for photography and videography
We can’t tell you how many times a wedding guest has jumped in front of us as the bride walks down the aisle or as the couple has their first kiss. Thankfully, we have enough experience to capture the moment despite the interruption, but it certainly makes for a challenging situation. You also don’t want your ceremony video to have everyone holding up their phone like they are at a concert!
With moments and views like this, be still and soak it all in!
- Day of Show
Elevate Photography includes a “Day of Show” with its Magnolia and Aspen packages allowing guests to see the story of the day as its unfolds. The show includes several photos from the ceremony so guests can see quality, up-close photos soon after they happen and will understand why they weren’t allowed to take photos or video.
How to Tell Your Guest to Unplug during your Ceremony
Include a note in your invitations
A simple request that no photos to be taken during the ceremony as a part of your invitation is an easy and non-confrontational way to let your guests know your expectations.
Place a sign at the entrance of the ceremony space
Whether you make your own sign or buy one of the hundreds offered on sites like Etsy, a sign is a great way to remind guests to be in the moments during the most important part of your wedding day.
Sign by Etsy artist, More Printables.
Have your officiant make an announcement
An officiant commands a certain level of respect so be sure to ask your officiant to make an announcement about your desire for an unplugged ceremony. Then, no one can say they didn’t know of your desire.
Elevate Photography is a team of Colorado wedding photographers who are passionate about what they do – taking great photos, every time. Elevate’s creative and photojournalistic style combined with commitment to customer service ensure amazing images of the most important day of your life. We are based in Denver, Colorado, but are happy to travel to beaches, mountain tops or ice castles to photograph your wedding.
