Disposable Cameras for your Wedding, Pros and Cons

by Priscilla Racke

Some brides choose to place disposable cameras on the guest tables in hopes of catching more of those candid moments from their wedding. I was one of those brides, but if I were planning my wedding again, I would leave the cameras out of it. Here’s why:

Cons

-The cameras are easily overlooked or forgotten, and some guests are too shy to use them anyway. Even my most frequently used cameras were still mostly blank by the end of my reception.

-Picture quality tends to be very inferior because they don’t perform well in low-light situations. Only a few of my developed pictures turned out well enough for use.

-In my opinion, the money would have been better spent in another area.

An alternative that works well and saves money at the same time is to set up your own “photo booth” table. All you need are some fun props and a digital camera. You can set it up on a tripod or leave it on the table for guests to take pictures of each other. For more consistency and efficiency, station a friend or relative at the table to be your “photo booth” operator.

(Another option to check out is Snapable.com)

However, some brides find that disposable cameras are suitable for their events. The advantages they offer are:

Pros

-Flexibility. Your guests can use the cameras throughout the evening with very little direction from you. That can help fill the waiting times that tend to bore guests.

-Simplicity. Setting the cameras out is quick and simple; no cleanup required.

To determine if disposable cameras are right for your event, consider the spirit and personality of your guest list. For some crowds they may be just the thing!