No cameras allowed?

Question

A lot of the people in mine & my future hubby's family are picture crazy ~ it's way too long to go into here, but basically, we are considering including a *polite* request in the invitation to leave the cameras at home along with a note that we will be happy to send wedding photos to anyone who is interested.
Is this rude? Has anyone ever heard of this being done before? We are willing to let our parents have cameras, but otherwise we really don't want our ceromony to be interrupted w/non-stop camera flash, etc.
On one hand, we don't want to hurt feelings, but on the other hand, we both feel it is rude & disruptive to constantly take photos of an event ~rather than just enjoy it. Furthermore, we want to have a good time, not pose for tons of photos when we will already be paying a professional to do that.

Actually, our parents are some of the worst offenders ~ and when we ran the idea by them, they insisted they be allowed to bring cameras =)

Answer 1

You can always pass the buck and blame it on the location or officiant. Many ministers or churches won't allow pictures during the ceremony b/c it takes away from the ceremony, people are paying more attention to getting the perfect shot then the ceremony and the flashes are distracting to everyone involved. If you are paying a professional photographer, they may ask that other people not take pictures until the professional is done b/c their flashes interfere with each other. I think it is totally appropriate to request no cameras, at the ceremony. You can always allow them to bring them to the reception, it is nice to see the candid shots during the reception that you wouldn't ordinarily get to see. Maybe phrase it "Please, no cameras allowed during ceremony, but welcomed at reception." Good luck!

Answer 2

I think a better idea would be "no flash photography". Banning cameras completely is a bit strange...but I understand the whole non stop camera flash...so just say no flash. One of my friend's weddings had a strict rule about no flash.

And who says you HAVE to pose for any pictures? Personally I think posing for pictures IS having a good time...I loved walking around and getting pictures with everyone at the reception...but then again I guess my family isn't psychotic about picture taking. I didn't even notice ANY cameras going off during any part of my wedding..but I have the proof that a TON TON TON were taken. Chances are you are going to be too wrapped up in your husband and what is going on to even notice anyone flashing pictures.

Answer 3

I understand where you are coming from. Even though I had a professional photographer and his assistant taking pictures the whole time, I had an aunt who thought it was her job too. She came early and kept trying to take pictures of me and my girls getting dressed (half naked)! Why would I want those? And you don't want a billion flashes going off during the ceremony. I would send a note asking that cameras not be used until the reception. They can get all the pretty pictures of you in your dress then. A wedding is a legal/religious ceremony, not a birthday party. When the party does start, who cares if the cameras do?

Answer 4

I think it is a good idea BUT I don't think too many people will follow it.

Of all the weddings I've been invited to, I have not seen too many flashes going off during the ceremony, just the ones by the professional photographer. Usually everyone is concentrating on the ceremony and the bride and groom.

Answer 5

Many churches do not allow photography during the actual ceremony. A professional photographer yes, but dozens of flashes no.

Have a program and put in the program: No photography allowed during the ceremony.

Your officiant can also make this request before the start of the ceremony. Something like: Please turn off all cell phones now. And please, no photography during the ceremony.

As for taking pics at the reception, I don't see the harm in that. Let your family and friends use their cameras then.

Answer 6

Have you checked with your ceremony site to check about photography restrictions? I had assumed that my church would allow anyone to take photographs, but actually they had a long list of restrictions, that included no guest photography and gave specific instructions to the professional photographer. As I have heard from others since, this is becoming more common, so it could be worth it to check it out -- if it's prohibited by the site, then you really won't have a choice but to ask for no photography during the ceremony!

You might also wish to check with your professional photographer that he/she doesn't have a policy of not allowing others to take photographs...when I was checking out photographers, quite a few had policies like this, which included photos being taken by family and friends.

I don't think a polite request for no photography during the ceremony is out of place, however, you shouldn't expect all your guests to agree with your comment of, "we both feel it is rude & disruptive to constantly take photos of an event ~rather than just enjoy it." Most people don't find taking pictures of a wedding 'rude' as it a common event to wish to take photographs of. Additionally, some people enjoy taking pictures as part of a large event such as a wedding. I would actually find it more strange if no one wanted to bother recording your special event! Remember, although it is 'your day' and posing for pictures is tiring, they are wanting to take them because they care about you and want to remember your day.

Answer 7

hmm... I guess you could, but I honestly don't see why. The best pictures I got were the candid shots my friends and family took. (some were better than the photographer's pics) I got great photos within days of the wedding from friends and family. Plus, god forbid anything happens to the photographer's photos, you still have some wedding pictures. I have even been asked to take pictures for other people at weddings. Not officially but to get the candid shots and fun stuff and people love my photos. I think you will be missing out, but if you insist, do what you want.

Answer 8

Maybe just a note that no flash photography allowed during the ceremony , and not to interfere the the professional photographer.

Leave this in the program about proper photography etiquette.

Answer 9

Why not tell people not to take pictures during the ceremony. I know some folks who have done this and it was ok. You should at least let them take pics at the reception. That's where the party will be and you won't even remember the flashes when it's all over.

Answer 10

while i do not think it is rude, i do find it odd. i mean, i love pictures and pictures from other people will have different angles and candid shots that you might not have any other way.
perhaps cameras with no flash so it won't both you? i do not think people mean any harm, they just want to have memories of the day.

usually people go on to the reception and you take the standing with mom grandma brother shoots. other than that, i do not remember having to pose with anyone.

but in the end, it is your wedding. just find a polite way of wording it to people.