How Do You Create a Wedding Photo Slideshow in Real Time?

The Short Answer

Choose between a rotating slideshow in the host app and a browser gallery that someone scrolls. New photos can join the collection during the wedding, but their arrival on the display depends on the upload, connection, approval, and chosen view. Rehearse the process at the venue and keep a locally saved slideshow as a fallback.

Real-Time vs. Pre-Made Slideshows

Pre-made slideshows: The couple selects childhood photos, engagement shots, and love story images. These are assembled into a video or PowerPoint that plays on a loop. It's a nice touch, but it's static — the same content repeats all night.

A live collection can include photos from the event itself: the first dance, cake cutting, and guest-table moments. Check how newly approved photos reach your display; there is no universal upload-to-screen delay.

The ideal approach: Start the evening with a short pre-made slideshow during dinner or cocktails, then switch to the live feed for the reception. This gives guests time to understand the QR code system and start uploading.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. 01

   Step 1: Create the wedding event in Capture on iPhone. Open its sharing screen and print the guest QR code on table cards.

2. 02

   Step 2: Open Manage event → Slideshow in the host app and connect the phone to a compatible venue screen. Confirm the cable, adapter, or screen-mirroring method in advance. Use a connected computer only if you want to show the browser gallery instead.

3. 03

   Step 3: Put the QR code beside the display and on tables. Say that contributed photos may appear on screen, and include a review notice if approval is enabled.

4. 04

   Step 4: Scan the printed code on a second phone, upload a test photo, approve it if required, and confirm it reaches the display. Then give the MC one short invitation to share photos.

5. 05

   Step 5: Keep the display device powered, silence notifications, and assign someone to review uploads. If a new photo does not reach Slideshow, return to the feed and reopen it. Keep an offline slideshow ready.

Tips for Maximum Impact

Placement: Position the screen near the dance floor or bar — areas with high foot traffic where guests naturally look up. The screen becomes part of the entertainment.

Timing: Activate the live feed after dinner service begins. By then, guests have had time to take photos during cocktail hour and are ready to see them on screen.

Moderation: Enable Require Approval and assign a reviewer for Pending Uploads. Review time varies. Check the actual screen output before showing it publicly, and blank the display before opening private host controls.

Music sync: Coordinate with your DJ. A photo appearing on screen during a great song creates memorable moments. Some couples ask the DJ to draw attention to the screen periodically.

What This Means for You

• A real-time slideshow turns your guests into the entertainment. Instead of watching a pre-made video, they're creating the content that appears on screen.
• Choose the host-app slideshow for automatic photo rotation or a connected computer for a browser gallery. Confirm the venue hardware and test the complete guest-to-screen flow.
• A visible live feed gives guests immediate feedback — 'I uploaded a photo and it appeared on screen' — which can make the gallery more noticeable and encourage continued participation.