What is an Unplugged Wedding?

Debating on having an ‘Unplugged Wedding’? Already set to have one? Or have no idea what I’m on about? - DO NOT WORRY! I’ve got all the info you need right here…

First up, for those of you that don’t know me, hi I’m Emma, a Norfolk & Suffolk Wedding Photographer from the East of England. I’m from the small town of Lowestoft in Suffolk, I love living by the sea and I’m a devoted dog mum to the naughtiest dog on the planet! My dream for all Weddings is to capture the magic and atmosphere, so that you can feel the emotion from your big day in the years to come. I also believe heavily in being prepared, which is why I love to throw as many hints, tips and ideas to future brides out there as I can.

So whether you’re one of my Brides, you already have another Wedding Photographer, you’re getting married the other side of the planet or you’re just at the planning stage, this Blog post about Unplugged Weddings is for you…

‘YES YOU!’

So firstly, what is this jargon of ‘Unplugged’? Well it’s actually quite literal, it’s unplugged from all social media, mobile phone snaps and your Grandad’s 15th century digital camera (Don’t worry I get it, my Grandad was just the same!). Now I’m not suggesting you put everyone’s devices in a basket and lock them away for the day - as we’re not in an American High School… But a few gentle and polite reminders to keep those camera lenses down, and in particular, off yourself, Groom & Wedding Party!

But why should you consider an ‘Unplugged Wedding’? I’m so glad you asked!:

1) No social media accidents!

You’ve spent a lot of money and time on choosing your perfect Wedding dress, a lot of time keeping the Bridesmaids dresses a secret and have: built up excitement to look like a Princess, show your guests how well you scrub up for an occasion and to just WOW people! Why oh why would we risk someone taking an iPhone snap, not thinking and putting it straight up on facebook? Maybe before your main guests see you, your evening guests or worse… THE GROOM!

If you make it really clear from the start that no photos are to be taken of yourself, Groom or Wedding Party (Apart from Bridesmaid selfies which will of course, be top secret until after the official photos arrive!), then no one can have a social media accident and put up a photo that you might not even find flattering, or perhaps you have a perfect picture in mind that you want everyone (that isn’t at the Wedding) to see first. It also saves awkward conversations and any upset…

2) No stepping on the toes of the Photographer & Videographer

Now you’d think that guests would give grace, but unfortunately sometimes when someone has their head in a camera they tend to zone out and not notice when they maybe in the way. This is just another obstacle for the Photographer and Videographer to get through and sometimes can cost the perfect shot or angle. At the end of the day you’re paying the Photographer and Videographer, not your guests to take photos!

3) The Aisle

Now I’m not going to lie, this is probably going to be the most nerve wracking moment for any Bride and it is COMPLETELY NORMAL. You’re surrounded by everyone that means anything to you in your life and all eyes are on you coming down that aisle.

Now just visualise with me for a moment: you’re coming down the Aisle, heart pounding, hands are clammy, you have 20 cameras and iPhones in your face, the red focus light is on and there are potentially even flashes - does this sound comfortable to you?

I mean you asked all these wonderful people to be at your special day, it would be nice to see their warm smiles and potentially weeping eyes!

4) ‘Flash, a-ah, saviour of the universe…’

As referenced above, flashes can be a complete mood killer and if you catch it in your eye, can also render you a little bit blind or seeing funny dots for a few seconds. It’s not just in a Ceremony they can go off, it could be the Speeches or even when you’re having an intimate moment with your Grandma…

Now not everyone always means to set off a flash, but with all the auto modes on iPhones, iPads and even digital cameras nowadays, someone could do it without even meaning too! The great thing about an Unplugged Wedding is that you do not risk these types of situations.

5) Be in the moment!

This is probably my most favourite point and the one that many of us forget about when scrolling our Instagram or uploading a gorgeous photo of our baby girl whilst out for a coffee with a friend… We forget to be in the moment. If your guests are constantly taking snaps and making sure they can share the Wedding moments later in the day or in future, they’re probably not taking the day itself in, they’re most likely panicking about what filter to choose or like the above, making sure the flash is off!

Being in the moment is certainly the most important, because you’re only going to do this once (hopefully!) and at the end of the day, you will have stunning Wedding Images that everyone can enjoy in the years to come from your Wedding Photographer!

But how can I communicate this to my guests? Here are a few of my top ideas:

• A note on your Wedding Invite (Save the date will probably be too early…)

• Wedding Signage

• Order of Service (If you have one!)

• Registrar or Vicar can make an announcement - Or even the Best Man!

• Wedding Website (Again if you have one)
  

I’ll be honest that there are pro’s and con’s to not and for having an ‘Unplugged Wedding’, if you don’t choose one you can have Wedding Hashtags, everyone not at the Wedding can engage and in general make lots of funny videos and photos throughout!

Hopefully I’ve given you some food for thought and don’t forget - every Wedding is completely different and unique to yours and your Fiancés personalities, so don’t be pressurised into doing anything you don’t want to and remember to plan your day exactly how you saw it in your dreams!

Until next time…