By Amy Lorentzen
Jennifer Cocchiara wants guests at her wedding next November to understand how she and her fiance fell in love, so she plans to present a slideshow with photos of them growing up and growing together as a couple.
It also will include shots of the people who are important to the couple -- the people who will be viewing the photos.
"We want it to be more interactive for the guests and interactive for all of us -- it's a group celebration," said Cocchiara, of Ewing, N.J.
Slideshows have become common at weddings. Experts say they must be done properly to succeed, but are generally a fun and simple way to personalize the day and help guests get to know the couple better.
"It's an extra way to remind you, as a guest, where you are and how special it is you are there," said Anja Winikka, editor of TheKnot.com, a wedding planning Web site.
A slideshow can be included in any part of the wedding weekend -- rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour, post-wedding brunch or reception, she said. If a couple is uncomfortable stopping the festivities to show the slideshow, it can be played in the background, on a loop, for guests to view at their leisure. Some couples run a slideshow on digital photo frames near the guest book or even in the restroom area.
Winikka cautions that slideshows should be "crafted in a meaningful manner." They should be organized chronologically or by theme, and should feature photos that don't embarrass anyone and are appropriate for guests young and old. The equipment used to display them should be tested beforehand to avoid any glitches.
And, Winikka agrees, there should be photos of more people than just the bride and groom.
"It's great to see pictures of the two of you, but (guests) really are there to enjoy themselves with your friends and family, not just the two of you," she said.
