Wedding Favours That Won't Get Left Behind.

So, you've chosen a lovely venue, gowns and suits that make you look $1,000,000, (amazing, that is, not "all green and crinkly", as my own best man quipped), chosen menus to satisfy all your guests, booked photographers, videographers, and all sorts of entertainment, and now you start to think about wedding favours.

I've seen a wide range of favours, from sweets to hand-decorated glasses to lottery scratch cards. Of these, the sweets will be eaten, and only winning scratch cards are likely to be kept until they are redeemed, whilst gifts like the glasses, although lovely may get forgotten, or might not survive the partying or the journey home. 

Weddings are great occasions where family members who haven't seen each other for a while can get together, so why not have family group photos?

You could ask your main photographer* if they are able to provide this service using a second photographer, or if they're happy for you to engage a separate photographer, you can do that instead.

We recently had a booking from a couple who wanted this service, and initially wanted to book a photo booth for it, which we also offer. Talking to the couple, it became apparent that a live photographer was a better option. Whereas a photo booth would be at a fixed height in a fixed position, I of course could vary my height and position, and of course zoom in or out as desired. Also, it meant that I could be outside with the camera and a flashgun, whilst the computer and our heavy duty printer were safe indoors with an accessible electricity supply.

Group by group, the guests gathered in the corner of Oakfield Garden (in the grounds of The River School, Worcester) that the couple set aside for us. When all were done, and the guests were summoned to the wedding breakfast, we then set about downloading the pictures and printing them.

I'd recently bought a new camera, and found it had a star rating function for one to five stars. I used that to show the number of prints to run off.

When the pictures were printed, we put them into strut mounts to make them look more professional. Professional presentation is important to us. We then put them in print bags to keep them clean.

Our couple were pleased with the results. It was a great day in a lovely setting.

*We recommend that you ask your main photographer in any event as you may have an exclusivity clause in your contract with them that says that you need their agreement to appoint a second professional photographer. This is largely courtesy, but will ensure that you avoid a potentially awkward situation on your special day.