The best alternative to disposable cameras at weddings

They're fun. A camera on every table gives guests something to play with, the grainy look has real charm, and opening the prints weeks later is an event in itself. If that's what you want, they're a lovely touch.

As a way to collect photos, though, they're expensive and unpredictable: you pay for every camera and for every roll developed, wedding receptions are dark, and a single-use flash only reaches so far.

Guests use the phone they already have, which handles low light far better than a fixed-focus film camera and records video as well. They scan the code on the table, type their name and upload. There's nothing to install and nothing to collect at the end of the night.

Nothing is limited to 27 exposures, either. On the free plan the album holds 10 photos or videos, enough to test it; unlimited uploads for one wedding is a single €49 payment, however many guests and tables you have.

Part of the disposable camera's appeal is not knowing what's on it. You can keep that: albums are private by default, so guests can upload but can't browse what everyone else took, and you can decide not to open it until the morning after.

Or do the opposite and put the live slideshow on a screen so new photos appear during the party. Both work; it's your call.

Film takes weeks to come back and every camera ends up in the bin. With a QR album the photos arrive as guests upload them, they keep coming for 30 days after the wedding, and you download the whole set as one ZIP.

If you love the look of film, there's no rule against doing both: a few disposables for fun, and a QR code on every table so nothing else gets lost.