Josh Withers · Wedding planning · 3 min read
Wedding Photo Apps Don’t Work
Why wedding photo apps don’t work—and what to do instead to actually get the reception photos you’ll want to keep.
In theory, it’s a great idea. You’ve got a hundred friends at your wedding, all with smartphones. So you pop a QR code on the tables, everyone uploads their photos, and boom—you’ve got a crowdsourced photo album of your big day.
Except… no one uses it.
In all my years at weddings I’ve never seen anyone other than an enthusiastic bridesmaid, or a bullied father, use the app or QR code.
The reality of guest photo apps
These apps rely on your guests doing something extra—scanning a code, signing up, downloading an app, uploading their photos. That’s a lot to ask at a wedding where people are drinking, dancing, and trying to find the bathroom.
In the end, most couples end up with a handful of grainy photos from two tech-savvy friends and a stack of blurry screenshots someone uploaded the next morning. It’s underwhelming. And it doesn’t do your day justice.
What actually works
If you really want to capture the magic of your wedding reception—not just the ceremony—here’s what works:
1. Ask your photographer to stay for the reception
They’re already invested in your story. If you trust them with your ceremony, trust them to capture the joy, the movement, the chaos, the vibe of the evening too.
2. Add a second shooter or event photographer
A second professional can cover more ground—while one is catching speeches, the other is capturing your Nan on the dancefloor. They’ll also give you more usable photos, fast.
3. Consider a photo booth—but only a good one
Done right, a photo booth can be a brilliant way to get your guests to take proper photos. Just make sure it’s not tucked away near the toilets. It needs lighting, props (or none at all), and someone keeping it running smoothly.
4. Think about a portrait station
Instead of a roaming photographer, set up a corner with great lighting and a backdrop. Invite guests to pop in for a quick, beautiful snap. Classy and controlled.
5. Old-school disposable cameras? Maybe not
They’re a bit of fun, but they’re expensive to buy, develop, and often full of flash-blasted foreheads and fingers-over-the-lens. You’ll get 1–2 decent shots per roll—if you’re lucky.
Your memories are worth capturing properly
Your wedding day doesn’t get a second take. If you want to remember it clearly, and share it beautifully, don’t outsource the job to your drunk mates and their cracked iPhones.
Hire a professional. Ask them what they can cover. Pay a little extra if you want to capture more of the story.
Because when the cake’s gone and the flowers are composted, the photos are what remain. Make sure they’re worth keeping.
