With so many social media outlets, it has never been easier to put your wedding online. Some couples even create wedding hashtags for guests to share and tweet pictures of their special day, which is great for social media savvy brides. In to this social media overload, other couples are going retro and opting for a completely unplugged wedding. For those of you staring blankly at your screen wondering what an unplugged wedding entails, it involves guests turning off all smartphones and digital devices during the wedding ceremony and reception to ensure your day runs seamlessly. However, the notion of switching off has caused a divide on bridal forums with some brides-to-be arguing that guests may feel insulted at the idea of such a bizarre request. If you are unsure whether an unplugged wedding is for you, here are six reasons to consider a digital ban.
Picture perfect
Every bride wants all eyes on her as she steps up the aisle. Not a sea of smartphones and flashing cameras distracting her during the most important walk of her life. Of course, guests attending your special day will have the best intentions when snapping a picture of your first kiss as husband and wife. But really, this harmless action is hindering the photographer’s chance to catch the most intimate moments of the ceremony. And considering most couples spend upwards of €1,000 on a photographer for the day, your wedding pictures should be flawless. Having an unplugged ceremony is more or less an insurance policy to make your wedding picture perfect. You won’t have to worry about images being distorted by the flash of other cameras, snap-happy guests jumping in front of the photographer’s lens or row upon row of smartphone screens ruining wide-shots of the ceremony. If you have high expectations for your wedding album, opting for a tech-free day sounds like the best option for you.
Live in the moment
An unplugged wedding will give your guests the chance to take in every detail of your day with their own eyes rather than viewing it through a five-inch screen. There is nothing more annoying than another guest blocking your view during the ceremony and you are left watching the nuptials unfold via their smartphone. Many guests also spend the entire festivities taking pictures from various angles while the day slips by. Putting a digital ban in place will invite your guests to be fully present without any distractions. And who knows, maybe some interesting conversations can be struck up during the meal whilst guests aren’t checking their Facebook status every five minutes.
Avoid social media blunders
Social media can be a deal breaker for many brides who want to keep their wedding pictures private. Choosing to hold an unplugged wedding can save you from worrying about guests posting unflattering pictures on Facebook before you get a chance to vet them. Placing a social media and smartphone ban during the morning of your wedding will also help to avoid potential disasters posed by members of the excited bridal party. Going unplugged will eliminate the fear of your husband-to-be seeing your dress on social media before you even arrive at the church.
It will save time
Time really is precious on your big day. Only allowing professional photographs during the ceremony and dinner will eliminate the stampede of aunties and cousins who want to grab a picture with you. Your day will run much smoother if your hired photographer takes all the necessary pictures with your guests. This will leave you time to relax and actually enjoy the day with your husband. Most photographers now include a USB key in their packages with the camera reel. These pictures can be forwarded to guests if they wish following the celebrations.
Have photo fun
To ease the pain of the Insta-addicts, why not try something different such as guest Polaroid pictures or hiring a photo booth with props for the reception. Instead of pulling duck-face poses and taking selfies on smartphones, let loose and have some fun. These are the pictures that will make the night memorable and guests will enjoy looking back on. It will also ease the pain for those social media kings and queens who need instant gratification, not to mention a retro, physical photo for them to take home!
- Ciara Moore
Image credits: No photos: Wedding Bee | Bride and groom: Bespoke Bride | Unplugged sign: Lauren Fair Photography | Bridal party: Bride Box | Photo booth: W. Scott Chester Photography