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Hello hive!
I recently went to my graduation ceremony and as I walked down the aisle I did not see any smiling faces...instead all I saw was camera lenses! I found it rather distracting and told myself that I did not want to see that went I walked down the aisle on my wedding day. As a shutterbug myself, I have to remind myself to be more in the moment, instead of taking 3 angles of the same photo
I am spending a lot of money on my photographer (and their assistants) and you only do the ceremony once. I am not taking any chances with Uncle Bobs or potential distractions. However, I don't want to start the communication with my guests on a sour note with a sternly wording: "No photography during ceremony." Instead, I want to find a way to say it very politely.
Draft 1:
No Photography during Ceremony We are so honoured you want to capture this special moment, but we would much rather see your smiling faces and so please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony. Don’t worry, we have full rights to our professional photographer’s photos and we will share them with you!
Feedback welcome, even nit picky wording, please help improve it!
I don't know if I'd say that you just don't want photography, but maybe say that flash photography isn't allowed during the ceremony. Our pastor actually asked us to tell guests he didn't want flash photos during the ceremony because it distracted from the ceremony and religious purpose. We didn't put it in the programs, but spread it by word of mouth. I don't remember seeing any flashes, so I suppose it worked.
I wouldn't put it in the program, I would have your ceremony guy say it before the ceremony that there is to be no flash photography. It works best if you're in a church, but it still works if you aren't.
People like to take pics, though, and chances are when you are up there you wont be paying attention to faces in the crowd :D
Our church is very bright, so 'flash' photography isn't really the issue. (Our church doesn't have a rule against it).
For me it's more of a philosophy. We have so many distractions in our lives these days (cell phones, multi-tasking etc), that we can't just focus on one thing. Call it selfish, but I really would like people to focus and listen to the wedding ceremony (especially because it's probably something very different from what they have seen before, because it's Greek Orthodox) than be distracted on taking photos.
My FMIL thinks it might be too strict and perhaps to just say none until the bride has walked down the aisle, but I think that's more awkward to word in a programme, and I would prefer no photos from guests at all (again, ceremony only, they are free to take photos during reception).
Oh gosh! i'd never thought of this before! The last wedding I went to, I found myself snapping away during the ceremony (I'm pretty sure I saw other people doing it too), just because I love taking pictures and it was a really beautiful, scenic outdoor ceremony. Next time I'll think before I jump ahead and do that!
As far as the wording, I would go with what you wrote except for the underlined first part. I wouldn't outright state a "rule" like that... maybe start with, "A note about photography:" or something?
@spitfire229: This might have to be one of those things that you just have to let go. You can't force people to pay attention, cameras or no. If you think its light enough inside where an average camera wouldn't need a flash, then it's going to be pretty hard to say no cameras, and actually have people listen.
If you want to say none, then it is your wedding. HOWEVER, for both my and my BIL's weddings, some of the best candids were done by guests. We had a "photojournalist" so she was all about the candids, she just happened to miss some great shots between clicks. Just a thought. :)
I wouldn't put it in the program, but maybe have your officiant make an announcement before the ceremony but after everyone is seated? I'd just keep it simple: I'd like to welcome you all here today to celebrate with ___ and ___ as they pledge their lives to one another. We'll be beginning the ceremony in just a moment, but please note that photography is NOT allowed during the ceremony.
I wouldn't give an explanation.
Yeah I think a no flash photography announcement from your celebrant will do.
Be careful about making a "promise" to share your professional photos. My MIL wanted printed copies of all 700 edited photos we received! There are photos that I just don't want her to have and don't think she would be interested in - my family & friends, special/ favorite photos with my husband, etc.
Honestly, I was so wrapped up in what was going on with the ceremony that I didn't realize that people were taking pictures until I got my professional pictures and he took a few showing guests taking pictures. If you really don't want pictures, I would have an announcement made.
We don't want people taking photos during our ceremony either. We have decided that we will allow photos during the procession only. Once I arrive at the altar, our pastor will announce that there is to be no photography during the ceremony. Our professional photographers will then be the only people taking pictures and be able to do so unobstructed. Guests will be able to take photos as we walk up the aisle together and then all night long at the reception.
I have been to a few weddings where it was asked in the programs. I never had a problem with it.
i don't think there is anything wrong with asking people not to take pictures. you have every right to ask this, whatever your reasons are. however, i think it might be more effective if you take the suggestion PPs have made and have the officiant announce it.
its just that not everyone will necessarily read the program or if they do, they might not read every word. and unless you want to put it in caps and bold print, some people just won't see it.
also making the announcement will bring it out in the open. no one can get away taking pics claiming they didn't see the statement in the program.
i also think its fine to make an announcement AND put it in small print in the program, you know, so people know you are serious about it ;)
oh and as for wording in the program, here is my suggestion:
Please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony. We plan to share our professional photographer’s photos with you as soon as possible!!
i would prefer not to even mention the second sentence up there, but you also don't want to confuse anyone and have them think "well if one person is doing it, then so can i!"
basically short and sweet is the way to go with these things i think
It was actually my photgrapher that requested the guests not take flash photos during the ceremony, and it was becuase the flash had the potential to ruin the lighting for her photos. This happened to a friends wedding I went to. Some photos were ruined because "Uncle Bob" kepts flashing away beside the photographer trying to catch the professional shots. Just another perspective!
We just asked our guests "no flash photography during the ceremony please" and it wasn't an issue.
@EvaBostonTerrier: Im in the same boat as you. My MIL made me make copies of all 3 of our wedding discs with over 2700 images on it! I dont know why she wouldnt just let me make her an album!
Anyways, I dont remember anyone taking pictures either. I was so wrapped up in the moment that I didnt even notice any guests looking at me! Once I got my pro pics back I could see guests that had cameras in their hands - and plenty of them who didnt! The thing is that yes, you have 2 photogs but even they cant capture everything. Your guests might end up taking an amazing shot of you that becomes one of your favorites! I know from recent Bee recaps (Mrs Hot Wings) there are some absolutely lovely photos that were guest photos.
@spitfire229: I agree with the wording and the best place would be in the program, somewhere in front so it's well seen.
If your family/friends are like mine, you know exactly who will be taking photos the entire time. You could personally talk to these people and let them know how you feel. I wouldn't put anything in the program about it.
As a side note, a lot of my pro pictures came back with people in the background taking pictures. I kinda like it because it is a sign of the times. In 50 years my grandkids will look at the pictures and be like, "look at all those old cameras!"
You're seriously okay with waiting 6+ weeks to see photos?
I would think the biggest advantage to Aunt Fran taking photos is that you can see them (and share them with us! ha!) pretty much the next day.
Most people aren't going to be obnoxious about it. I agree with PP; no flash photography & maybe add - "please stay in your seats if you choose to take a picture." Or outline specific instances its okay to take a pic - say, processional, first kiss, recessional, for example.
I honestly think, no matter what you do or say, people are going to do it anyway. Maybe it won't be as much/frequent than if you didn't make the announcement, but there ARE going to be one or two people snapping away. #Justsayin.
I think either the lightly worded note in the program or the announcement is a good idea. But, be prepared for neither to work and please don't let it upset you on your wedding day! I know my FMIL would never not take pictures. She's the one standing up, camera in hand when announcements are made for guests to be seated and stop taking pictures. Gotta love her!
i agree with the suggestion that the officiant announce it....only cuz honestly, almost all the weddings i've gone to, i was given a program but didn't really look through it....that was just me but you may have a few guests who won't read it and will miss the notion.....an announcement will be heard by everyone.
I think you can ask for no flashes but in my opinion asking people not to take pictures at all is a tad rude. Also you might really appreciate those pictures after the wedding and not even realize it. For instance my FIL took an amazing pic of my husband's face at one point that our professionals missed. And all my friends posted tons of pics on FB that kept popping up during my honeymoon and every time a new person made an album it made me really excited to see what pics they took and their perspectives of the ceremony almost. Its your wedding and if you guests want their own pictures to remember it by I think thats really sweet and you should let them take them. I think its especially nice for the older generation who truley enjoy brining their photos to be developed (assuming they havent gotten with the digital ages which most of my 60+ relatives have not) and then showing them to their friends. Literally a day after our wedding my grandmother in law got her pics developed and showed them to everyone in her community and she really got a lot of joy out of it. I would never have wanted to deny her that. Just trying to give you a different perspective.
I don't think it's rude to put it in the program. However, don't be surprised if people still take photos. The biggest offenders that I have seen is close relatives. Parents, siblings, etc. One of my friends got married in Vegas and her aunt literally jumped IN FRONT of the photog to get a good shot...LOL. Weddings can bring out the craziness in people.
i agree with corgi, but instead of saying photography is "not allowed," ask them to "please refrain"
I definitely feel the same way as you. I really do not want people taking pictures during my wedding ceremony. Afterwards at the reception it's a free for all, but I feel like the ceremony should be a deeply spiritual moment, and I think people taking photos really detracts from that. I do not think it is too much to ask that people refrain from taking photos. I am contemplating not even having professional photography during my ceremony for that reason.
I actually went to a wedding recently where everyone was taking photos (2 professions and at least 10 other people) and the flashes and clicking of the cameras was so distracting for me I could not concentrate on the ceremony at all. I can completely understand not wanting people taking photos during your ceremony.
I will probably have the pastor tell everyone to refrain from taking photos during my ceremony and to remind them to turn off their cell phones!!
@Deathbydesign....hahah! I thought about the cell phone thing too, but I thought that would be too far, and is more common sense, whereas my photo request would not be common sense to, well, anyone!
Based on your feedback, I will have both the officiant announcement and a blurb in the program. I still feel it should be in the program (and not just have the officiant announce it), because I would find it weird if there was an announcement for "no photos", but then I saw three photographers buzzing around taking photos. I think the blurb also gives the reasoning of the request.
While I know my photog can't be everywhere at once, with three photographers taking pictures, I am confident that few candids will be missed. And, I am totally prepared for people not listening to the directive, and I won't be upset unless they ruin the first kiss shot because they got in my photog's way! A pro photog will be used to this kind of thing though, but I'd like to make her job less difficult.
Waiting 6 weeks for photos and not being able to see those classic moments (processional, first kiss etc.) would be tough. Hmmm. Like I said before, it's less about the flash, than it is about the uncle bobs getting in the way (ie, having people of the end of the aisle who take a step into the aisle, which may prevent the photog from getting shots.
I am considering two options now:
OPTION 1:
(Note: the underline is meant to be a "title" in the program, not for emphasis).
No Photography Please!
We are so honoured you want to capture this special moment, but we would much rather see your smiling faces and so please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony. Don’t worry, we have full rights to our professional photographer’s photos and can share them. Feel free to take pictures after the recessional and anytime during the reception. Thank you!
OPTION 2:
No Photography During Processional Please!
We are so honoured you want to capture this special moment, but we would much rather see your smiling faces as we walk down the aisle and so please refrain from taking photos during the processional. Don’t worry, we have full rights to our professional photographer’s photos and can share them. Feel free to take pictures after the processional and anytime during the reception. Thank you!
Here's a poem if you'd like....i like poems :-) makes it sound more bubbly and nice.... :-)
Cameras off please!
Though we are very honored
by your wholehearted desire
to capture the same special moments
that our photographers will acquire,
We'd much rather see your faces
and your lovely smiles from ear to ear
so please refrain from taking photos
until after the processional clears.
And if you're worried you'll be missing out
on having your own pictures too
we'll have full rights and gladly share
our photographer's photos with all of you. <3
:-)
I would have your offciant say something before the event gets started- I've seen it done before and it works. "Because this is a [religious, wedding, something] ceremony, we would appreciate no photography during the event..." Officiants making the statement means everyone will hear and they'll be afraid this is the officiants policy instead of your own so it wont be ignored.
Make sure your photographers know this will happen, they may think it applies to them as well.
This is why you should ask people to stay out of the aisle... (although Im sure he got some really good shots..but I have yet to see them!)
@PitBulLover: eek. I'd be totally annoyed by the bald headed guest who crawled over the woman sitting on his left and stood in the aisle (?!) to get a shot with his point and shoot camera. I will never understand why guests are so aggressive about pictures.
.. That being said, he would be fairly easily to photoshop out.
@Belle2Be: OMG!! I love you for that! I have tried and tried to do that but couldnt figure out a way! Can I save that image as my own? There are only full views of our ceremony with him in the middle.
@Belle2Be: I also just noticed that you plopped him into the seat he was supposed to be sitting in lol :-)
Honestly, I think saying "No Photographs" sounds pretty harsh and not very welcoming to guests. If you must do this, I agree to just have the minister or someone say something. Please remember these are your invited guests - not audience members at a theatre production there to take direction.
People took pictures during our ceremony and I didn't even notice.
@lisa105: I agree that it needs to be said in the right way, however, I think telling people to stay out of the aisle is more appropriate and necessary than asking people not to take pictures at all. As evidenced above!
Well, the thing is though I'd be a bit insulted as an adult guest if the bridal party felt like they needed to instruct me on how to behave properly.
@lisa105: I understand that. I hadnt even thought about asking people to stay in their seats. Im not saying I would have done it. But I would have only had pictures like the one above if it werent for weddingbee since my photoshop skills are not up to par!
I understand how you're feeling on this, but just a thought:
At your graduation, you were looking around at the audience and seeing who all was there. At your wedding, will you really be doing that?
For me personally, I expect to have my eyes on FI pretty much the whole time, at least for my walk down the aisle. Unless someone walks right in front of me or blinds me with a flash, I don't anticipate that I will even notice most of the guests until after the ceremony, let alone them taking pictures.
I still think that if this is important to you then you should take a stand, but I just wanted to point that out. :)
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