The case for unplugged weddings.....(spillover post)

I first came across the idea at http://offbeatbride.com/2011/06/unplugged-wedding

People have very strong opinions about it but I actually had 0 issue with it at all. I put a tab on my wedding website explaining it, spread it by word of mouth and put a little blerb in the program. Most photogs I've spoken to about this recommend at least an unplugged ceremony.

That blog link offers wording suggestions (mine was a modified version taken from there) to let your guests know without pissing people off. You can also google unplugged wedding to see some examples of pix that have been ruined by guests taking pictures.

And if you don't, you might just end up with this:

I kind of wish I'd had an unplugged ceremony, just because in pics when guests were supposed to wave ribbon wands, there was a sea of cameras.

I think a fully unplugged wedding is a little over the top and controlling, though. Especially when there's a 'no posting to FB' rule. Brides, you're not Angelina Jolie, and you don't need THAT much control over your image.

Thanks to many of you ladies, I actually kept this in mind at the last wedding I attended. I found myself pulling out my phone as the bride was walking down the aisle, said to myself 'am I really taking in the moment?' put it back away and enjoyed the ceremony!

The photographers photos were beautiful, and worth the 2-3 week wait

Shannon, the only time I'm cool with the "no posting to FB" rule is before the ceremony. I've seriously seen some people post some of the "getting ready" pics to FB that the FH ended up seeing before they did a first look/touch or she walked down the aisle. That to me was just very messed up.

I'm perfectly OK with guests taking pics, but we are asking my mom's boyfriend to not take any during the ceremony. He's a "hobby" photographer, and while he takes great pics, we don't want him to accidentally get in the way of the pros we've hired. He gets so focused on taking pictures, he kinda forgets where he is sometimes. But, we've asked him to take pics at the rehearsal which I'm very excited about. I know we'll get some great pics!

My friends/family don't normally take any pics (or very few) during the ceremony of weddings we've been to in the past, so I'm not worried about them doing anything to disrupt the pros. Our ceremony is outdoors anyway, so even our pro isn't worried about rogue flashes getting in the way. As for things ending up on FB - I think that'll actually be kinda fun to see what pops up since I won't get to see the pro pics immediately.

I agree a completely unplugged would be a bit much. I think an unplugged ceremony is enough. I liked having some reception pix from guests the next day or so.

@Christina my love, When I went to my cousin's wedding I was so focused on getting it on video (for my sister who couldn't make it) that I wasn't even really paying attention to what was going on :-(. I truly regret that.

I totally agree and will be sure to let me guests know before my wedding. I just hope I remember since mine is in 2013...lol.

I clicked on the link above & I can't get access without a password...do you have it?

Whoops! I posted the wrong link :-P. I'll fix it

Drat, my stalker skills weren't fast enough to beat Nik to post the right link.

I think this is a great idea, I just added this info to the FAQ on my wedding website and I'm going to have my ushers remind people as they arrive (not sure if we are making programs yet).

I kinda of want to PREVIEW the pics before people post to FB... Is that a bad thing... :/ Sometimes I am not very Photogenic ( I think and I hate when folks tag me in unflattering pics...

We've talked about this with the families and some of them are on board for it but i've heard other comments like "i might accidently forget about that rule"

I love it. Love it. Love it. Be where you are when you're there instead of watching it afterwards.

Here is a prime example (I covered the faces for privacy). I would've preferred to get a centered shot, but the nice gentleman to my left prevented that during. Then the lady to my right stepped in. Also, look how distracting the gentleman to the left is...his face is reflected in his iPad. Your unsuspecting guests just want to capture photos to share with you, to post on FB, etc., and to be the first to do it. They don't realize they're impeding the photographer from capturing your day beautifully.

Don't worry, I was able to get some shots of her walking with her dad...but I truly loved the expressions in this one, and sadly, the guests ruined the shot without realizing it. We know it's not malicious intent on the part of the guests. But there are serious consequences to your investment in your photography when your guests get camera, smartphone, or iPad crazy during your ceremony.

Some officiants will also make an announcement of no photography if you ask them.

@Nik - In that case, I'm sure your sister did appreciate the extra effort!

@EminDee Images, WOW! That's crazy! I feel like the couple is paying a lot of money for a photog, let the professional do what they were paid to do!

Nik...yes, it is crazy. I've had this happen at many weddings. I talk to my couples about going unplugged. Some really go for it. Others are more worried about making their friends and family unhappy...forgetting the huge investment they're making for their "Once in a Lifetime" photos...there isn't a "do-over" of dad walking you down the aisle, or your ceremony kiss, or walking with your new hubby back down the aisle. There have been times that I couldn't crop people out of those important photos, work around the guests so as not to include them stepping in front, or photoshop them out. Those are the times I am most sad for the couple because there was an opportunity to go unplugged for the ceremony.

I chose to do it simply because people don't think about the reflection on the giant wall of glass at our ceremony lol. I didn't have the WHOLE wedding unplugged, just the ceremony and it worked out well. I also didn't care if they posted to FB or not, wasn't a big deal to me. I had 2 signs printed up to display at the ceremony entrance and the front door and it worked out very well. I loved that all our guests were able to be in the moment with us!