Should You Have An Unplugged Wedding?

Cellphone Paparazzi? Get Out of Here!

Should wedding guests capture their own memories? Many couples think not! As every aspect of life becomes more digital (Zoom meetings! Tele-health appointments! FaceTime dates!), some moments are best kept traditional. Brides and grooms all over have joined a new “camera-free” movement during their wedding ceremonies to maintain the sanctity of the most-special moments.

What Does This Mean? 

At a “camera-free” or “cell phone-free” ceremony all the guests are asked to put away any digital recording devices. The goal is to eliminate distractions for the bride and groom, foster a more intimate moment for attendees, and remove any obstructions for the professional photographer or videographer. 

So what are the pros and cons of having your guest snap pictures or record their own memories during your big day?

Pros:

• Captures authentic memories from many people’s perspectives

• Easily boost your wedding hashtag

• Have pictures and videos from all angles 

• See your wedding from the guests’ points of view

Cons: 

• Blocks the views of a hired photographer  

• Creates distractions during the ceremony

• Might post moments prematurely on social media that bride or groom wanted to share first

• Could capture images the newlyweds dislike

What Will Your Ceremony Look Like?

Ultimately the choice of whether or not to have a “cell phone-free” ceremony is based on each couple’s personal preference. Do you want your guests to have a more intimate experience or would you like them to snap memories of their own? Are phones too much of a distraction or do they capture exciting moments that you would have missed otherwise? 

There’s much to consider when setting the tone of your ceremony and reception, but we have to ask, which option would you choose for your wedding day?