Photographs. They are one of the highest ticket items of your wedding day and the things that you can go back to again and again to remember the day. Photographers, videographers all have their own style and vibe which needs to gel with yours. At the same time there are options for you to save, as well as ratchet up guest interaction. So here are a few ideas on how to do it differently...
Guest As Photographer
Invite your guests to be your photographer. This options is a great way to engage guests throughout the day, and capture moments you can't. It is also a great money saving idea if you ditch the professional photographer to outsource it to your nearest and dearest. The caution here is that you get what they are capable of, so if you are ok to have just a couple of shots as keepers consider this as an option.
This is also a great add on to a professional photographer, and can help reduce costs allowing you to prioritise the professionals focus rather than booking them for multiple hours.
Make it easy and engaging for guests to participate. Set up a Google Drive, create a bespoke QR code and print it on instruction cards for each seat at the ceremony or table. You can even set your own hashtag and include that in the instructions if you are happy for guests to upload their photos immediately and tag you.
Tell you celebrant too so they can prompt guests prior to the ceremony to get some warm up shots. Another way to elevate this idea further is to give the guests a wish list of shots or make it a game like a scavenger hunt providing a list or clues for shot inspiration. E.g best dressed, table selfie.
Friend Or Family With Skills
If you have a friend or family member with creative skills or who is an armature photographer why not invite them to be your photographer for the day? It is a great alternative to a gift, be clear on what you want i.e priority shots so they know what is expected and make sure they have a start/finish point so they can enjoy the day too.
Polaroids & Photo Booths
Take guests as photographers to the next level and put a polaroid camera on each table. For photos that they want to share set up a picture board at your reception or put an envelope on each table for them to share their best shots. Going through the shot envelopes is a nice day after activity to do with your other half. Plus, you usually get shots of things you didn't even know where happening. Lots of fun for everyone, plus there are vendors that hire polaroid cameras so you don't need to buy and onsell. Check out Instant Camera Hire a Perth based company hiring out polaroid cameras around Aust.
Photo Booths are popular and a fun addition to reception activities. There is even a vendor hiring Kombi Photobooths for something even more engaging and fun. Checkout Insta Kombis.
Reduced Hours
If you do want professional shots, consider negotiating on a set number of hours or priority shots to help get the package price you want. Also, consider shopping around for a student or new photographer who is looking for experience as well as shots to use in their promotional materials. There are always lots of newbies advertising in the various wedding FB groups.
Here some local, and national suppliers that may help with your research:
