Large groups - background lighting

[bass_junkie83]

I have been asked to shoot a birthday in the near future where there will be anywhere between 150-175 guests.
Aside from the usual candid and general photos from the night the birthday girl wants a selection of posed shots of her and various members of her family.
This inevitably is going to include some large groups.

Firstly, am i right in thinking blue backgrounds tend to be the safest bet to work well with everyone? I am thinking going for one of these.
http://www.lencarta.com/backgrounds-supports/bac019-cloudy-blue-5x3m-heavy-duty-background/index.php


Secondly, i have three flash heads available. Can i get away with this for a large group or should i beg/borrow/steal a fourth so i can use two on the background and two on the subjects?

 

[david1701]

I like grey paper but its only 3m wide so not the best for biiiigggg groups

 

[Garry Edwards]

Blue backgrounds are 'safe' because, apart from a few elderlyladies, people don't have blue hair or faces and everyone, regardless of race, has a lot of red in their face - which makes it stand out nicely against blue. That background will be fine.

And 3 heads will be fine too

 

[Hodders]

How about a white seamless approach using a hilite/train. Take photos in groups that fit the background/lighting and then stitch them together into a panorama (easy with the white bg). Add a few amusing props like blow up toys, a few balloons and you may have a winner.

Just an idea so feel free to shoot it down.