The Complete Guide
How to Use a QR Code for Wedding Pictures
Everything from printing the right card size to getting your last cousin to actually upload. Setup takes about 2 minutes — this guide covers the details that make it work on the day.
1. Create your gallery
The couple signs in once (Google) and enters their names and wedding date. Guests never sign anything — your guest upload page goes live immediately at a private link like /guest?w=your-slug.
2. Print the QR table cards
Download the 5×7" or A4 PDF at 300 DPI and print at home or through your stationer. Matte paper stock scans more reliably than glossy under reception lighting.
3. Place cards where hands are
One card per table plus a welcome-sign copy at the entrance. Guest tables beat the bar: people place phones face-up on dinner tables and scan during downtime.
4. Test scan before the day
Scan your printed card with both an iPhone and an Android in dim light. Every WedQR code uses Level H error correction, but the paper stock and distance still matter.
5. Announce it once
Have the emcee mention the QR code before toasts — "point your camera at the card to share your photos." One announcement typically doubles uploads.
Card specs that scan every time
- Minimum printed QR size: 2 × 2 inches (5 cm) — our 5×7" cards render it at 3 inches.
- Keep the quiet zone: at least 0.25 inches of clear paper around every edge of the code.
- Contrast wins: dark code on light paper. Never print white-on-dark for table cards.
- Matte, uncoated stock under candlelight outperforms glossy card under flash photography.
- Level H error correction tolerates a smudge, a drink ring, or a fork scratch — up to 30% damage.
Mistakes that cost photos
- Only one card in the room — guests at the far tables never see it. One per table beats one per venue.
- Tiny QR codes on place cards: under 2 inches they stop scanning at arm's length.
- Glossy laminate over the code — glare from candles and phone flashes kills scans.
- Skipping the test scan on a printed proof (screen tests always look perfect).
- Never mentioning it: couples who announce the QR once collect roughly twice as many photos.
Not convinced yet?
See how this method compares to disposable cameras and Instagram hashtags in our side-by-side comparison, learn what a QR code for wedding pictures includes, or preview the guest upload experience yourself.