As social media has increasingly taken a key place in our lives so, too, have unplugged weddings become more popular.
What are unplugged weddings?
This simply means that the bride and groom have chosen for guests to sit back and capture all the precious moments from their wedding ceremony without the distraction of taking photos with their camera or phone. This role is left to either their professional photographer or, perhaps, one or two close friends.
As well as family and friends soaking up the atmosphere and listening to what should be a beautifully crafted ceremony, the photographer has the opportunity to circulate easily to capture all those special moments – moments like the groom’s first look as the bride comes down the aisle, the ring exchange, the first kiss, the announcement as husband and wife and, perhaps a rose petal shower as the bride and groom walk back down the aisle together. When you consider that you’re paying your photographer to document your special day with beautiful images, it makes sense that they are able to do this uninterrupted.
Posting to social media
Some couples take it one step further and request that their guests do not post to social media until after they’ve had a chance to do so. When you think about this being one of the biggest days of their lives, it makes sense that some couples would want to be the first to reveal their special moments.
How can you make it happen?
Well, here are a few things you can do:
♥ Write a short note on your invitations or wedding website (if you have one set up) explaining that you’ll be having an unplugged wedding. This will give family and friends the “heads up” about your plans. It’s likely they’ll need a reminder though!
♥ Display some creative signage at your event. I can provide you with some wording for this if you like and put you in touch with various suppliers who can produce the artwork and signage for this purpose.
♥ Ask your celebrant to mention it just before the bride arrives so the concept will be fresh in the minds of family and friends. I would highly recommend this approach, perhaps in combination with one of the foregoing options.
Of course, some couples are keen to receive as many photos as possible from their wedding day so they may choose not to have an unplugged wedding. In the end, it’s all about respecting their wishes so they can have lasting memories of their special day.
After the ceremony
Your celebrant can also let family and friends know that after the ceremony, when it’s party time, they can take as many photos as they like.
If you have an Instagram account, you may also like to let family and friends know your wedding hash tag so they can post all their photos there in the one place so you don’t miss a thing!
029 – 31/05/2016