disposable cameras for the 21st century

Tracy&Syed · January 2010

Hi Ladies,

My best friend is getting married this summer, and as her MOH, I'm helping her plan the wedding.

We went to a bridal expo last weekend and came across something that I did not see at all when I was planning my own wedding.

There's a local company who offers packages of digital cameras that they ship out to you, and you keep for a couple days and ship back. The cameras are somehow set to automatically upload the pictures taken with them to a central display that you can put out at your rehearsal dinner, reception, etc. Basically, they are used like disposable cameras used to be (out on all the tables) and then you can watch as pictures are added to the slide show.

Anyway, we both thought this was a really cool idea. They charge $500 for a few days worth of usage and then after the fact, the company sends the couple all the pics.

She already has a professional photographer, but she was thinking of adding this camera package too.

What do you all think? Have any of you used a service like this?

The bride's sister thinks the idea of streaming the pictures on a display as they are taken is tacky, but we both think its cool. Any opinions on this?

She has room in her budget for it, so the price isn't too big of an issue. We're just wondering though if its worth the cost. Any thoughts?

Thanks so much!

Lasairiona · January 2010

Honestly it sounds like a waste of money. Everyone and their brother owns a digital camera so there is no need to provide disposables. People will bring their own cameras from home and take pictures that your photographer doesn't capture and anyone will be glad to give you copies if you simply ask them. The money you spend on this would be better suited for food/drink/entertainment or even professional photography instead.

cukimerrydoll · January 2010

It's a cute idea, but I know a lot of people will probably have their own cameras anyway.

It's something to think about though, with getting pics set up for documenting the reception. I would be worried that someone might think they are favors, and try to take them home.

trix1223 · January 2010

Id be concerned about the pics immediately being streamed into the party. Let's just suppose that someone who's had too much to drink begins using the cameras for pictures that are.....innappropriate. Do you really want great aunt Hilda or grandpa Les seeing those pictures live during the reception?

As PPs have said I know of few weddings where many, many guests bring their own digital cameras and then download to photo sharing sites.

I think that I'd err on the side of caution, and spend the $500 elsewhere or even save the $500.

laurening · January 2010

It seems like a waste of money to me. We have a few guests who are practically attached to their cameras when it comes to events and I know they'll upload them to snapfish or kodak.

Also, what's the cost if any of the cameras get lost or broken?

jenniemay24 · January 2010

While that sounds like a good idea, when you really look at it I think it is a waste of money. To save money but get the same effect you can always just buy one or two disposable cameras for each table and then develop them yourself. I know of a couple people who did that and it didn't anywhere near $500! Good luck!

aerinpegadrak · January 2010

Actually, the disposable cameras usually end up being much more expensive, not to mention terrible for the environment.

We strongly considered doing this (we were going to go through myphotofest.com), but we decided that pretty much everyone has their own digital cameras. I may make a note on the website to encourage people to bring their cameras, and we'll have photoshare cards so people can post them all to one common place.

trix1223 · January 2010

The disposable cameras generally produce crappy quality photos, and few of the photos are ones that a couple might actually want to keep. You pay for the cameras and pay for the developing of pictures that tipsy guests thought would be hilarious: the toilets at the venue, someone's butt, etc. That a pretty huge waste of money.

As aerin said, just ask your guests to post their photos to a photo sharing site, and call it all good.

aerinpegadrak · January 2010

Stage: The place we were looking at included insurance in the rental price. As long as you sent it back, even if it was in a million pieces, you weren't liable for it. I think most places require you to purchase separate insurance, though.

disposable cameras for the 21st century

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