I have just received my impersonal-yet-irritating “happy one-month anniversary” reminder email from WeddingWire, requesting feedback on everything wedding. And though I am not acting on their request, it did serve as a reminder that our thank-you notes are still not done. It also got me thinking about what stands out — after 30 days — as the best “unscripted moments” from our wedding day.
The GIF Photo Booth is a HUGE one – first on the list of happy surprises. BTW – we get nothing from gifyyy.com for sharing any of this — nada.
When our photographer, Jeff Newsom, offered to set up his new GIF machine at our reception, we said yes not knowing anything about it. It sounded like it might be fun. We already had decided not to have a photo booth, an idea that did not excite us and an expense we could do without. The gifyyy, however, sounded like a fresh, social media-ready upgrade of the photo booth idea. Why not.
It was a hit, with kids and adults alike. Not only are the images hilarious, people had fun just watching other people interact with the device, take their GIF and then play it back. Think of it as an ice-breaker exercise you don’t have to organize or push people to do.
Good stuff to know: Gifyyy’s website provides a good overview, though it is more oriented to wedding professionals who might buy the equipment rather than end users, but you’ll get the idea.
Five points worth emphasizing:
1. The equipment takes up very little space – it really is just that tripod. The design is attractive & neutral enough for any setting, and the circle of lights on the perimeter naturally encourages guests to come check it out. The iPad screen invites you in with a “Touch Me”. Once touched, there is a slight delay and then 1-2 seconds later the GIF is created and immediately displayed. Key in a phone number and the GIF is sent. Ready for the next GIF, just like that.
2. What it does require is plenty of space in front of it so that small and large groups can create their gif, and so that others can watch. How much space? We had a 10’ semi-circle available in front and that worked well.
3. No need for a backdrop or props. Guess you could, but you don’t need to. Put the faux mustaches away.
4. It does require a wifi or cell connection. If your reception location has poor signal strength, you’ll need to figure out an alternative, because a big part of the fun is being able to share your gif on social media – immediate gratification.
5. It is battery powered and self contained — no wires or cables to trip over or cover up.
And best of all, when your party is over you have a collection of all the GIF’s created for you to keep.
We haven’t decided what we’ll do with all of ours, but we are thinking that when our one-year anniversary arrives – we might just be sending out “anniversary reminders” of our own!
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