Recently I have been to a few weddings where the bride and groom have asked the guests to put down their cameras and phones and focus on them. Unplugged weddings are becoming more common and as a photographer I have to say I think it’s a good idea! Here’s why:

– Two people are making a huge commitment to each other and the value you so much they want you to witness it, be truly present in the moment, not distractedly watching on through an LCD screen. Do you ever just sit and enjoy, experience a moment, a view, your food or your life without whipping out your phone for a quick pic? I’m the first one to say I’m guilty of this! And there is totally nothing wrong with documenting your world, just try not to get so caught up with capturing it, you forget to experience it. Wedding days fly by quickly, I think it is so important to truly and genuinely enjoy every moment!

– I’m all for a personalized wedding Instagram hashtag and have nothing against guests taking photos of each other at a wedding and of the bridal party when it’s appropriate. But during the ceremony, it’s great to just enjoy it. When the couple gets their professional photos back later, they won’t want to see a sea of cameras and phones poking out from everywhere in their ceremony photos. 

– Your wedding photographer will capture everything beautifully for you! Hopefully you booked them because you love their style, personality and the way they work so you and your guests can enjoy their images later and they will most likely be a lot better than your iPhone photos. It’s our job to capture all the memories, so trust us, we love doing it for you!

-Every now and then their is that ‘Uncle Bob’ photo enthusiast that gets right up close taking photos, making it tricky for the professional photographer and distracting for the guests. Tell Uncle Bob to leave his camera at home and enjoy being a valued guest for your special day, he will probably enjoy it more and be able to relax and celebrate with you properly.

I hope this has given you something to consider. I don’t think banning guests from taking photos all of your wedding day is necessary but having a few guidelines around special moments like during the ceremony is definitely worth it! Do you think you’d have an unplugged wedding? I’d love to hear your thoughts xx