10 Creative Ways to Display Your Event QR Code (That Actually Look Good)

Gone are the days of ugly QR codes ruining your carefully planned event aesthetic. As event photo sharing becomes increasingly popular, hosts are finding innovative ways to incorporate QR codes into their decor without sacrificing style.

At PartySnap, we understand that every detail of your event matters—including how you display your photo-sharing QR code. That's why we've compiled this list of 10 creative and stylish ways to showcase your PartySnap QR code that will enhance your event design rather than detract from it.

Why QR Code Placement Matters

Before diving into our creative display ideas, let's talk about why strategic QR code placement is so important:

Visibility: Your QR code needs to be easily spotted by guests
Accessibility: It should be placed where people can comfortably scan it
Frequency: Multiple placements increase participation
Aesthetic integration: It should complement your event design, not clash with it
Clarity: Instructions should be simple and clear

With these principles in mind, let's explore 10 stylish ways to display your PartySnap QR code at your next event.

1. Elegant Framed Displays

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to elevate your QR code is to place it in a beautiful frame. This instantly transforms a utilitarian code into a deliberate design element.

How to do it:

Choose a frame that matches your event aesthetic (vintage, modern, rustic, etc.)
Print your PartySnap QR code on high-quality paper with a complementary background
Add a simple instruction like "Scan to share photos" in an elegant font
Place frames at strategic locations such as the welcome table, bar area, or centerpieces

Pro tip:

For wedding receptions, consider using small easels to prop up framed QR codes as part of table centerpieces. This ensures every table has easy access to the code.

2. Custom Cocktail Napkins

Cocktail napkins are something guests will interact with throughout your event, making them perfect vehicles for your QR code.

How to do it:

Use a custom napkin printing service to add your QR code and brief instructions
Choose napkin colors that complement your event palette
Keep the design clean with the QR code and minimal text
Place napkins at the bar, on cocktail tables, and with passed appetizers

Pro tip:

Make sure the QR code is printed large enough to scan easily and on a contrasting background. Black codes on white or light-colored napkins work best.

3. Welcome Sign Integration

Your welcome sign sets the tone for your event, and it's the perfect place to introduce guests to your photo-sharing plan.

How to do it:

Incorporate your QR code into the corner or bottom of your welcome sign
Add a brief, friendly instruction like "Scan me to join our photo album!"
Ensure the QR code is large enough to scan from a comfortable distance
Consider adding a small design element that draws attention to the code

Pro tip:

If you're working with a calligrapher or sign designer, provide them with your QR code in advance so they can incorporate it seamlessly into the overall design.

4. Custom Table Numbers or Menu Cards

For seated events, table numbers and menu cards offer prime real estate for your QR code.

How to do it:

Add your QR code to the back or bottom of table numbers
Include it on the corner of menu cards
Keep it subtle but scannable
Add a brief note explaining what it's for

Pro tip:

For weddings or formal events, consider adding a small note that says, "Help us capture every moment. Scan to share your photos of our special day."

5. Photo Booth Props and Backdrops

If you're having a photo booth at your event, it's the perfect opportunity to promote photo sharing.

How to do it:

Incorporate your QR code into the photo booth backdrop design
Create a dedicated prop with your QR code (like a speech bubble saying "Scan me!")
Place a framed QR code on the prop table
Have your photo booth attendant encourage guests to scan the code

Pro tip:

Create a special "photo booth collection" within your PartySnap event so guests can see all the photo booth pictures in one place.

6. Custom Drink Coasters

Coasters serve a practical purpose while providing another opportunity to display your QR code.

How to do it:

Order custom printed coasters with your QR code
Choose a design that complements your event theme
Add a playful instruction like "Sip, Scan, Share!"
Distribute coasters at bars and on tables

Pro tip:

Consider double-sided coasters with your QR code on one side and another design element on the reverse, giving guests the option to display either side.

7. Projected Display

For modern events in venues with projection capabilities, consider a digital display of your QR code.

How to do it:

Create a stylish digital slide with your QR code and instructions
Project it onto a wall during specific times of your event
Animate the display to draw attention (subtle animations work best)
Pair with an announcement encouraging guests to scan and share

Pro tip:

If you have a video screen or digital signage, program your QR code to appear periodically throughout the event as a gentle reminder.

8. Custom Favor Tags or Packaging

Event favors provide another opportunity to incorporate your QR code in a meaningful way.

How to do it:

Add your QR code to favor tags with a note like "Scan to see and share event photos"
Incorporate the code into the packaging design
For edible favors, place the QR code on the outer packaging, not the food item
Include a note explaining that photos will be available after the event

Pro tip:

This method is particularly effective for encouraging post-event photo sharing, as guests will take the QR code home with them.

9. Elegant Table Tents

Small table tents or place cards can be strategically placed around your venue to encourage photo sharing.

How to do it:

Design small, attractive table tents featuring your QR code
Keep the design consistent with your event aesthetic
Place them on cocktail tables, at the bar, in lounge areas, or anywhere guests gather
Include clear, concise instructions

Pro tip:

Consider creating different messages for different areas of your venue. For example, "Capture dance floor moments!" near the dance floor or "Share cocktail hour memories!" at the bar.

10. Interactive Photo Displays

Create an interactive element that encourages guests to engage with both physical photos and digital sharing.

How to do it:

Set up a display of printed photos from earlier in the event (like ceremony photos at a reception)
Place your QR code prominently within this display
Add instructions encouraging guests to scan to see more photos or add their own
Update the display throughout the event if possible

Pro tip:

For multi-day events, display photos from previous days alongside the QR code to encourage guests to contribute to the growing collection.

Bonus: Wearable QR Codes

For casual events or those with a playful tone, consider wearable QR codes for key people.

How to do it:

Create custom buttons, temporary tattoos, or t-shirts with your QR code
Have hosts, the wedding party, or event staff wear them
Keep the design fun and on-theme
Pair with a conversation-starting phrase like "Ask me about our photo album!"

Pro tip:

This works particularly well for the host of a birthday party or for the parents of the graduate at a graduation party.

Design Tips for Attractive QR Code Displays

No matter which display method you choose, these design principles will help ensure your QR code looks good:

1. Maintain adequate contrast

QR codes need contrast to scan properly. Black on white is most reliable, but dark codes on light backgrounds also work well.

2. Keep a clean quiet zone

Leave some white space around your QR code—this "quiet zone" helps devices scan it properly.

3. Test before your event

Always test your printed QR codes to ensure they scan easily from various distances and lighting conditions.

4. Consider custom QR codes

While standard black and white codes work best, you can add some customization:

Use a colored code (dark blue, dark green) on a light background
Add your logo to the center (PartySnap can help with this!)
Use a shaped QR code that maintains functionality

5. Include clear instructions

Always pair your QR code with a brief instruction that explains:

What happens when they scan (they can share photos)
That no app download is required
Any special features (like vintage filters)

PartySnap Makes QR Code Sharing Simple

At PartySnap, we provide you with a high-resolution QR code that's easy to incorporate into any of these display ideas. Our codes are optimized for quick scanning, and they lead directly to a simple upload page—no apps or accounts required for your guests.

Plus, with our vintage filters, all the photos your guests share will have that perfect cohesive look, no matter which display method encouraged them to participate.

Ready to create your event and get your custom QR code? Get started with PartySnap today for just $20 for one-day events or $30 for weekend celebrations.

Have you seen or created an innovative QR code display? Share your ideas in the comments below!