How Many Disposable Cameras Do You Need for Wedding Tables?

If you're planning to put disposable cameras on wedding tables, the question everyone asks eventually is: how many do I actually need? The honest answer involves more math than most bridal blogs let on, and the number you land on is usually higher — and more expensive — than couples expect.

Start With Exposures, Not Cameras

A standard disposable camera holds 27 exposures. That sounds like a lot until you do the math on a single table. A table of 8 guests, over a 4-5 hour reception, will easily burn through 27 shots before dinner is served — especially once the wine kicks in and people start taking three near-identical photos of the same toast because they're not sure the first one worked (a disposable camera has no screen, so nobody can check).

A rough rule of thumb:

• 1 camera per table of 6-8 guests gets you through cocktail hour and dinner, but not the dance floor.
• 2 cameras per table is the realistic minimum if you want coverage from arrival through the last dance.
• Add 2-3 floating cameras for the bridal party, the dance floor, and late-night shots, since those don't stay at one table.

For a 100-guest wedding with 12 tables, that's roughly 24-36 cameras just for tables, plus a handful of floaters — often 30+ cameras total. At $12-18 per camera (many couples buy the