Unplugged Ceremonies

After daughter was a BM is a close friend's wedding where EVERY professional picture of the bride and her dad walking down the aisle is blocked by two "family friends" who stepped into the aisle in front of the photographer, and there isn't a single picture of the ceremony without many people in the back ground holding up phones & i-pads, daughter and SIL said "OH, HECK NO!!!!" They had a sign by the guest book, the GM "reminded" people as they were seated, and the officiant asked guests to turn off and put away devices before the processional began. We also, assertively, spread the word beforehand because we definitely had relatives we knew would be horrible offenders. One of them pushed back hard in a group conversation, asking "how we intended to stop her," and I just said, since it was what the B&G wanted, we would HOPE that people who love them would be respectful of their wishes.... She had a huge puss on her face the entire day, but she didn't have her phone out, so, Mission Accomplished! They received over 1100 edited pictures from the photographer, and there isn't a single phone visible during the ceremony, and really not many at the reception. They got what they wanted!

No, people are adults and can take pictures if they'd like. Photographers are professionals and can get all the pics you need without people having to keep their phones away.

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I completely understand. Surprisingly, I barely even knew where my phone was my entire wedding day, lol.

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My fingers are crossed for her 🤞

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That's really interesting that your photographer required that. It's really a good idea. That way you can make your photographer the bad guy if guests have a problem with it, lol.

View Quoted Comment I agree with you on that.

Everytime I watch Gossip Girl and see them with their Sidekicks, and Razr phones, I cringe. I imagine that same reaction in a couple decades looking at my wedding photos. Lol.

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I'm so glad everything turned out well for your daughter. Sometimes family and friends who are super excited to get their own shots can ruin the professional ones. I don't think people realize that.

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Girl! mine too! I think she might lose it if the photos come back with people photo bombing all of them.

I am having an unplugged ceremony but allowing them use their phones during reception! I just think it’s better for the experience especially since we are also paying a professional for our photos.

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I also had an unplugged ceremony but I will say maybe 5 shots were ruined by guests.

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All she needs is a few great shots from the ceremony. The rest are staged and reception moments.

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How will you communicate to guests that your ceremony is unplugged?

I am SO grateful for this thread! We weren’t going to have an unplugged ceremony but now we totally are. Thanks for all the posts!

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Well usually, yes that would be the case but her photographer has just had emergency surgery only a few days before her wedding but came anyway as to not let her down so in Florida heat, she was having a really hard time and had to leave right after the ceremony so she wasn't there for the cake cutting or any reception memories. The ceremony and a few group pictures was all she was able to get.

View Quoted Comment I plan on making a sign as they enter the building, I will also have someone announce it before hand so everyone remembers!

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I'm glad I could help!

I did not have an unplugged ceremony and thankfully it went well but I have definitely heard horror stories.

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This does not sound good.

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Okay, cool. 👍 Good idea!

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Thinking positive and also very thankful that she is a state away so I don't have to here her screaming if they come out bad lol

View Quoted Comment 🤣 Yes let's keep positive thoughts.