Going Unplugged or Plugged at your Wedding
Phones at a wedding are a hot topic right now and unplugged ceremony's have been a big movement! I personally think this is a fantastic idea because too may times have I had to request guest to move out of the aisle or put their phone down so I can get the shot I need. I can see your guest need for wanting to capture the day for them selves because they love you and want to share in the importance of your big day. However as a Photographer who has a signed contract with a duty and loyalty to their clients if a guest is in my way with a phone I will tell them to move, sit down, or get out of the way, and I will not apologize for it because this is my job not theirs! Their job is to enjoy the day, to support you, and be there with you as you join as one!
So what is the best way to go about a successful unplugged ceremony? If this is something you are considering start by making it very well known that you will be having an unplugged ceremony to all your guest! Mention it in your invitations, tell specific guests personally before hand that you know are prone taking phone photos, make an easy to read clear sign for your ceremony entrance, and have your officiant make an announcement at the beginning of the ceremony! Your officiants announcement should sound a little like this " Welcome to the wedding or the joining of X and X. They are so happy you are all here to celebrate their big day with them and have requested that I make an announcement before we begin. X and X have requested that this be an unplugged ceremony as they have invested in professional photographers( and videographers if you have any) to capture their day. Emma ( and second shooter if I have one and videographers) will be all about the ceremony photographing ( and videoing) not only X and X but guest as well and they would hate for a phone to get in the way of capturing your enjoyment during the ceremony. Thank you!" This announcement is fantastic because it not only makes it well know that it has been a requested unplugged ceremony by you but also introduces me ( my second if I have one and videographers) to the guest. It also makes it known that we will not only be shooting you but them as well! This will hopefully deter them from pulling their phone out and embarrassing themselves in a photo ( or video) that may be delivered in your gallery.
If you do wish to still have a plugged ceremony that's great but again please have your officiant make an announcement on your behalf informing guest to be respectful and stay clear of the professional photographer(s) ( and videographers ) and that if they would like to take their phones out for photo or video to move at least 3 seats into the row or to the outer edge so they do not accidentally get in the way of us doing our jobs.
So wether you decide to go plugged or unplugged it is truly up to you! At the end of the day you will still be getting a beautiful full gallery from me and at best your guest photos will live on in the their phone as a happy memory to look back on.
P.S. Please, Please, Please be respectful of professionals at weddings we have singed contracts to fulfill and are being paid large sums of money to make your loved ones day go as smoothly as they dreamed it would!
