Uplug Weddings and Facebook Live

I think it's fine to request it, but there's not really anything you can do to MAKE them stay off their phones. It's crappy behavior from them though

I would hope if you asked that they would respect your wishes, but there isn't really any way to stop them from recording, even after you ask. I think the streaming on FB Live could make people resentful if they aren't invited. Could you record and house it somewhere privately to give the link only to specific people?

@Kia I think she's saying she doesn't want anyone to go live, but her cousin says she is going to

I am requesting an unplugged wedding, in reality I know some people that probably won't listen. I really just want everyone in the moment with us, I will have pro photos of the ceremony for everyone to see once they come in.

I have actually considered going live for the same reason that your cousin stated, slightly, for people who can't come is our reason. His cousin can't come because she is due around our date, I have some extended family that won't be able to come because they are older and live out of state, and I have a friend that lives in Hawaii so she won't be able to make it. So I have considered doing it for them and anyone else who couldn't attend. My FMIL has suggested skype so we could do that as well. It's still something we are thinking about.

ETA: I wanted to add I wasn't going to do it for people who weren't invited, for people who couldn't attend but still wanted to be there. I just noticed some of my sentences seemed weird. Sorry!

We are making a sign like this for the ceremony. I want to go unplug for the ceremony but the reception people can use their cell phones.

Thanks, @Taylor. I couldn't tell if she was encouraging or discouraging the live thing.

Either way, I imagine aside from asking people to respect your wishes, or placing an especially firm family member to guard them and nip it in the bud if it happens (partially kidding), there isn't much you can do.

I normally hate unplugged weddings but that's just weird. Can you talk to your cousin and simply explain you are very uncomfortable with her live streaming your wedding and ask her to not do it?

I think it's totally acceptable to do an unplugged ceremony. That's what we are doing. After seeing so many posts on Facebook about how people's ceremony pictures were ruined by their guests standing in the aisle or holding their phone in the aisle and blocking the photographers view. There's no way in hell Im paying $3500 for a photographer to have the pictures ruined by a cell phone! Just my opinion though. We will also be doing a sign to let guests know.

I'm thinking of something similar. Having a sign up asking people not to take pictures, in the program and an announcement from the officiant. It really is for them to enjoy the moment and be present as well as so the photographer can take the pictures I am paying them good money to take.

I will request one person (no clue who just yet) to live stream the ceremony (not sure of the platform just yet) as we do have a number of elderly guests that cannot attend in person.

I have never used Facebook live and have no idea how it works. I just know its a thing that live streams what you are doing. I don't know if you can choose who to stream to or not. If it streams to everyone I wouldn't use it, but if I can choose who sees the video like I can do with my posts then I will consider it.

ETA: I just looked around on my Facebook and it does appear that you can customize who sees the live stream.

@J. Clo that's what I was thinking of doing as well for live streaming it.

You are all right, I can request that guest respect our wishes and not take pictures or be on FB live during the ceremony, but I just know someone is going to sneak and do it anyways lol. Also a lot of you ladies did make good points about the going live to relatives who cant make it/ elderly- that I can really put into consideration, but my cousin is talking about going live on her phone- meaning streaming to people I do not know. she is still not backing down unfortunately.

We are having a sign at our church asking for an unplugged ceremony

I'm sorry, I would be PISSED if someone put my wedding on FB live. I don't want the whole world seeing it. I'm not a public person. I'd absolutely out my foot down (and I will, when the day comes!).

You can definitely ask people to do it, but you can't stop them. You would have no way of really knowing if someone was using FB live, and you shouldn't be paying that much attention to anyone but the person you are marrying during the ceremony, anyway.

I'm on my phone or computer all the time. I love taking pictures, videos, and whatever (though I'm not on social media a lot). But you will never see my iPhone anywhere out during a wedding ceremony. I want to watch it and not record it and respect those around me, especially the couple getting married. In fact, I rarely have it out during receptions, either. So, I'm a firm believer in unplugged weddings. I think people should live in the moment and let the professional photographers take the pics, and definitely not post anything on social media before the couple posts anything. Of course, couples should allow what they want at their weddings. But all the same, everyone needs to be adults and respect your wishes, and not take pictures if you don't want them to.

Yeah we are going to TRY to do unplugged wedding ceremony .... my photographer basically insists on it because cell phone takers get in their way..... Plus I dont want people seeing our wedding on FB....

But I cannot control or police it in any way.... I already know my niece is going to try to do it cause she is THAT kind of person to not care one way or another what someone wants or wishes.... Selfish in the worse way!

I am doing that. I hate the idea of people sharing my special moment. If you were not invited, you're obviously dont need to be part of it.

I was thinking about doing fb live then I can also see it because I don't have a videographer lol

We're going to try doing an unplugged ceremony but folks can do what they wish during the reception