You can spend an eternity deciding how to transform your wedding into a unique, one-of-a-kind event for you and your guests. From epic locations to matching floral arrangements, there is a lot to choose from, making decisions complex. However, a straightforward way to add a special touch to your big day is with instant cameras. Sure, you’ll probably hire a professional photographer for those big moments, but what about the little moments? Instant cameras can provide an additional perspective for all kinds of events and will give your guests a chance to get amongst the action. So, here’s why you should have instant cameras at your wedding ceremony!
Keep the instant cameras accessible…
While it may sound costly, having a few instant cameras placed strategically around your wedding reception is a great way to engage your guests and to see the wedding from their perspective after the fact. Even if you can only manage one or two cameras, there’s a good chance you’ll have some particularly snap-happy guests who will leap at the opportunity to play photographer for the night. Just remember, more cameras means more fun. Plus, it will prevent anyone from hogging all the fun.
If this sounds like something you’d love to add to your wedding, we recommend using an entry-level model, like the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11. The Instax Mini is a budget-friendly camera that is easy to use and bundles of fun.
Have a fun, themed instant photo booth…
Back when cameras were big bulky pieces of equipment, photo booths were a great way to get a few snaps of you and your lover, either at the local carnival or just before a movie. Inspire your guests with a bit of nostalgia by setting up an instant photo booth. Even your more timid guests will want to get involved. Who can resist posing for a selfie with some fun and creative photo props?
We recommend shopping around for photo props that suit the theme of your wedding or objects that appeal to your specific interests as a couple. If you’re super-creative, you can even get crafty and create some photo props of your own. Don’t feel bad if you opt for the premade options though, you are busy planning a wedding!
Encourage your guests to present their handiwork…
Don’t let your guest photos pile up in the middle of the table. Instead, have a designated space to present their artwork for other party-goers to inspect. A simple solution is to include a wall with blu tack, a portable cork board with pins, or some string with pegs.
Another, more intimate option is to allow your guests to collate their work themselves. For example, a simple brag book-styled photo album on each table will help keep photos sorted into different groups and families within your wedding party. Alternatively, an Instax guest book will encourage them to spill their guts with heartfelt messages for you to look back on.
Decorate with Instant images…
Cake toppers, table placings, save the date cards, and invitations; the options are endless for featuring your instant photography at various points in your wedding to give your guests a feel for the proceedings and encourage them to get involved themselves.
Including an instant photograph of each guest in a thank you card is a fantastic way to show your appreciation once the day has come and gone. Just don’t forget to enlist some help amongst your guests to ensure that you have at least one image of each guest, couple, or group. No one likes to miss out.
Provide your guests with a Polaroid checklist…
To save your guests from feeling uninspired or unwilling to pick up the camera, consider supplying each table with a checklist of a few photographs that you would like them to capture before the night is over. While some party-goers will be more than happy to start shooting, others may be more reluctant. But thanks to the social element you inject it with, all your guests will be keen to get to the next dot point.
The wedding day photography checklist may include:
● Take a photo of a wedding guest that you have never met before
● Take a picture of someone who is a mutual friend
● Take a self-portrait
● Capture a portrait of the happy couple
After it’s all said and done, you’ll probably end up with hundreds of different images from all different angles that you can admire and reminisce over til death do you part.
Want instant cameras at your wedding? We sure do! Visit Ted’s Cameras to pick up Polaroid & Instax cameras so you can capture every moment from your big day.
