Thinking about having an unplugged wedding? Here’s some food for thought… Sacramento Wedding Photographer

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Unplugged Wedding, Sacramento Wedding Photographer, Donna Beck Photography

When you see this picture, what do you see?   A couple exchanging their first kiss?  I hope so.  Hopefully you aren’t distracted by all of the electronic devices held out into aisle.  If you are, you may want to consider going “unplugged”.  What is unplugged you ask?  It’s when you politely ask your guests to turn off their electronic devices during the ceremony and focus on the happy couple, not on being the first to upload an image to Instagram.

It never fails, I see it every wedding.  Guests race to get to the aisles so they can get pictures and videos of the happy couple.

So if you decide that you don’t want people either posting pictures you don’t love to social media or they may get in the way of the perfect picture.  Here’s a few ways you can politely ask your guests to go unplugged.

Create a sign for your guests, like this one…

Or you can have cards passed out with a program like these, available on Etsy:

Here’s another great read on the subject from the Huffington Post.

Now here’s my 2 cents.  It’s pretty simple.  If you aren’t bothered by it, then I am not either.  But I do feel it’s important for all of my brides and grooms to be aware of what could happen if you choose to not to unplugged.

Enjoy!

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  1. Rebecca Anne says:

    Wonderful idea! I love signs like that!

  2. Catherine says:

    I couldn’t agree more! Let your guests enjoy the moment!

  3. Sarah says:

    Such a great idea! I love the sign idea!

  4. I absolutely love this idea. If I were to get re-married now, I would totally have my wedding like this.

  5. Natalie says:

    I love unplugged wedding ceremonies. I think it helps guests stay present and let’s the pros do their jobs. Great article!

  6. I love the way you stated your two cents, I totally agree! Those are great suggestions that you’ve provided to help couples share the idea with their guests.

  7. Linda says:

    Great topic and suggestions!

  8. Tim Poole says:

    An ever evolving situation, especially with some brides encouraging the taking and immediate publishing of photographs taken by friends. I like the idea of unplugged weddings. But in the end, it is the couples wedding and I get paid anyway.

  9. I really love this post! Thanks for putting this concept on the map–love the idea!

  10. Eden says:

    Love this idea!

  11. Vaughn Barry says:

    Starting to see these uplugged events more and more – love that first shot!

  12. Anne Herbert says:

    Such a good idea!

  13. Emily says:

    I am personally not all that bothered by people having their cell phones/cameras out unless it directly interferes with what I am trying to do as the hired photographer. For example, I think the photo you posted is gorgeous, and the people capturing the moment aren’t distracting me at all – I’m too caught up in the moment with the couple. 🙂 Could be a testament to your skill!

  14. Jessica says:

    Love this! I know everyone wants their own picture right away but I can’t seem to wrap my head around why people can’t just wait for the professional pictures?! Put down your phone/camera and enjoy the moment, people!!

  15. Very well put Donna. I am a big believer in the unplugged wedding. While I leave that completely up to my couples, I will offer to make an “unplugged speech” at the beginning of the ceremony, asking people to be fully present and to appreciate how the wedding feels, and allow the excellent photographer to capture how it looks.

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