The marriage celebrant is getting ready to start the wedding ceremony, and you and all the other guests are buzzing with excitement, ready to capture the moment when the wedding party makes their big entrance, and then suddenly you hear the words – unplugged, please put your phones and cameras away. Unplugged!
It's becoming more and more popular for couples to request that their guests do not take photos during their marriage ceremony. Why? Well think about it. It’s your relative or friend’s big day and probably (hopefully) the only time you’ll see them get married. They’ve paid for a professional photographer and/or videographer and/or content creator, to capture everything, all the special moments of their wedding ceremony, from the walk up the aisle where they get to see each other for the first time, and especially the first kiss when their celebrant declares them 'married'. The last thing they want to see in their wedding photos, or when they look at all their nears and dears, is the back of a phone or a camera stuck out in the middle of the aisle.
Be present in the moment with them. Enjoy it. Share it. Make memories for them. Let’s face it, the photos you take on your phone will never come close to the professional photos. And really, after you’ve shown a few people in the office on Monday, are you going to keep those photos to look back on in years to come? Probably not, but they are.
SO WHAT'S THE GO? WHEN SHOULD OR SHOULDN'T YOU TAKE PHOTOS?
Most couples usually request ‘no photos’ during their ceremony. After the I do's and the big smooch have happened, they are usually happy for guests to snap as many photos as they want to. If you’re unsure – ask the celebrant before the ceremony.
SHOULD WE POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
The wedding is over! You’ve had the best time and want to let your friends see how amazing everything was and are about to post on your social media page. Stop! Don’t do it! The couple should be the first to post photos of themselves. Don’t take that moment away from them. If the photo is of you and friends or family, or the amazing cake or the beautiful reception styling – sure, just not photos with the couple in it.
SHOULD WE GO UNPLUGGED?
If you’re getting married and really don’t want photos taken at your ceremony or the whole wedding, let your celebrant and MC know. They’ll find a nice way to pass on your request and deal with any grumbles from the guests. But, be prepared to have one or two guests who will not follow your request. Yep, they’ll still try to take a sneaky one when (they think) nobody is looking.
OFFER YOUR GUESTS A PHOTO MOMENT
My way around having guests disappointed about not being able to take photos is to plan a 'photo opportunity moment' just after the ceremony has started. Have your celebrant say something like this: Jack and Jill know you’re dying to take a photo, and yes Aunty Molly we spotted you sneaking one in, so quick everyone, here's your chance! You have 30 seconds to take as many as you can...and go!
This will make your guests laugh while they quickly scramble to pull out their phones and take some lovely photos of you both. It's also the moment when you can both take a deep breath, relax and soak it all up...look around...there's your family and friends dressed up ready to celebrate the start of your marriage, beautiful flowers decorating the arbour and aisle, your wedding party standing by your side, and your partner looking amazing. SMILE!
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