Plugged or Unplugged?

It's a big debate in the wedding world - Should I have a plugged or unplugged wedding? And to be completely honest, I don't have an answer for you. Because this is one topic that is completely based on who you are and what you want.

So here are the biggest pros and cons in my eyes and from there, you can make the best decision for you. While I don't have an answer for you this time, I'm at least doing all of the leg work for you ;)

Plugged Wedding

Definition: a wedding in which all guests are welcome to take photos, videos, and use social media at their leisure

Pros:

- Your guests are able to capture the candid moments that may otherwise be missed by a photographer...because a photographer can't be everywhere at once!

- Because the more photos and memories you have, the merrier!

Unplugged Wedding

Definition: where the bride and groom kindly ask guests to refrain from using their cell phones and personal cameras throughout the day

Pros:

- there is no chance of Aunt Betty stepping into the aisle for a shot at the exact moment your first kiss is taking place, right in front of your photographer, preventing him/her (the professional) from capturing that important moment

What do you think?

Being a wedding coordinator, I realize how many shots are destroyed because an arm, head, or cell phone is in the way of the most wanted photo of the day! I've even seen plenty of wedding professionals destroy shots by trying to snap their own photos to Instagram the day! While no one intends to do this, it is a more often occurrence than you would think.

So if you can't decide, I would decide on a happy medium...an unplugged ceremony and a plugged reception. Because ceremonies tend to take place in closer corridors, there is a higher chance of someone stepping in front of your professional photographers. But on the other hand, I LOVED all of the candid shots we saw after the wedding because no matter how amazing your photographer is, they cannot be in every single place at once.

The first question to ask yourself is would you rather have a professional shot from a professional camera and photographer or a blurry, crooked snap shot with half of your face cropped out of your kiss from an old flip phone? I think you get my drift :)

A quick hint for those unplugged couples: I would make sure there is a sign AND an announcement is made that the bride and groom have asked that no cell phone or personal camera shots are taken and that they have trusted the professionals to get these shots for them. Unfortunately not everyone is going to listen, but at least you've covered as many bases as possible.

Now tell us what you think! Are you deciding on a plugged or an unplugged wedding?

Unity Ceremony Inspiration

Unity ceremonies symbolize the coming together of two people into one loving relationship. They signify the beginning of the rest of the newlyweds' life together through marriage, and are a great way to experience this unity with their loved ones. With so many unity ceremonies out there, we decided to show you a few of our favorites!

 

Unity Candle

This is one of the most traditional unity ceremonies in the wedding world and probably the most well-known. Both parties use taper candles to light the larger “unity candle.”

Wallflower Photography

Unity Paint

During this ceremony, the each splashes (or pour) a different color of paint onto a blank canvas. This symbolizes their unity and leaves a great piece of art work to hang in their home. 

Katie Pritchard Photo

 

Fisherman’s Knot

The groom first ties the knot and then hands it to the bride allowing her to tighten it, representing their hold on each others heart. 

Rose a La Mode

 

Unity Sand

Another of the more traditional ceremonies, both bride and groom take turns pouring different color of sands creating a beautiful design. Sand can be poured into vases, picture frames and much more allowing the couple to keep it as a reminder of their big day.

Carlie Statsky Photography

Unity Wine

This ceremony is for the wine lovers out there. Bride and groom pour a glass of wine into a carafe so the drinks can merge, as the couple, then allowing them to drink the wine.

Sarah Lyn Photography

 

Tree Planting Ceremony

This ceremony calls for the bride and groom to have a potted tree or sapling that they dirt and water to. They can take the plant home to grow and nourish just like their relationship.

LibbyPhoto

Help us name this Celia Grace gown!

We are so excited that Celia Grace has asked The Overwhelmed Bride and our brides to name one of their new gowns! I don't know about you, but I am beyond excited for this opportunity...and you're going to get to help first hand!

Is there a woman from history or present day who inspires you?

Celia Grace connects women around the world so they can help each other. Women in the United States and Europe help seamstresses in India and Cambodia earn respect and a living wage so they can better themselves, their families, and their communities. And Celia Grace seamstresses help brides have even more beautiful, joyful, and meaningful weddings. 

By naming each dress after an inspiring woman, Celia Grace continues this cycle of building positive connections between women around the world.  Last year’s dress names include Amelia (Earhart, pilot), Rachel (Carson, environmentalist), Susan (B. Anthony, abolitionist), Eleanor (Roosevelt, humanitarian), Rosa (Parks, civil rights activist), Eileen (Collins, astronaut), and Marie (Curie, scientist). 

The 2015 collection features fine silks and vintage-inspired laces, illusion necklines, keyhole backs and a few dresses that convert from long to short and two organically-dyed pink dresses.

The Dress

The dress we are naming is both sophisticated with its pleated chiffon bodice, and playful with its ruffled skirt and train. This gown awes all around. A fitted v-neck bodice at front becomes a dramatic open back with thin, crossed straps, beautifully showing off the confident bride. The body skimming silk crepe skirt gets the ultra-feminine treatment with rows of cascading ruffles in the back, fluttering into the train.  

Fabrics: Silk crepe and silk chiffon.

Color Options: White, Ivory & Pink

(Belt not included: belt shown from Hushed Commotion)

Name This Gown!

Enter your name nomination below. The names entered will be narrowed down to four, for final voting to then begin!