Ever find yourself in the middle of an intense game of cornhole, a drink in one hand and a bean bag in the other, laughing without a care in the world…and suddenly in your delight, remember you’re actually at a wedding? Wedding receptions are absolutely fun, in and of themselves. Complete with food, dancing, and a front row seat to some fantastic (or major fail) speeches. But for those who just don’t vibe with it all, there are other ways to stimulate your crowd, keep things interesting, and provide something for everyone.
Of course, the star of the show on the wedding day is and always will be you, and the love you and your partner share. However, why not show out and prove to your guests that you are also the hosts with the most? By providing your guests with some fun and interactive activities during your reception that they may not have even realized they wanted, your big day is sure to leave everyone buzzing with excitement! Let’s take a journey together and explore just a few of the many ways you can entertain your guests at your reception.
Photo Credit: Proparazzi Photobooths
Photo Booth
A trend we’ve seen absolutely spiking in recent years is the use of photo booths at receptions. A fun addition to any event, photo booths are a fun and often silly way to get your guests out of their seats, and unleash their inner diva (no pun intended)! With photo booth companies like our partner, Proparazzi Photobooths, they will often provide a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. Most times they will provide not only the use of a camera, but the experience may also come with custom backdrops, digital borders tailored to your event (as pictured), professional lighting so everyone’s best features are highlighted, and even quirky little props such as sunglasses, feather boas, hats, and cheeky signs. There are even different types of photo booths. There are selfie booths, 360 booths, glam booths, and even classic style booths where you get a little photo strip at the end!
Photo Credit: Tori Kelner Photography
Games
Another simple, yet wildly effective way to entertain your guests is by offering up a game, whether it be physical or mental. A common trend we’ve seen is the implementation of giant crossword puzzles, complete with hints and words having to do with the couple. This is a fun way for guests to put their knowledge of the couple to the ultimate test, or learn more about them! Often under the wise words of “sip and solve”, guests will have to put their thinking caps on during cocktail hour to try to solve the puzzle.
Photo Credit: Alex Baker
If puzzles are not your thing, no worries - offer something more physically challenging! Here we revisit the idea of cornhole at your reception. Use your favorite boards, or have custom ones made with your monogram, or even your favorite sports team logos. This is an awesome way to make any wedding reception extra fun, and can even make it feel more intimate. In some cases, cornhole boards can also double as guest books! Just provide your guests some pens/markers and let them have at it.
Likewise, we’ve seen couples integrate game-night type activities into their big days, like tic tac toe (custom with your initials instead of X’s and O’s), or even Jenga (giant or otherwise). Jenga is another example of a game that can also double as a guest book. Have your guests write out advice or little fun notes on each of the blocks! Regardless, these are all wonderful diversions that allow guests to socialize and laugh over during cocktail hour.
Photo Credit: Melissa MacDonald
Cigar Lounge
What could be more luxurious than wandering outside from the noise of the reception, grabbing a glass of whiskey, and stumbling across a cigar lounge in the cool night air? Vendors like our partner, the Mobile Cigar Lounge, make this vision possible by providing a premium selection of cigars for your guests to enjoy. Not only are all their cigars hand-rolled, but sometimes they even have someone at the table rolling right in front of you! Such a simple, yet absolute lavish offering that is sure to promote camaraderie amongst everyone.
Photo Credit: Birds of a Feather Photography
Make Your Own Treat
In this same vein of offering your guests a unique treat that they may not get to enjoy every day, we come to a delicious category: reception snacks. But not just any snacks, remember we are trying to ensure our guests are engaged and have fun. What’s more fun than crafting your own perfect treat exactly how you like it? Our favorite example: s’mores! A classic sweet treat, and even more fun at a reception. Roasting marshmallows around a fire together creates a cozy atmosphere for guests, and it becomes complete when all the fixings for your ultimate s’more lay close nearby. Throw a basket of blankets out by the fire, and voila! Another way to do this is by offering a candy bar, where guests can fill a bag with their choice of several different candies to enjoy or take home! Pick you and your partner’s favorite types of candy, as well as maybe a smattering of other options, and let guests go to town and indulge their sweet tooths.
Photo Credit: Iris and Echo
Tattoos
Now we come to what might be my favorite category of guest activities. Whether temporary or permanent, little tattoos can serve as a totally out-of-the-box, exciting offering for your guests! If you are big tattoo-heads, consider having your tattoo artist(s) design and create a flash sheet of tattoo options specific to your big day! To please all guests, these can definitely be created as temporary tattoos (applied with water). But for those more daring, have your artist attend your reception and perform live permanent tattoos on guests per request. Super cool and definitely unforgettable (literally)!
Tarot Card Readings
Moving further into the edgy and mystical realm, perhaps you want to intrigue guests with a glimpse into their future. Tarot card readings, or even astrological chart readings, can be a tempting offering. After all, who doesn’t want to learn more about themselves and what could be coming next for them?
Photo Credit: Birds of a Feather Photography
Excursions
If all else fails, and you want to create an experience that is truly memorable and once-in-a-lifetime for your guests, offer a full out excursion such as: hot air balloon rides. You read that correctly. What could be more show stopping and exhilarating than literally getting the chance to fly through the air in a balloon, all while celebrating the people you love? We have absolutely no notes. Completely unexpected and amazing!
Our only piece of advice: make sure the activities you choose are a reflection of things you both love! You can’t go wrong.
Photo Credit:
Proparazzi Photobooths
Tori Kelner Photography
Alex Baker
Melissa MacDonald
Birds of a Feather Photography
Iris and Echo