By Carly Totten, Lover.ly
We have a confession: we love being connected. Texting, e-mailing, and taking photos? We're fans. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook? We update our social media feeds all the time. And we know we're not alone. Whether you're at a party with your closest friends or on a date with your beau, we can almost guarantee someone will be glued to their cell phone at some point. And that person may even be you. We all want to be the first to post a new photo or update friends with exciting news, but there's one time in particular when we think it's best to silence our cell phone and slip it into a cute clutch: a wedding.
Photo by Leigh Miller on Inspired by This via Lover.ly
Photo by: Leigh Miller on Inspired By This via Lover.ly
Rather than hoping guests will be considerate of others, couples are taking matters into their own hands and ensuring phones and cameras are away by holding unplugged ceremonies. Before you jump to thinking it's a bit of a harsh request, picture this: you and your groom are reciting personal vows and soon will share your first kiss as a new Mr. and Mrs. It's the moment you've been waiting for, and then you see a guest stand up to take a photo and completely block someone else's view. An unplugged ceremony will solve this dilemma because everyone's attention will be on you and your groom, not on snapping that perfect picture for Facebook.
Photo by Brittany Janelle Photography on Heart Love Weddings via Lover.ly
Photo by: Brittany Janelle Photography on Heart Love Weddings via Lover.ly
Not only is it a problem if a guest stands up during the ceremony and blocks another guest's view, but it's an even larger problem for photographers and videographers. The entire purpose of these individuals is to capture your day. After all, your photos and videos will serve as the best lasting visual memories. However, if people are moving around in an attempt to capture their best shot, it may ruin the view of the all too important moment that the photographer is trying to capture if he or she has to dodge phones and flashes as you recede down the aisle. An unplugged ceremony encourages guests to remain seated, focused on you, and out of the way of the professionals.
Photo by Michelle Turner Photography via Lover.ly
Photo By: Michelle Turner Photography via Lover.ly
If an unplugged ceremony (or entire wedding) is something you may want to consider, it's important to warn guests beforehand. From a guest's point of view, there's nothing worse than thinking one thing only to be told that's not the case. Make sure to include a note on your wedding website and in your programs: "In order to encourage you to relax and enjoy our ceremony, we ask that you unplug. Please turn off your cell phone and refrain from using your camera. We'll be sure to share our pictures with you!"
Are you planning an unplugged wedding? Have you ever been a guest at one? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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