Even though we are in the age of everyone having a camera on their phones, most couples opt for a professional photographer to capture the special moments leading up to and including their wedding day. One of the biggest reasons aside from quality and their experience is that the know the pictures couples most like and how to photograph those moments. Years ago couples provided disposable cameras on each table for guests to take pictures, which they would later develop. I would image this led to paying to see many more poor quality pics than good ones. Professional photographers are more creative with lenses, settings etc and are also much more flexible in their availability as well. Many couples opt to have the pictures of family and the wedding party taken before the ceremony. (of course after they have their private first glance pic). There usually is limited time after the ceremony and before dinner for pictures. This way the happy couple, family and wedding party can mingle with guests and relax during cocktails and of course start dinner on time.
Some couples opt for a formal photo booth or selfie station. These provide fun way for guests to interact and give you a creative memory. I have also seen couples provide an instamatic camera near a guest book. Couples take pictures of themselves and affix their pic to the guest book with a personalized message, kind of a ‘time capsule’ memory book for the happy couple.
Couples also have been asking their guests to post pics to their personalized wedding page so they can later see what fun their guests were having at their wedding.
Don’t forget in the midst of all this photography to ask your guests to set aside their cameras during the ceremony and allow the photographer to capture those special moments while they give you the gift of their undivided presence.