Now that I'm doing pre-design, it might help the bride and groom decide to get more pages if I mention that we do have gift certificates that family and friends can purchase to go toward their album.

When is the best time to bring this up? Mentioning it after the wedding in the email with a link to their pre-design seems somewhat late in the game, but at the same time, I don't want to seem pushy about it.

Would it be bad form to include a line on my business cards left at the reception with something like, "Contact me if you'd like to purchase a gift card to help John and Jane purchase more pages for their wedding album!" or what?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

i am a big advocate for gift certificates so i tell them during my initial meeting.

I'd probably put the details in the information packet that you give them at the first meeting. Once they are signed I would hand them some cards, business card size, which could say something like "If you'd like to help "blah" and "blah" get the album of their dreams please contact "blah" etc etc" The bride and groom could then hand the cards out or send them in their wedding invitations, kind of like a gift registry for photography. I'm sure they'd love that and would probably generate more interest that way as a lot of people are always stumped for what to buy the couple on the day. I know I am always happy to receive a register, it makes shopping for the perfect gift so much easier!

I know other photographers who hand out similar cards at the wedding so people know where to view the wedding photos online. This would be something similar.

Take a look at Mitch Graf's write up regarding his Portrait Credit Program for weddings.

I also tell them in the initial meeting. It helps especially if they are worried a bit about price. Once they sign, I make up specialized cards for them that includes everywhere they are registered (Erica Ferrone Photography, Crate and Barrel, Etc.) That way, they will tend to use it more.

On my website, there is a special section for those who wish to buy a gift certificate and it has a form to fill out, plus my address to send the form and check. (www.ericaferrone.com)

If you have any questions, pm me.