Plugged or Unplugged

Cheryl Warry • December 1, 2018

Couples Are Moving More and More Towards Unplugged

These days, more and more couples are choosing to have an unplugged ceremony as part of their day.

For those of you that this might be new to, an unplugged wedding is one in which electronics are “unplugged”, meaning the guests are politely asked, usually for the ceremony, to refrain from taking photos or video. This has become quite popular in recent years, equally so has the ‘plugged’ wedding where guests are encouraged to take photos throughout the entire day.

Instead of the old disposable cameras left on tables at the reception, guests are invited to download popular ‘free’ apps such as wedpics where they can then upload all their photos taken. This is a great way to encourage guests to use their technology at the same time discouraging them from adding them to social media before the couple have a chance to announce their marriage officially.

There are pros and cons for both sides of this argument and it is really an individual choice. Just remember that by asking guests not to take photos you may also miss out on some great candid shots that your photographers may not capture – they can’t be in all places all of the time.

Your celebrant could commence the ceremony prior to the Bride’s arrival with such words as;

Guests, can you please refrain from taking any photos as the bride enters, however the couple are happy for you to snap away throughout the ceremony. Also, please wait until the newlyweds make their announcement on social media – we all know that it’s not official until the bride and/or groom updates their marital status on facebook!

Please turn off all cameras and devices, sit back and relax while our professional photographer captures this special occasion - we promise to share with you the many beautiful pictures he/she will capture today

The Bride and Groom respectfully request that you please turn your phones to silent … there’s a lovely photographer here taking photos…they asked her to come, so please rest your camera as the ceremony only needs one.

There are so many decisions to make throughout the wedding planning process so try not to let unplugged v plugged by the bug bear that will stress you out! If you are just not sure of what to do then perhaps consider asking for no electronic devices to be used during the ceremony, and then request that they put them to work once the ceremony has concluded.

Regardless of your decision, it will probably fade in to the shadows as you focus on your day unfolding.

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Covid-19 Wedding Restrictions In Victoria

By Cheryl Warry • April 17, 2020

COVID-19 has thrown many couples in to a spin and with all the months and sometimes years of planning, it has come down to making the choice to postpone or to go with the restrictions of just five people for what is most likely to be a legals-only style of ceremony. It is clear to see that the Corona Virus is not going away any time soon and I am mindful not to add to the potential risk, stress and harm that the virus may cause. It’s important that as an Australian marriage celebrant, I comply with the rules set down by our government and that they are adhered to, to the best of my ability. The Covid-19 restrictions that now apply to weddings, have been put in place to protect our nearest and dearest. If a couple still wish to get married, of course this is still possible, providing there are no more than five people present. This includes the marriage celebrant, the couple and their two legal witnesses over the age of 18. If the couple still wish to have a photographer and/or videographer then they must act as a witness. As laid out by the Australian Government, social distancing of at least 1.5 metres must be applied and the four square metre rule must be observed, this includes the signing of the legal documents. In the face of Corona Virus, one of the biggest challenges couples are faced with currently is to decide when to pull the trigger on their date and move it to a date further into 2020 or even move to 2021. Many of my couples have already made the decision to move weddings that are booked from now through to September and October until earlier in to 2021. Not an easy decision to make and there are many variables to consider; guests travel plans and accommodation to just begin with. If you are unsure of what to do, I would suggest that you engage with your suppliers and enquire about future dates and their availability. Yours won’t be the first call they have taken to discuss this very topic. I'm available to chat about your options either by email, zoom or over the phone. As many have said, we are living in such uncertain times and Covid-19 / Corona Virus is testing even the most resilient of us. Let's put the welfare of you, your families and your guests first.