What is a wedding photo rush?

A wedding photo rush, which is sometimes referred to as a wedding photo dash or table dash, originated as a trendy concept on TikTok a couple of years ago and has swiftly gained immense popularity throughout Northern Ireland and beyond. This fun game captures the essence of modern wedding celebrations and reflects the evolving nature of how couples want to document their special day.

It is a simple yet enjoyable game where the couple has photos taken with each and every one of their wedding guests in a very quick time frame. Typically, the game is played during the downtime that occurs between the dinner service and the first dance.

Wedding photo rush

The two different types of wedding photo dash

There are two primary ways to play the game during the wedding reception. The couple can either choose to run around the room, stopping at each table to capture a memorable photo before moving on to the next group of guests, or alternatively, the couple can invite all of their wedding guests to come and rush over to them for a group photo.

In our experience, we have found that it usually works much better for the couple to have their guests rush towards them, it is definitely more fun. This approach helps to create a more intimate atmosphere, as table layouts can occasionally create difficulties when it comes to fitting everyone in the frame. Additionally, the various table decorations can sometimes lead to distractions in photographs, which can detract from moment.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a wedding photo rush?

Advantages

  • Creates a delightful and enjoyable moment for you and your guests to cherish and remember for years to come.

  • Adds some entertainment to the gap between the end of dinner and the first dance.

  • The photos produced are always vibrant, fun, and wonderfully messy. Each captured moment reflects the joyful chaos of your special day.

  • The couple is guranteed that they will have photos taken with all of their guests.

  • Sometimes couples have guests that arrive only for the evening part of the wedding day and they don’t get the opportunity to have to include them in photos, a photo dash allows time for them to be included.

Wedding photo dash

Disadvantages

  • Some couples prefer to use the time between dinner and the first dance to grab some time alone. Some also prefer to use that time to chat with guests that they haven’t had the chance to spend time with during the day. While a wedding photo rush is usually over and done very quick it still uses up some time that couples might prefer to use elsewhere.

  • Some photographers won’t shoot a wedding photo rush, we are exactly sure why, we think they are great craic and are always happy to shoot them if it’s something or couples want to do.

Tips for a fun wedding photo rush

Chat with your photographer beforehand and let them know that this is something you would like to do, so that they can find the best place in the room to use.

Have your wedding band or D.J get on the microphone and let everyone know what is happening, it also works well when they call out each table number to rush to you.

Wedding table photo dash

Only allow 15-20 seconds per photo, this will encourage the rush and you will have people throwing themselves in front of you or jumping into your lap. This will guarantee loads of craic. If you have any guests with mobility issues of course allow more time for them.

Don’t worry about creating a picture perfect moment, this is a just a bit of fun! The messier and more silly it is the better.

Alternative to a wedding photo rush

A wedding photo rush is not going to appeal to every couple, but you might still like the idea of having a photo with all of your guests including your evening guests before you hit up the dance floor for your first dance.

As an alternative, you could consider asking your wedding band or D.J to make an announcement and call all of your guests, including any evening guests to the dancefloor just before your first dance, allowing for a unique group photo that captures everyone present.

Wedding photo rush alternative

However, due to the specific layout and design of the dancefloor at certain venues, this may not be feasible in all cases. It’s important to have a chat with your wedding photographer beforehand to explore the possibilities and seek their expert advice on whether this would be a viable option or not.

Tommy + Laurene