Kindly Tell Your Guests Not to Wear Sunglasses
Okay, so here’s one of the most unexpected tips we give our couples — and trust us, it really matters:
Kindly ask your guests not to wear sunglasses during the ceremony.
We know it sounds like a small thing (and hey, we love sunnies as much as anyone), but here’s the honest truth: they take so much life and emotion out of your photos.
Why It Matters More Than You Think
The magic of your wedding day isn’t just in the outfits or the location — it’s in the people. The way your mum gets teary as you walk down the aisle. The look on your best mate’s face when you say your vows. The full-body smiles, the watery eyes, the proud little nods from your dad.
Now imagine all of that... behind dark lenses.
Sunglasses block the connection.
Eyes tell the story. When they’re hidden, all of that expression — the joy, the nerves, the love — it gets lost. What you often see instead is:
A flat, expressionless look from your guests (even though they were totally feeling it).
A mirror-like reflection of the photographer or videographer in every lens.
Rows of people looking like they’re at a summer BBQ instead of one of the most emotionally charged moments of your life.
We want you to look back and see faces full of feeling — not just a sea of Ray-Bans.
It’s Not About Being Controlling — It’s About Being Intentional
Asking your guests to take off their sunnies isn’t about creating rules — it’s about protecting the emotional heart of your day. Just like you wouldn’t want someone checking their phone during the vows, you probably don’t want a dozen mirrored lenses in every aisle shot either.
We’ve photographed countless ceremonies, and we can tell you this: the most powerful moments are always the ones where we can see people’s eyes.
How to Ask (Without Sounding Rude)
Most guests won’t even think twice — they’re just trying to avoid squinting or get a break from the sun. So here’s how you can frame it:
Include a short note in your ceremony program or wedding website like:
“We’d love to see your faces (and your happy tears!) — please avoid wearing sunglasses during the ceremony so we can capture all the emotion in the room.”
Or ask your celebrant to make a quick announcement before things kick off:
“The couple has asked that guests kindly remove their sunglasses so they can really feel the love in the room — and so the photos reflect that too.”
But What If It’s Really Bright?
Totally fair. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony with zero shade, some guests may still need their sunnies. In that case, try to:
Position chairs so the sun is behind or to the side, not directly in people’s eyes.
Offer parasols, hand fans, or light shading if possible.
Encourage a momentary removal — even just during the vows.
Final Thought: Let’s See the Emotion
At the end of the day, you’re not just planning a wedding — you’re creating a memory to last forever. When you look back at your photos, we want you to see the full picture: the joy, the tears, the unfiltered emotion.
So give your guests a heads-up.
Let them know this matters to you.
And let’s keep the sunnies for the dance floor photos — where they belong.
Big love,
The Feather & Finch Team