Best alternative to disposable cameras for your wedding

Best alternative to disposable cameras for your wedding

As living costs go up, people are finding new ways to save money. That also counts for weddings.

The past couple of years, we are seeing an uprising of the classic disposable cameras from the 80’s and 90’s. They’re fun, retro and relatively inexpensive. That's why people often use them as an alternative to hiring a wedding photographer.

But what are the downsides of disposable cameras? And is there even a better alternative? Let’s find out!

Why do couples actually want these old disposable cameras at their wedding?

Using disposable cameras for your wedding may seem cheap and appealing, but they have some downsides. But let's first dive into what makes these cameras so appealing. 

Saving costs is the biggest reason disposable cameras are an alternative to wedding photographers. The average price for a good wedding photographer can vary between $2,000 - $10,000. Disposable cameras are usually between 10–30 dollars a piece. The total cost can be anywhere from $200- $1000, depending on how many you want to have. 

Nostalgic appeal is a deeply evocative one. Their retro vibe adds a quirky touch to weddings, often becoming conversation starters among guests. 

Authenticity. Something wedding photographers fail to do is to capture authentic moments right when they happen. With disposable cameras, your guests can take their own pictures from their perspective. This way, you get to see way more ‘real’ moments.

But what are the negatives of disposable cameras for your wedding?

Buying disposable cameras for your wedding guests is a fun way to keep them entertained. And they do capture some of your greatest memories of your special day. But there might be some reasons why you might opt out of using them at your wedding. 

1. They’re too expensive. Disposable cameras are a cheap option for a wedding photographer, but that's all they are. A ‘cheaper alternative’.

2. You definitely need to bulk buy them to see any result from them, one per table preferably. Paying between 200 and 1000 dollars is by no means inexpensive. That’s why we came up with a solution that we'll discuss in a minute.

3. Poor image quality. Disposable cameras do deliver on the nostalgia factor. But if we’re honest, most of the images will come out horribly. Add that to the already limited camera roll, it’s a gamble, even if you get many great pictures out of it.

4. How do you get the pictures out? You have to manually develop disposable cameras to get the pictures out of them. That development cost can add, especially factoring the prints that may not meet your expectations.

The best alternative to a wedding photographer is actually… a disposable camera app?

Nowadays, everyone has their own digital camera in their pocket. Instead of buying one disposable camera per table, why not turn all your guests’ phones into one!

For a fraction of the cost, you can relive your wedding from your guests’ POV. That’s because the next day, everyone receives a shared album with all pictures taken. The only thing your guests have to do to get the disposable camera is to scan a QR code.

In 2023, there will be a significant shift from traditional disposable cameras to disposable camera apps at weddings. This change is positive and beneficial. We will discuss why it’s a good option, but first let’s discuss which app we’re talking about, and how to use it.

How do I use a disposable camera app on my wedding?

You download the Lense disposable camera app and create an event. You select how many guests can join and how many pictures each guest can take. You can pick either disposable camera mode with 25 pictures per guest or unlimited photos.

1. The app generates a QR-Code or Link for you. Simply place a wedding sign with the QR-Code on every table, so your guests can easily access the camera. 

2. Guests scan the QR-Code and a notification to open the digital disposable camera app pops up. 

3. Without guests having to download the app, a disposable camera appears. They can consume/occupy up to 25 pictures. (or unlimited, depending on which option you have chosen) 

4. For easy access, on Apple devices, a lock screen notification will be visible. This way, you can easily take a quick snap. Android users do need to re-open the camera manually. 

5. Shared album. During and after the event, the host can delete unwanted pictures. The next day, they can decide to reveal the photos to everyone that has used the disposable camera app at their wedding. 

6. Two versions of each photo are available. The standard quality photo, and a disposable camera filter for a real retro look.

Why choose Lense disposable camera app for your wedding?

Price. While traditional disposable cameras are a cheaper solution to a wedding photographer, they are not inexpensive. Ranging from 200 to 1000 dollars, it’s still a hefty price tag.

• Lense is significantly more affordable. The prices range from only $5 to $100 depending on how many guests come to your wedding.

• No app downloads for your guests

• Easy to use, accessible, and a fun activity for everyone.

• You capture authentic moments.

• You get more high quality photos than with regular disposable cameras.

• You can relive your wedding through your guests’ POV.

The shared album makes for a fun experience when the day is over. And it’s actually easy to view the photos compared to regular disposable cameras.


Want to try out Lense? Check out our wedding disposable camera page