How does the photo above make you feel?
If all your professional wedding photography turned out like this would you be entirely happy?
If it makes you feel like we do, then you should take some wedding advice from previous brides and consider planning an unplugged wedding.
Should you be planning an unplugged wedding??
Don't get us wrong, modern technology is amazing. The digital boom has revolutionised the way we communicate, and technology permeates our daily lives.
The internet instantly brings us information at the touch of a button (or a chat with “Siri”) and social networks have brought ever us closer to our friends than ever before.
Sadly, it has left most of us glued to our devises, distracted, disconnected from those around us, and never truly experiencing events.
What is an unplugged wedding?
Just like when you visit either the cinema or theatre, at an unplugged wedding, you simply ask your wedding guests not to use their digital devices during the event.
Free from distractions they allow themselves, and those around them, to become fully immersed in the experience of your wedding.
Family and loved ones soak up each moment as they emotionally commit to each moment of your wedding day.
Why do photographers promote planning unplugged weddings?
As Adelaide wedding photographers, we are often asked advice from brides and grooms, both in person and in online wedding forums. A short while ago, we were alerted to the video shown below.
Our initial reaction as was one of heart ache for the bride and groom, their wedding mishap was now being displayed globally on social media.
Our second, and professional reaction was “This is another reason to plan an unplugged wedding”.
We appreciate this incident still may have occurred had the guests been told to unplug at the ceremony, but this surge into the isle by wedding guests waving i-Pads and mobiles is now all too common unless they are told not to.
Had the wedding been unplugged, the only lasting evidence would have been in memories, or in the wedding photos should the couple decide to keep the image. No longer under the control of bride or groom, this video has found its way online and eventually on to the news.
Planning an unplugged wedding it is not compulsory, we do actively promote the benefits of having guests unplug at the ceremony and at certain key moments during your wedding.
Advantages to planning an unplugged wedding
As professional photographers, you employ us to produce the very best wedding photography for you during your ceremony. We do our best to make your wedding photos amazing!
Our aim at the ceremony is to blend in, be invisible and take lots of meaningful images that will cherish and adore.
With a duty to observe rather than interfere, your wedding photographs are often compromised by well-meaning wedding guests using flash photography, filming with bright tablets or having their faces hidden behind giant cameras.
Wouldn’t you rather they allowed themselves to be absorbed in the beauty and emotion of your most special day? In our experience, this adds to the occasion, allows for better personal interactions and infinitely better professional photography.
Creating Your Unplugged Wedding Environment
We understand that imposing a blanket ban of mobile device can be a bit rude and next to impossible to regulate. What we suggest is that you make your guests aware of the intention ahead of schedule.
Your wedding invitation can be time to introduce the idea to family and friends. You could write something like:
“The bride and groom respectfully ask that you be fully present at their wedding. Please refrain form using your cameras and mobile phones.”
Or…
“At our wedding, we ask that all guests kindly unplug from their devices. Our wish is that you leave your camera and devices switched off, relax, interact with others and experience the joy of our special day.”
A way to advise guests is to ask your celebrant and to use clear signage.
Placing an unplugged ceremony sign in certain areas signals to guests you do not want them using devices in this area or at this time – near the foot of the aisle is a perfect location.
Having a sign at entrance of your wedding venue is an excellent way to remind guests when and where it is okay to use devices. You may also choose to instruct them to avoid using them during the petal toss and the first dance – these wedding photography moments are often invaded by 'uncle Joe' and his camera!
Styling your Unplugged Wedding
Pinterest is a great source of inspiration of wedding signs and ideas. There are many beautiful, creative and funny ones out there.
Or if you truly get stuck then just ask your professional wedding photographers to help you with ideas – after all we have done this before and we have things we want you to know about wedding photography in advance of your day.
Choosing one member of the groomsmen and one member of the bridal party to help remind guests that the event is an unplugged wedding will also help your event run smoothly. Allowing your guests to be truly connected to you as your photographer happily snaps away, preserving your one-time life event in each professional photograph.
Tereza & Tony x
If you would like more information about planning an unplugged, need wedding inspiration to help plan your wedding day, or would like to discuss our wedding photography services please feel free to get in touch - we love chatting about weddings.
Feel free to use our wedding resource pages, they are full of tips, articles and vendor list to help plan your perfect Adelaide wedding.
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Photos by Adelaide Wedding Photographers – Wilson and Lewis Photography
