Undecided about whether to have a social media ban on your big day? Or have you been invited to an ‘unplugged’ wedding and not quite sure just how many photos you can take or when you can post them? Then read on...
The groom's view of his bride - really?
1. YOU ARE NOT A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
OK, so here's the biggest tip I can pass on: You are not a professional photographer, well, that is unless you are!
Today we're all so in love with our new phones which have such amazing cameras that we point and shoot every moment of ours and our loved ones lives. And, in everyday life, this is perfectly acceptable and probably recording some awesome images that we will keep forever. Yay! But a top-of-the-line camera does not automatically translate to a good photographer. Let's face it, not many of us are as gifted as Annie Liebovitz behind the lens so when we're attending our good friend's/cousin/uncle/niece's wedding, perhaps we should leave the recording of special moments to the professionals. The ones who've been paid a whack of $$s by the couple to do their thang! And, most of the time, couples are happy to share those snaps with you later anyway. So, if you are advised to put your phone away, that means NO photos, at all. Get it? None, zilch, zero, nix, zip … until they say so. Comprendez?
2. THE BRIDE WANTS TO SEE YOUR FACE
I'm finding more and more that couples now are quite specific about banning the use of cameras during the ceremony. As one of my brides put it: ‘I don't want to walk down the aisle looking at phones, I want to see my guests' smiling faces.’ Couples have spent an enormous amount of time, and hard-earned, to create their special day and they invited you to be a part of that experience. And, let's face it, you can't be 'in the moment' if you're zooming, re-focussing or whatever you need to do to get THAT shot, so leave it to the professionals, they're across it!
This groom either suffers from vertigo or has a major problem seeing the love of his life make their entrance.
3. DON'T BE THE ONE TO RUIN THAT SPECIAL MOMENT
Everything is in alignment. The photographer and their assistant have spent ages setting up cameras to catch THAT shot. You know, the one where one partner sees his/her partner for the first time as he/she comes down the aisle. Or, where they're having their first kiss as a married couple. And then, oops, Uncle George pops into the aisle with his iPad and the moment has gone, never to be recreated! Keep out of the photographer and videographer's way. Hey peeps, keep the aisle free, it’s a no-go zone during the ceremony!
4. COUPLES SOMETIMES WANT TO BE FIRST TO POST THEIR WEDDING PICS
Surprise, surprise! Many couples DO want to be first to post their wedding pics and there can be a multitude of reasons why that's not really yours or my business. It may be about handling delicate issues surrounding family dynamics. Or, it can be as simple as it is THEIR wedding, not yours, and they want to be the first to shout it out. So, step-a-way from your phone.
NOW, HOW DOES A COUPLE ASK POLITELY
So, if you are a couple and think this is a good idea, how do you let your guests know in the nicest possible way. There are so many variations but how do you get across that you want your guests to be present with you on your big day. The following pics are just a small selection from Pinterest of signage options.
Of course, signs aren't always read so talk to your celebrant. They will have had lots of experience as this is now becoming the norm and they can incorporate some wording into the general housekeeping in their intro.
Or, just contact me, I'm on it!