Wedding QR Codes: How They Work and Where to Put Them

A QR code is a square barcode that your guests scan with their phone camera. When they scan it, the phone opens a link you have chosen, such as your wedding website, a photo sharing album, or a digital RSVP form.

To scan a QR code, guests open the camera app on their phone and point it at the code. A notification appears, and they tap it to open the link. Most phones do this without a separate app. If a guest has an older phone, they may need a QR scanner app, but most modern phones handle it automatically.

You can create a QR code for free using many online tools. The code itself is just a picture, so you can download it and add it to your invitations, signs, or table cards. The link behind the code is what matters, so make sure it goes to a page that works well on a phone.

Yes, a QR code on your wedding invitation is a handy way to send guests to your wedding website or RSVP page. It saves them typing a long web address and reduces the chance of errors.

If you are using a printed invitation, put the QR code in a place that is easy to see, such as the bottom corner of the main card or on a separate insert. Make sure it is large enough to scan, at least 2cm by 2cm, and printed with good contrast, dark code on a light background.

On the invitation, write a short line near the code, such as "Scan to RSVP" or "Scan for our wedding website". This tells guests what the code does and encourages them to use it. If your wedding has multiple events, like a hen do or a welcome drinks, you can use separate QR codes for each event, but keep them clearly labelled.

To make a QR code for wedding photos, you need a link to a shared photo album. Many photo sharing services let you create an album and share a link. Once you have that link, you can turn it into a QR code using a free online QR code generator.

Choose a generator that lets you set a custom design, such as adding your initials or a colour that matches your theme. But keep the code readable, so avoid making it too small or too low contrast. Download the QR code as a high resolution image, then add it to your wedding website, signs, or table cards.

On the day, place the QR code where guests will see it, such as on a welcome board or on each table. Write "Scan to add your photos" or "Share your photos here" next to the code. This encourages guests to upload their pictures throughout the day, so you get photos from every angle.

A basic QR code is free to create. Many online tools let you generate a static QR code at no cost. A static QR code contains a link that never changes, which is all you need for most wedding uses, such as linking to your wedding website or a photo album.

Some services offer dynamic QR codes, which let you change the link after the code is printed. These usually require a subscription or a one off fee. For a wedding, you rarely need a dynamic code, because your links are unlikely to change. If you think you might update the link, for example if you change your photo album, then a dynamic code could be worth the cost, but it is not essential.

Remember that the cost of printing the QR code is part of your stationery budget. You can print QR codes on your invitations, signs, and table cards. If you are making your own stationery, you can print them at home or at a local print shop. There is no extra charge for adding a QR code to a design.

QR codes work well on signs and tables because they are easy to spot and scan. Here are some practical places to use them:

• Welcome board: put a QR code that links to your wedding website, the order of the day, or a map of the venue.
• Table numbers: add a small QR code to each table number card that links to a digital menu or a photo sharing album.
• Order of service: include a QR code on the back page that links to the wedding website or a donation page if you have one.
• Thank you cards: after the wedding, you can send a QR code that links to a photo album or a thank you video.
• Guest book table: place a QR code that links to a digital guest book or a shared photo album.
• Bar or drinks menu: if you have a special cocktail, a QR code can link to the recipe or a fun fact about it.

When placing QR codes on signs, make sure they are at a height that is easy to scan, around waist to chest level. Avoid putting them in direct sunlight or shiny surfaces that cause glare. Test the code before the wedding to make sure it scans from a distance of about 30cm.

The text near the QR code should be short and clear. It tells guests what the code does and what you want them to do. For an RSVP, write "Scan to RSVP" or "Please scan to reply". For a wedding website, write "Scan for details" or "Scan to visit our website".

If you are using a QR code for photos, write "Scan to share your photos" or "Scan to see the album". You can also add a small instruction for guests who are not familiar with QR codes, such as "Open your camera and point it at the code".

Keep the font simple and large enough to read. Place the text directly above or below the code, not too far away. Avoid cluttering the invitation with too much text, as the QR code should stand out.

To set up a QR code for your RSVP card, you need a digital RSVP form or a page on your wedding website where guests can reply. Many wedding website services include an RSVP tool. Once you have the link to that page, create a QR code for it.

Add the QR code to your RSVP card design. You can print it on a separate card or on the back of the invitation. Make sure the code is not too small, and include a line like "Scan to RSVP by [date]". If you have guests who prefer to reply by post, you can still include a traditional reply card as well, but many couples now use QR codes to make it easier.

Test the QR code before printing. Scan it with your own phone to make sure it opens the correct page. Also check that the RSVP page is mobile friendly, because most guests will scan with their phone. You might want to set a deadline for RSVPs and mention it near the code.