Free QR Code Generator

How to Use QR Codes for Events in Australia

QR codes have become an essential tool for modern event planning in Australia, making it easy for guests to contribute to wishing wells, access event information, and connect with hosts. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about using QR codes for weddings, baby showers, group gifts, and other special occasions.

Where to Place QR Codes

QR codes can be placed in various locations depending on your event type and guest preferences. The key is to make them easily accessible and visible without being intrusive.

Wedding invitations are one of the most popular places for QR codes. Many Australian couples include a small QR code in the bottom corner of their invitation, making it easy for guests to access the wishing well page before the event. This allows guests to contribute in advance, reducing the need for cash handling on the day.

Table cards and signage at receptions are also excellent locations. Place QR codes on table numbers, place cards, or dedicated signage near the gift table. This is particularly useful for guests who prefer to contribute on the day of the event, as they can scan the code directly from their phone.

Thank-you cards can include QR codes for guests who want to contribute after the event. This is especially helpful for guests who may have forgotten to bring a gift or want to contribute additional amounts.

For group gifts like teacher or coach appreciation, QR codes can be shared via email, printed on notices sent home with students, or displayed on team noticeboards. This makes it easy for parents to contribute without handling cash or managing spreadsheets.

Print Sizing Recommendations

The size of your printed QR code is crucial for reliable scanning. Too small, and guests will struggle to scan it; too large, and it takes up unnecessary space. Here are recommended sizes for different use cases:

• Wedding invitations: Minimum 20mm × 20mm (0.8 inches × 0.8 inches). This size works well in the corner of an invitation without being too prominent.
• Table cards and signage: 30mm × 30mm (1.2 inches × 1.2 inches) or larger. Guests may be seated further away, so a larger size ensures easy scanning.
• Thank-you cards: 20mm × 20mm minimum. Similar to invitations, this size is sufficient for cards that guests will hold in their hands.
• Group gift notices: 25mm × 25mm (1 inch × 1 inch) recommended. This size works well for printed notices that may be viewed from various distances.

Always test scan your QR code at the intended print size before printing large quantities. Most smartphones can scan QR codes from a distance equal to about 10 times the QR code's size, so a 20mm QR code can typically be scanned from about 20cm away.

Contrast and Colour Tips

While QR codes traditionally use black on white, you can customise colours to match your event theme. However, it's essential to maintain sufficient contrast for reliable scanning.

Contrast requirements: QR codes need at least a 3:1 contrast ratio between the foreground (the QR code pattern) and background colours. Dark colours on light backgrounds work best, such as dark blue on white, or black on cream. Avoid light colours on light backgrounds (e.g., yellow on white) or dark on dark (e.g., black on dark blue).

Brand colours: Many couples and event hosts want to match their QR code colours to their event theme. This is possible, but always ensure sufficient contrast. If your brand uses light colours, consider using a darker shade of the same colour for the QR code pattern.

Logo overlays: If you're adding a logo overlay to your QR code (like the PocketWell logo), ensure the logo doesn't cover more than 30% of the QR code area. Use higher error correction levels (Q or H) when including logos, as this allows the QR code to still scan even if part of the pattern is obscured.

Dynamic vs Static Links

Understanding the difference between dynamic and static QR codes helps you choose the right approach for your event.

Static QR codes encode a fixed URL that never changes. These are perfect for one-time events like weddings or birthday parties where the link won't need to be updated. Static QR codes are simpler to generate and work well for most event wishing wells.

Dynamic QR codes use a short URL that redirects to your actual event page. The advantage is that you can update the destination URL without reprinting the QR code. However, for event wishing wells, static QR codes are usually sufficient since the event page URL doesn't typically change.

PocketWell event pages use static URLs, making them perfect for static QR codes. Once you create your event page and generate a QR code, you can print it on invitations, signage, or thank-you cards with confidence that it will always link to your event. For more detailed guidance, see our complete QR code guide.

PocketWell Use Case: QR to Wishing Well Page

PocketWell makes it easy to create event-specific QR codes that link directly to your wishing well page. When you create a wedding wishing well, baby shower wishing well, or any other event page, you receive a unique URL that can be converted to a QR code.

Guests who scan your QR code are taken directly to your event page, where they can contribute using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or their debit/credit card. All payments are processed securely through Stripe, and you receive 100% of the gift amount (minus standard payment processing fees).

The convenience of QR codes means guests can contribute from anywhere, at any time, without needing cash or cheques. This is especially valuable for events where guests may be travelling or prefer contactless contributions.

Safety: Verifying Links Before Paying

Safety is paramount when using QR codes for financial transactions. Guests should always verify the link before making a payment.

Check the URL: When scanning a QR code, most smartphones show a preview of the URL before opening it. Guests should verify that the URL matches the expected domain (e.g., pocketwell.com.au) and looks legitimate. Be cautious of shortened URLs or domains that don't match the expected service.

Look for HTTPS: Legitimate payment pages always use HTTPS (you'll see a padlock icon in the browser). Never enter payment information on a page that doesn't use HTTPS.

Verify the event details: Before contributing, guests should verify that the event details (names, date, location) match what they expect. This helps ensure they're contributing to the correct event.

Use trusted platforms: PocketWell uses Stripe for payment processing, one of the world's leading payment processors. All transactions are encrypted and secure. Guests can contribute with confidence knowing their payment information is protected.

Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Credit Card Convenience

One of the major advantages of QR codes for wishing wells is the convenience of digital payments. Guests can contribute using their preferred payment method without needing cash or cheques.

Apple Pay and Google Pay: These mobile payment methods allow guests to contribute with a single tap, using biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) for security. This is particularly convenient for guests who prefer not to enter card details manually.

Credit and debit cards: Traditional card payments are also supported, allowing guests to contribute using any major card. All card details are processed securely through Stripe and never stored on PocketWell's servers.

The combination of QR codes and digital payments makes contributing to wishing wells faster, easier, and more secure than traditional cash or cheque methods. Guests can contribute from anywhere, at any time, without needing to carry cash or remember to bring a cheque.