How to Rent Cameras for a Wedding

Some of a couple's most treasured wedding memories are the photos taken by guests, capturing the bride, groom, wedding party and invitees enjoying the celebration without planned poses or smiles. Rather than wasting money on poor-quality disposable cameras, give guests a chance to click away with rented digital cameras. These camera upgrades encourage guests to take beautiful photos that they can instantly view and share. When the cameras are returned, your rental company will upload the pictures to an electronic wedding album, and you and your significant other can pick and print the ones you want.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide how many cameras you need to rent. Some couples order enough cameras to place 1 on each reception table, while others pass them out to specific friends and family members. Rental packages run from $200 to $500, depending on the number of cameras, and some companies offer discounts if you reserve your camera package several months in advance.

2. Visit websites like SnapHappy.com and YouShoot.com to review camera options, select packages and get online quotes (see Resources below). These companies specialize in digital camera rental for events and offer many options for viewing or distributing photos.

3. Decide whether you want to purchase camera insurance. Though it costs up to 30 percent more, it is worth it if the cameras get into the hands of some of your youngest guests or inebriated relatives.

4. Find out what the shipping costs will be. Many companies charge a flat fee to get the cameras to and from your event, while some include shipping in the package cost.

5. Inquire about the cost of archival CDs before you rent. Many companies offer one complimentary photo CD, with additional copies ranging between $10 and $25. Archival CDs make unique gifts for wedding party members or close family.

6. Rent removable memory cards to go with your cameras, if your budget allows for it. Most external memory cards can be uploaded to a laptop so you can see your pictures immediately, and even show a real-time slide production at your reception.

Tips & Warnings

• Some camera rental services allow wedding guests to upload their personal camera or cell phone photos to your online album, as well. Ask about this helpful option before you select a rental company.
• Don't forget to provide your guests with instructions for camera operation. Most rental services send tastefully designed instruction cards to place on the tables along with the cameras.

Resources

• SnapHappy.com for wedding rental packages
• YouShoot.com for digital camera rentals

[lauraboone]

on 8/25/2008 Another great company which does this is called Picture It Yourself. Their website is http://www.PictureItYourself.com