Planning a Quick Wedding

Fun Ways to Keep Guests Entertained at Wedding Reception

Keep Guests Entertained at Wedding Reception

When planning a wedding every bride remembers the basic elements such as vows, venue, floral design, catering, music, photography, and a wedding send-off. However, in the whirlwind of planning all of these details, many couples forget to plan before wedding date to keep guests entertained at wedding reception!

How to Keep Guests Entertained at Wedding Reception

To ensure that your guests have the time of their lives, you may want to consider some fun activities to keep them entertained all night long. Here are some of our favorite fun and unexpected wedding entertainment ideas that will guarantee your special day is an event your friends and family will be talking about for years to come!

Classic Board Games

Setting up a table of your favorite games—such as Checkers, Yahtzee, Life, Connect Four, casino games, or Jenga—will provide fun entertainment options for children and adults alike! This is an especially nice gesture for wedding guests that are uncomfortable dancing, unable to dance or have small children to entertain.

Classic Board Games

Photo Booth

A photo booth will keep your guests entertained from cocktail hour until your grand send-off! In addition to being a great way to keep guests busy, a photo booth also gives your friends and family a sweet memento to remember your wedding that can double as a wedding party favor! We love these fun photo booth ideas from Martha Stewart Weddings including a sailboat set, fun props, and a photo booth bus. 

Art

Setting up art supplies like markers, crayons, and colored pencils on each table alongside paper tablecloths or placemats is a creative way to keep your guests busy while they enjoy cocktail hour and wait for food to be served! Face Painting is also a good option. You can even collect the placemats at the end of the night to save for a scrapbook memory of your wedding day.

Word Games & Puzzles

Another great idea that we love is placing wedding-themed crossword puzzles, mad libs, and word searches on each table! These activities are a great icebreaker for guests that haven’t met before- and will ensure plenty of laughs for all. You may even want to consider incorporating wedding-advice mad libs into your guestbook which will give you hilarious messages to review after your special event.

Lawn Games

If you are outdoor wedding planning, lawn games such as bocce ball, croquet, cornhole, and badminton will add a playful touch to your reception. These options will keep friends and family entertained while also providing a fun photo op for your wedding photographer!

Lawn Games

Taking the time to set up special entertainment options for your guests is a gesture they will appreciate and remember. These five fun ideas will ensure your friends and family have a wonderful time at your wedding from the moment you say “I Do” until the grand wedding exit!

Related: Tips Deciding on a Wedding Planner

We’ve got some more fun ideas for keeping kids entertained at your wedding as well. Check them out!

Want to ensure the fun continues into your send-off? Wedding sparklers are a fun, interactive exit option that will keep the party going for your guests even after the party’s over. If you are looking for quality sparklers, we’ve been in the business for almost 20 years, and have a wide selection of sparklers including both 36-inch wedding sparklers and 20-inch wedding sparklers that will add a touch of magic to your event!

Engaging Icebreaker Activities

Icebreaker activities are a fantastic way to break the ice and get your wedding guests mingling and enjoying themselves right from the start. Consider incorporating fun games or activities that encourage interaction and conversation. For example, a “Wedding Trivia” game can test guests’ knowledge of the couple and their journey together. Another idea is a “Who’s Who” activity, where guests wear name tags with interesting facts about themselves, sparking conversations and connections throughout the reception. These icebreaker activities will create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that everyone feels involved and engaged.

Unique Theme-based Entertainment

Add a touch of excitement and personalization to your wedding reception by incorporating unique theme-based entertainment. Consider aligning the entertainment with your wedding theme or personal interests. For instance, if you’re having a summer beach wedding, you could hire fire breathers or host beach-themed games like a sandcastle-building competition. Alternatively, if you have a vintage-inspired wedding, consider hiring a swing band or organizing a dance lesson to teach guests some classic moves. Infusing your wedding reception with theme-based entertainment will create a memorable experience that reflects your personality and style as a couple.

Surprise Performances and Guest Appearances

Surprise performances and guest appearances can add an element of surprise and delight to your wedding reception. Arrange for special performances that will captivate your guests and leave them in awe. For example, you could hire a professional dance troupe to perform an elegant routine or a group of singing waiters who will burst into song and get everyone clapping along. Another idea is to invite a close friend or family member to surprise everyone with a heartfelt speech or a special musical performance. These unexpected moments will create lasting memories and keep your guests entertained throughout the evening.

Related: 10-inch Wedding Sparklers

Interactive Food and Drink Stations

Elevate your wedding reception by incorporating interactive wedding cake, food, and drink stations that engage and delight your guests’ taste buds. Consider setting up a DIY ice cream sundae bar, allowing guests to create their own delicious dessert masterpieces with various flavors and toppings. Another option is a hot chocolate bar, complete with different types of hot cocoa, marshmallows, and flavored syrups, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. These interactive stations not only provide delectable sweet treats but also serve as a conversation starter, encouraging guests to mingle and share their culinary creations.

Creative Photo Opportunities

Give your guests the opportunity to capture fun and memorable moments with creative photo opportunities throughout your wedding reception. Set up a dedicated photo booth area with props and backdrops that match your wedding theme. Alternatively, create unique photo spots around the venue where guests can pose and take pictures. For example, you could hang a beautiful flower wall or set up a vintage-inspired vignette with antique furniture and accessories. Encourage your guests to share their wedding photos on social media with a customized wedding hashtag, allowing everyone to relive the joyous moments and celebrate together online.

Fun Dance Floor Activities

The dance floor is often the heart of the wedding reception, so consider incorporating fun activities to keep the energy high and the dance bridal party going. Plan a dance-off competition where guests can showcase their best moves and compete for a prize. You can also include dance floor games like musical chairs or a dance circle where guests take turns showing off their dance skills. These activities will encourage everyone to hit the dance floor, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere for all.

Engaging Table Games and Trivia

To entertain guests at their tables, provide engaging games and trivia that spark friendly competition and interaction. Place table trivia cards that contain interesting wedding-related questions or facts for guests to discuss and answer. You can also include personalized advice cards where guests can offer their well wishes and marriage tips for the newlyweds. These activities not only entertain guests but also serve as keepsakes for the couple to cherish after the wedding.

Outdoor Entertainment and Lawn Games

If your wedding venue has outdoor space, take advantage of it by offering outdoor entertainment and lawn games. Set up a designated area with a variety of games such as croquet, bocce ball, or giant Jenga. These classic lawn games will keep guests entertained and provide opportunities for friendly competition and laughter. Additionally, you could arrange for outdoor entertainers such as a live jazz band or a magician to mingle among the guests and add an extra layer of excitement to the outdoor festivities.

Live Music and DJ Interactions

Music sets the mood and creates a party atmosphere at any wedding reception. Consider hiring a live wedding band or DJ who can not only play great music but also interact with the crowd. A talented live band can engage the audience with their energy and stage presence, while a DJ can interact with guests, taking requests and leading dance floor activities. Their ability to read the crowd and adjust the music accordingly will keep the dance floor packed and the guests entertained throughout the evening.

Customized Guest Experiences

Offer customized guest experiences to make your wedding reception truly memorable. Think of unique activities or services that align with your interests and preferences as a couple. For example, if you both enjoy wine, consider arranging a wine-tasting experience where guests can sample different wines and learn about the flavors and pairings. Another idea is to provide a DIY craft station where guests can create personalized wedding favors or decorations to take home. These customized experiences demonstrate thoughtfulness and create lasting memories for your guests.

Conclusion

When planning your wedding reception, it’s important to consider entertainment ideas that will keep your wedding guests entertained and create an unforgettable experience. From unique and creative options like ice cream stands and photo booths to traditional favorites like live bands and dance floors, there are so many ways to wow your guests and ensure they have a good time.

With so many options available, you can find wedding ideas for entertainment that suit your wedding theme, venue, and budget. From small touches like fireworks displays, a fire pit, or a champagne tower to larger-scale attractions like tribute bands or treasure hunts, the possibilities are endless.

FAQs

What are some popular lawn games to keep guests entertained?

Some popular lawn games for weddings include cornhole, giant Jenga, ladder toss, croquet, and bocce ball. These games can be played individually or in teams and provide a fun and interactive activity for guests of all ages.

What are some creative ways to display a guestbook?

Instead of a traditional guestbook, consider creating a unique display for guests to sign or leave messages. Some ideas include a globe or map for guests to sign, a puzzle with each piece signed by a guest, a photo album with polaroid pictures, or a Jenga set with each block signed by a guest.

How can I set up a DIY photo booth for my wedding?

To set up a DIY photo booth, you’ll need a camera or smartphone, a tripod, and a backdrop or prop area. You can use a plain colored sheet or a customized banner as the backdrop and provide props such as hats, glasses, and signs for guests to use. You can also use a photo booth app to add filters and effects to the pictures.

What are some fun ideas for a late-night snack bar?

A late-night snack bar can provide a fun and delicious treat for guests who are still partying into the night. Some ideas for snack bars include a s’mores bar with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, a popcorn bar with different toppings, a donut wall or tower, or a taco or nacho bar.

What are some unique wedding entertainment ideas that can keep guests entertained at the reception without relying on traditional activities like dancing or small talk?

There are numerous creative wedding entertainment ideas that can cater to guests of all ages and keep the celebration lively. Consider incorporating interactive activities like axe throwing or a scavenger hunt, setting up a bouncy castle or garden games for the little ones, or even organizing a flash mob or silent disco to engage the grown-ups. These unique ideas go beyond the ordinary and provide a fun way for everyone to let loose and embrace their inner child, ensuring a memorable and entertaining experience for all your guests.

How can I encourage guests to actively participate in the wedding reception entertainment and make it a truly engaging experience for everyone?

To encourage guests to get involved and make the most of the wedding reception entertainment, it’s important to offer a variety of interactive elements throughout the event. One fun way to achieve this is by organizing activities like beer pong or a string quartet karaoke, where guests can join in and showcase their talents. Additionally, consider setting up stations like temporary tattoo booths or a video guest book, allowing guests to express themselves and leave their mark on your special day. By providing opportunities for participation and engagement, you’ll create an inclusive and entertaining atmosphere that will be enjoyed by all.

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