Today is your special day… your wedding day! You’ve chosen it all – the cake, the venue, the centerpieces, even the photographer who will capture all of the love between you and your significant other. Your wedding day photos will showcase your big day for a lifetime and the last thing the camera should be focused on during your ceremony is guests on their phones.
We all know friends and family just want to capture that perfect shot for you and share in the love of your day, but having an unplugged ceremony is the only way for guests to truly be in the moment as you and your special someone exchange vows. Besides, getting photos during the ceremony is what you paid the photographer for, right!? Now, if you want guests to capture anything and everything they can, then of course phones should be out! Otherwise, take this chance to have guests put them away and simply be present in the moment. This will ensure that guests are not in the way of the photographer, who is focused on your and your fiancé during this intimate moment.
Three Reasons for No Phones
- You won’t see phones in the photos of you walking down the aisle
- Guests can take in the beauty of your ceremony and be present in the short time that the ceremony lasts
- Your private vows, meant only for your significant other and those surrounding you, are not shared publicly
There are many more benefits to having an unplugged ceremony, and if you feel uncomfortable asking guests to turn their phones off, consider having a sign that guests will see while walking to their seats. This can serve as the first reminder that the couple wants all guests to just enjoy the ceremony, no phones attached. Next, have your officiant give a final call for phones to be put away before the ceremony begins. There will be more than enough time for all guests to take their own photos and videos after the ceremony.
Final Thoughts
The photographer is meant to capture how the moment LOOKS, but the guests should remember and embrace how the special moments of your ceremony FEEL. Technology can get in the way of feeling that love and it is distracting. So for the duration of the ceremony, encourage guests to unplug and later continue the party at the reception. That’s when the Snapchat filters and Boomerangs are the most fun anyways!
For more wedding day inspiration, visit our Facebook page for photos of real weddings at the Mansion and the Carriage House! We also have a Wedding Resources list complete with amazing vendors that our couples have hired for their wedding days.