Wedding Reception games are trending — we have the Shoe Game, Wedding Mad Libs, Demonstrate a Kiss, etc. They’re fun, entertaining and make for great photographs. The Table Dash is my take on wedding games with a photography twist. The result? The couple gets a photo with every guest who attended their wedding.
The Goal: Visit every table for a photo, in the duration of two average-length songs. (You could probably make it three if you have a HUGE guest list).
The Keys to Success:
- Couples should work with their DJ or emcee in advance so that announcements can be made and guests are prepped and ready to go. The best advice here is to make sure whoever announces and explains the game works to ensure they’re heard and understood — if guests don’t hear the announcement, they won’t know what’s happeneing!
- Timing is important — I recommend playing the Table Dash immediately after the Grand Entrance. Your tables are clean (no half-eaten food), you’re not interrupting the meal, and you have a better guarantee everyone is at their seats!
- Your photographer should have a plan on which order to visit tables. When I do this game, I send my assistant/second shooter to prep the next table for our photo. No second shooter? I prep the first four tables separate from the DJ announcement — they’re my example tables, and they help lead all other tables. This gives the couple and the photographer a direction, ensures that no tables are missed, and that everyone is ready when you arrive!
- Make it fun for your guests! Sure, smiling photos are great — but, if you’re the kind of people who love a fun photo, make it a contest. Who can have the best-posed group? Who has the best “themed” pose? How many times can your mom sneak into a table for a photo?
- Don’t forget the Head Table! But — save it for last. That way, you’ll be there when dinner starts! 😉
Below are photos from Holli and Shawn’s 2-Song Dash. They had 33 tables, with about 260 guests, that we visited in 6:03 (six minutes and three seconds!!!).
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Rachel Lahlum is an award-winning Twin Cities wedding photographer with experience in hundreds of weddings and engagement sessions. She takes a guided approach towards working with couples, from helping with planning and scheduling, to guiding with poses and prompts during the session. Her photography is crisp, clean and bright, with true-to-life colors and a mix of traditional poses and candid moments