Ceremonies by Nikki Kulin, Costa Celebrant - Wedding Ceremony Hints and Tips
Have you heard of ‘unplugged weddings’? There is a Facebook rant by Thomas Stewart of Australia, who explained all the reasons why phones, tablets and selfie sticks are ruining weddings. His Facebook post has had over 121k likes and 88k shares.
Do you want your guests to be fully present?
I work hard to ensure the choreography will work perfectly for your wedding photographer and videographer. I know that they will do their best to avoid those guests that decide to become a photographer for the day, however it can sometimes become really difficult and those beautiful wedding photos of you walking down the aisle can be ruined.
Will your guests get in the way of your photographer’s shot?
WHAT DOES ‘UNPLUGGED WEDDING’ MEAN?
An unplugged wedding is where you ask your guests to unplug from their tech either for the duration of the ceremony or for the day. An unplugged wedding encourages your guests to enjoy the moment and be fully present instead of checking their phones, taking photos and uploading to Facebook or Instagram in an instant. How do you feel about them taking photos and sharing them on social media? It is certainly a conversation you need to have before the day.
A perfect shot which shows exactly why couples choose an unplugged wedding.
SOCIAL MEDIA
With social media an everyday part of most people’s lives, do you want the photos taken by guests posted on Instagram or Facebook before you have walked back down the aisle as husband and wife? Do you want to turn your phone on at the end of the day and have notifications of photos you have been tagged in? This is your wedding day and you should be able to choose what is shared and who shares it. There are many apps that you can ask guests to upload their photos to so you can share when and if you choose to do so.
You want your guests to enjoy the day, and be part of it. I saw some research which says that we are the most photographed generation but you haven’t invited your family and friends along to take photos and be a photographer for the day, you have a professional for that.
Check out Pinterest for lots of sign suggestions.
SHOULD YOU BAN GUESTS FROM PHONES AND CAMERAS?
The word ban may sound a little strong, but it actually isn’t about banning them, it is about getting your guest to understand that you have a professional wedding photographer there to capture all of the special moments ready for you to view them once ready. You want your guests to understand that you want them to be there and enjoy the moment.
The other side of this argument is that you may miss those candid moments which guests may capture. It is such a personal choice and one that only you as a couple should make.
There are some wonderful signs to advise your guests to not use their phones or camera while the ceremony takes place. You might want to add a little message and note to your invite, or maybe ask them not to share to social media until the next day for instance. Check out Pinterest for lots of examples.
Unplugged wedding signs.
UNPLUGGED – A VIDEO WHICH SUMS IT ALL UP!
This video posted up on YouTube by SLF weddings sums up and illustrates why you might choose to go unplugged, and why you might want your guests to put the phones down and enjoy the moment.
UNPLUGGED WEDDINGS. YOUR CHOICE.
