Increasing numbers of couples are opting to “unplug” their wedding which I think is a great idea. By an unplugged wedding ceremony I mean that you leave all the photography to the professional you’ve hired. Phones go back in pockets and purses, cameras are set under the chair. Your guests get to enjoy what is increasingly a rare few moments of not being tied to their technology.
How do you get the message across? Ask me, your Taos wedding officiant, to make an announcement before the ceremony starts. I’m happy to do so and can do it with a smile. I can inject a humorous note so guests are not offended. Alternatively you can have ushers tell guests individually, place a sign at the entrance or put it in your printed program. Or all these ways to be sure the message is conveyed!
The biggest advantage, as I see it, is that your guests will be more present for your ceremony. I frequently observe guests that seem too focused on getting the perfect picture. If I’ve worked with you to create a personalized ceremony that is meaningful and engaging don’t you want your guests to hear it?
Another significant advantage is that your photographer(s) will have many more clear shots of your processional, as well as your wedding ceremony itself. At a large wedding last summer I observed a guest kneeling in the aisle to get shots of the processional. That will be in every professional shot taken. It is probably not what you want to remember about the start of your ceremony – especially since you won’t have entered yet. You’ll only see the processional through the pictures.
If the idea intrigues you, here’s a Huffington Post article that goes further into the subject. And for ideas on a sign to convey your message, consult this Pinterest page for many examples.
If yours is a Taos destination wedding or in another location and regardless of me or someone else being your Taos wedding minister, seriously consider making yours an unplugged wedding ceremony.
Want more information on this topic? Email Dan at Dan@EmbracingCeremony.com