20 Budding Photographers at One Wedding

I've encountered this many times. The over zealous hobbyist photographer that the bride and groom warn me about. Although my reaction often surprises them. I say "Great! The more pictures the better!" Which is absolutely true. Never once have I encountered a hobbyist photographer I didn't get along with. I'm glad to meet others than share my passion and will often encourage them to take some of the same photos I do so they get some great portfolio shots if they are looking to get into wedding photography. The only point of negotiation comes when I ask them to drop their camera (and everyone else's) while I shoot the group shots. That way everyone is focused on me rather that 20 sets of eyes looking in different locations. Otherwise they can shoot until their heart is content.

On a side note, consider bringing a laptop to your wedding with a few USB 2.0 multi format card readers (3 readers if possible) that way you can make an announcement at the reception that you'd like all the guests shots from the wedding before they leave. It's great to have plenty of pro , but candid's from different people's perspective are just as valuable.