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How many Polaroid cameras and film packs do you need for your wedding?
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Camera setup
How snap-happy is your crowd?
Quick answers by wedding size
Typical recommendations for a combination setup (guest-book station plus table cameras), a 5-hour reception, and average participation. Film packs are twin packs of 20 photos.
| Guests | Cameras | Film packs | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 2–3 | 4–5 | ≈ 70 |
| 100 | 4–5 | 8–9 | ≈ 140 |
| 150 | 6–7 | 12–13 | ≈ 210 |
| 200 | 8–9 | 16–17 | ≈ 280 |
The assumptions behind the math
Photos per guest. A typical crowd shoots about one instant photo per guest over a full reception. Formal or older crowds trend closer to 0.6; young, dance-floor-heavy crowds reach 1.5 or more.
Setup matters more than guest count. A single guest-book station is naturally rate-limited - one camera can only pass through so many hands. Cameras on tables multiply usage because nobody has to get up to take a photo.
Length of the reception. Each hour past four adds roughly 8% more photos. The dance-floor hours are when instant cameras earn their keep.
Buy the backup film. Nothing ends the fun faster than cameras going dark at 9pm. Because sealed packs are refunded after your return, backup film is free insurance.
Common questions
How many instant cameras do I need for 100 wedding guests?+
For 100 guests, plan on 4–5 instant cameras for a combination setup (a guest-book station plus cameras at tables), with 8–9 twin packs of film (160–180 photos). A single guest-book station alone can work with 2 cameras.
How much instant film do I need per guest?+
A comfortable rule of thumb is one photo per guest, plus 20–25% margin. Guests take more photos at longer receptions, with younger crowds, and when cameras sit on every table rather than at one station.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy instant cameras for a wedding?+
Renting is usually significantly cheaper for a one-day event. Four Instax Mini cameras run about $320 at retail before film or batteries, and afterward you own hardware you'll rarely use. Renting gets you tested cameras, film, guest instruction cards, and a prepaid return for roughly half the cost of buying the cameras alone.
Is film included in a rental package?+
With Love, Printed, yes. Every package ships with two twin packs of film per camera, which is 40 photos per camera, and the price you see already includes it. Extra packs are $15 for 20 photos.
What happens to unused film?+
With Love, Printed, sealed unopened film packs are refunded after your return is inspected - so ordering backup film costs nothing unless your guests actually shoot it.
Should cameras go on every table?+
Not necessarily every table - one camera per 2–3 tables keeps them moving without long idle time. Pair table cameras with a guest-book station for the best of both.
Planning the photos is the fun part. We'll handle the cameras.
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