They Just Might Make a Speech!
Like the past summer hit, wedding crashers are common. However, they are not after the ladies, but your valuables. Wedding days are the joyous times when we let our guard down for the celebration. You should be fully aware that wedding crasher thefts do happen! I’ve heard stories from both brides and photographers.
This past weekend someone crashed a wedding that I was photographing. From what I heard, there was one crasher watching the items (gifts, envelopes, etc) that were being taken out at the end of the night. 
And the other was brash enough to come up to the bride and ask her to dance by grabbing her left hand and pulling her over. The crasher was literally trying to pull the ring off her finger!
Not only does this happen to the bride & groom, but professionals have to be aware as well. A good friend of mine was targeted and had their photography equipment stolen from their car at the end of the wedding. A video-grapher had his equipment in the corner of the reception hall. It is believed, but not proven, that a member of the halls staff walked away with his gear. Another video-grapher called the police because someone was watching him from another vehicle as he unloaded his van. If your photographer is constently worried about his equipement, they will most likely suffer loss of concentration to produce fine work for your important day!
Wedding Security Bottom Line:
Do not leave anything unattended or in an area where your things cannot be seen with a quick glance. I know, you have your eyes on the wine glass, and families and friends to attend to.
Hosting a wedding is tremendous undertaking. If you are already thoughtful enough to look for designated drivers for your guests, assign a designated watcher as well. If necessary, hire a security personal. Yes, the crashers will take your wedding gifts! The benefits will certainly out weight the cost. You don't want your guests to remember your wedding day as the date their valuables were stolen.
Be aware of your surroundings and the people you come across. Proactively approach unfamiliar faces.
Be more organized with your guest book. Acquire strict invitations from attendants. If you can't resolve a guest's identity, at least try to procure their photo IDs, and keep them on file.
Communicate and lookout for your wedding photographers! Lead them and get them familiarized with the surroundings. Introduce them to all the key parties at the wedding. If their equipment is stolen, you won't be getting your precious wedding photos and videos anytime soon!
About the Author: Richard Esposito, RE Photo Design
Richard is originally from East Haven, Connecticut. Educated in the field of Broadcast Communications and Engineering, Richard started his career as a video editor for WTNH, News Channel 8, in New Haven, CT. In late 2001 Richard took a position with WHDH-TV, NBC 7 News, Boston. He quickly became the Special Projects Avid Editor editing feature news stories. In 2003 he won an Emmy for his work as a feature story editor, and was credited with 3 more...
You may directlyl access Richard's Wedding Photography Portfolio, Online Photographer Bio, and his Connecticut, CT Wedding Photographer Index.
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