I think we can all agree that technology is fantastic. It allows us to easily keep in touch with friends and family, near and far. We can share pictures and video clips within seconds. We’re able to live stream so that people all over the world can tune into whatever we are doing. Technology is a beautiful thing but during weddings, it can be a disruption. 

One of my favorite photographs to take during wedding is when the bride walks down the aisle and is being given away. I equally love then the officiant announces the couple as married for the very first time and they walk back down the aisle. All of the guests seem to love these two moments as well because so many of them stick their phones out in the aisle to get the shot.

Some people love this because it gives them tons of extra photos of this moment on their wedding day. Other couples would rather have you be fully present and let the photographer do the job they hired them for. It’s totally a personal preference but you should check your photographer’s contract because some have a cell phone clause. 

In any case, it’s totally up to you. To better help you decide if you want to have an unplugged ceremony or not here’s a list of pros and cons!

PROS:

1. Your guests will be fully present with you throughout your ceremony. You’ve invited them to be a part of your day and witness the vows between you and your fiancé for a reason. Asking them to turn off their phones and be fully focused on the special moments of our wedding is a wonderful thing. 
2. You get to see their faces rather than the back of their phones as you walk down the aisle. Nothing says “I’m so happy for you and congratulations” then a giant smile, right?! Being able to see your guests faces and their excitement for you is priceless.
3. One of the most special moments on a wedding day is seeing your fiancé waiting for you at the end of the aisle. If you guests are stepping into the aisle to get a photo of you walking down they could block your view. In that moment all you’ll see is a phone rather than your soon-to-be spouse. 
4. No unflattering photo angles. If you’ve hired a professional photographer they should know how to take the most flattering photos of you on your wedding day. No one likes a picture of themselves from a low angle that accentuates certain parts of our bodies.
5. Guests will most likely post images of your wedding that they took on social media before you get the chance. If you want to be the first one to share your wedding photos with the world asking your guests to turn off their phones isn’t a bad idea.

 

CONS:

1. Your guests may be a little put off my your request for an unplugged ceremony. People love taking photos to look back on and asking them not too may upset some. Reassure them that once you have your professional wedding photos you’ll happily share them!
2. It takes time to edit wedding photographs and you may not see images of your ceremony right away. Having your guests be able to take photos will allow you to see images sooner. 
3. No everyone will comply with your request and they may not even do it on purpose. We’re so used to snapping a quick pic on our phones that we don’t even think about it most of the time. This may ruffle some feathers and we want to steer clear of that, especially on your wedding day!

When it all comes down to it, it’s totally your decision. Everyone is different and there is no right or wrong way! Do what you’re comfortable with because at the end of the day, your wedding should be all about you and your fiancé!