Switch Off

Unplugged weddings have become such a popular topic, the general idea is that you ask guests not to use mobile phones or cameras or to ask them to only use them at certain times. It’s something that a lot of photographers and other suppliers, especially celebrants and registrars encourage them, or suggest that guests only take photographs during the signing of the register. I get asked all the time about my preference, recommendations for how to tell guests and the best way to make it work on the big day.

These are some things to consider when planning an unplugged wedding:

1. Plan your day-the best way approach is consider your day, your plans and your guests. Do you feel comfortable having lots of people taking your picture or are you quite shy? Do you prefer to see pictures of yourself first or are you happy to be shared and tagged in pictures on social media?

2. Communicate-don’t just rely on your celebrant making an announcement before the ceremony, some cute signs or a note on the invitations. This is especially useful if you are only asking people not to use their device at certain times.

3. Share your day-if you’re asking guests not to share any pictures, make sure that you share yours! If your photographer shares some previews, let your guests see them. If you only want them shared with family and friends, make sure you let them know first.

4. Set a date- if you are having an evening reception a few days or even weeks later, let people know not to share until then. It’s also a good idea to let any other suppliers such as your venue know not to share until that date, especially if you plan to wear your dress again!

5. Silence is golden- even if you are happy to allow guests to take pictures and use their phones, make you ask them to keep them on silent! This might sound obvious, but trust me, it’s not!

6. Take two-if you are choosing an unplugged option you might want to consider asking for a second photographer. It’s best practice to ask your photographer to provide one rather than just asking a friend, it generally doesn’t increase the cost by much but it will ensure that you get more pictures and multiple view points.

7. 100% tech free - this can be quite a challenging idea for some guests, especially when we live in such a technology-focused age. Couples choosing this approach might decide to ask people to leave devices at home, or just to refrain from using them for the entire day. It’s therefore a good idea to let people know in advance if you are choosing this approach and offer a place where you are happy for people to use their devices.

8. Hybrid/unplugged ceremony- this option is the most popular and it’s definitely my preference, the couple ask people not to use their phones or take pictures during the ceremony. Some couples also extend this to the speeches and first dance and any other significant parts of the day.

9. No sharing-this option can be quite difficult so I would only suggest it for smaller weddings and exceptional circumstances. If you or any of your guests cannot or do not want their pictures to be shared online (ie children in foster care) then it’s a good idea to let all of your guests and suppliers know what they can and cannot share. You don’t need to go into a lot of detail but it helps to remind people. If you are only having close family and friends then they will probably already be aware of your preferences but make sure your suppliers are aware.

10. First to share-another alternative is to allow phones and cameras but to ask that people don’t share pictures. Sometimes this can be a ‘no share’ rule but more often it’s just until the official pictures are released. As a wedding photographer we usually provide previews within 24 hours so it helps to let people know when they can share. A holding post on your social media, that lets guests know that you want to share your pictures first is a good idea.