A few thoughts for you to consider.
Have an “unplugged” ceremony or maybe even entire wedding.
“Unplugged” simply means that your guests put their phones in their pockets or purses and enjoy the wedding as it unfolds. You have hired a photographer with your hard-earned money to capture your sweet moments. Too often, I have battled guests as they jump into the aisle, right as you are walking down it to greet your ever after; your first kiss has a photo bomber in it; and as I am about to snap THE shot, it’s now ruined because So-and-So thought they could get a better shot with their phone. Your sweet first dance is interrupted because Uncle Harry thinks it’s the perfect moment to take candid’s, but his phone camera keeps flashing as he jumps in front of me, bouncing weird light everywhere. My shot is ruined. Yes, these things happen! And more. Your guests are there, but are they There? I have no problem with guests snapping pictures of you, a selfie here and there. It’s fine if friends want to get a few pictures with their phones during the fun dancing time—I have no problem with that. What I do think is a no-no, (and believe me I see this all the time), is when your maid of honor is taking selfies and posting them on Instagram while she is supposed to be helping you. Ouch.
Everyone has smart phone
These days everyone has an iPhone or some smart phone, which is great, however, when I am photographing a wedding, having 50-something other people with a camera in their hand absolutely takes away from the images that I’m trying to capture. When you have invested in a professional photographer, these photo-snapping guests will absolutely interfere with the beautiful images you could have.
These days everyone has an iPhone or some smart phone, which is great, however, when I am photographing a wedding, having 50-something other people with a camera in their hand absolutely takes away from the images that I’m trying to capture, for which you have hired me. When you have invested in a professional photographer, these photo-snapping guests will absolutely interfere with the beautiful images you could have.
I implore you to consider a few different options:
-Tell guests that you expect that phones will be put away during the ceremony, but will definitely be encouraged during dinner/and dancing, minus using flash.
-Ask the officiant to make such an announcement so the weight is on them, not you. You can even tell the officiant to state that this is a requirement of the hired photographer—blame it on me!
– Consider adding this “unplugged preference” to your website. For examples of language and style, check out these wedding websites on Minted!