Wedding Planning 101: Planning an Unplugged Wedding

It’s an uniquely 21st Century problem. In the age of technology and smart gadgets, why go against the grain and celebrate unplugged?

Nowadays, almost every device we use has a camera. Cell phones, tablets, and laptops all come with a built-in camera. When you add the traditional camera to the formula, the number of devices that can document your day is astounding.

A moment lost to the wedding guest paparazzi. Photo by Acorn Studios.

While you have probably never given the digital camera a lot of thought, this proliferation of the shutter means that at your wedding virtually EVERY guest is a photographer or videographer. Your first response might be, “Cool!” However, if you give it a little thought, you’ll realize how chaotic this paparazzi can be.

As a full-time photographer, I have seen those camera-crazy guests jump up on the alter and stand next to the officiant to get a photograph/video of the couple exchanging vows. I’ve had guests literally step in front of me to capture THE KISS on their cellphone. And even worse, I’ve watched HUNDREDS of guests worry about being the first to get their photo/video on social media, and as a result spent the ENTIRE ceremony staring down at their hands!

Guests should live in the NOW and celebrate your love.
A solution to the guest paparazzi is the unplugged wedding ceremony. This is where you (or your officiant) asks your guests to switch off their cell phones, put away their cameras and be present in the moment. Your guests should be there FOR YOU, and putting their electronic devices away during the ceremony centers them in the now and gives you their support! (After all, they probably came for more than the cake and beer.)

Planning for an unplugged wedding should start right from the onset. On the invitation insist that guests refrain from taking photos and videos during the entire wedding ceremony. This should be followed up with reminders before the wedding starts. Most officiants don’t mind mentioning it before you walk down the aisle, you just have to ask.

Since all Acorn Studios wedding packages include a disc of images, I also advise clients to tell guests not to fret, they will get access to the professional photos after the big day! All Acorn Studios wedding clients also get some sample language for their invitation.

Apart from making an announcement, polite signs or notices should be put in strategic locations reminding the guests that you have decided to host an unplugged wedding. If you are not creative, there are some cute options on websites like Etsy. For those who may forget, and carry their phones and cameras and attempt to take photos, assign specific person who will politely remind them of the wishes of the groom and bride.

Will I benefit from asking guests to unplug?
There are advantages that come with having an unplugged wedding, the least of which is that you ensure that the photos taken during the ceremony are of high quality, since they are taken by professionals and experts. The photography team will not be blocked by guests who are trying to capture the moment; they have the whole space to get the best angles. Your professional photographer (and optional videographer) will apply his or her professional skills and artistry to an image that will help the you cherish the moment. Also you will not have the guests taking low quality or unflattering photos and then sharing them with the world.

Should I be 100% anti-camera?
When I advise Acorn Studios’ clients about the advantages of an unplugged wedding, I am quick to note that the entire day does not have to be unplugged–just the ceremony.  Simply ask guests to reserve the ceremony for the professionals.

Set up a hashtag or collaboration app where guests can share photos from pre-ceremony and post-ceremony activities, like your trip to the salon or late night reception dancing. Encourage friends and family to bring out their cameras during these important moments. However, ask your guests to give you their undivided attention during the ceremony.

While I can’t speak for other industry professionals, Acorn Studios wedding clients receive a secure online gallery featuring their photos for 30-days. This allows clients to share the professional photos with friends. You can also print a few photos for guests and include them in your thank you notes.

In my experience, if you communicate why you want an unplugged wedding and make a heartfelt plea, then most people will gladly comply. After all, it really isn’t too big of an ask for 20-30 minutes of their undivided attention.