Want to throw a wedding celebration that everyone will remember for years to come? Wedding reception games, ice-breakers, and other interactive experiences can help get the party started and keep guests of all ages entertained. Here are 18 wedding reception games and activities ideas to get the ball rolling.
Wedding Lawn Games
Wedding lawn games are a fun way to get the party started after the ceremony in a lovely outdoor setting. Think simple carnival games! Yard games for weddings, whether set out on the lawn for couples or groups, are not only a lot of fun to play but can also serve as an extension of your décor, whether it be rustic, beachy, or boho. Play up your wedding’s theme, colors, and everything else that helps convey your love story while deciding on outdoor wedding lawn games.
Reception Conversation Starters
Seated a bunch of guest together that are yet to be introduced? Make a printed list of everything you think they may have in common to help break the ice! A brilliant idea for a conversation starter. Who knows? New friendships may emerge before the end of the night!
Dedicated Photo Booth
The photo booth is a staple of the modern wedding, For starters, a photo booth gives guests an opportunity to create a momento of their time at your wedding. Having a photo booth at your event allows guests the chance to take multiple photos and print them out immediately. There are lots of photo booth options out there to choose from, and it doesn’t have to be expensive! Check them out here. And last but not least, any reason for a photo op is just plain fun!
Personalised Word Search
While you can find ready-made word searches on the internet, for the purpose of your wedding, you’ll want to create a customised search that fits your specific needs. First, start with a theme – in this case, the theme would likely be about the both of you. Next, create a list of words you want to appear in your search. Finally input these info onto a free word search puzzle generator and print them out. Leave these on the reception tables for your guest.
Bride and Groom Trivia
Place a cute sheet with some trivia questions (multiple choice, true/false, or fill-in-the-blank) about the two of you at each guest’s seat. The questions can be completed at guests’ convenience, and the emcee will reveal the results at a later time. The guest at each table who answers the most questions correctly gets to take the centerpiece home.
Kid’s Corner
A wedding is not always the most kid-friendly environment. When you’re planning your big day, you might want to consider setting up a “kid’s corner” for your little ones to play and hang out in while you enjoy your special day with the adults. A kid’s corner doesn’t have to be complicated. Leave some colouring sheets, wooden blocks, a tiny slide, snacks and drinks at a designated area. In addition to keeping children occupied, it is also a great way to make sure guests with small children feel welcome at your wedding.
DIY Wedding Favour Booth
Want to take your wedding favours up a notch? Setting up your own DIY wedding favour booth can be super easy: all you need is a table or surface with plenty of room, some space on the floor around it (for people to stand), and some kind of display unit. Leave favour boxes or wraps, ribbons or jute twine and stickers with a selection of favours for your guest to mix and match. For a rustic themed wedding, you could display various potpourri to be filled into a bag or different types of planting seeds (in packets) to be matched with an assorted selection of small ceramic pots.
Casino Games
Casino style entertainment is a great way to keep your guests entertained and engaged. This can be done by hiring a professional croupier and providing them with all the necessary equipment needed to run a casino. The croupier will be able to set up a table where guests can place bets on different games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker. The best thing about having a casino style entertainment is that it allows everyone at the event or gathering to participate in games without having any prior knowledge of how they work. This makes it easy for even those who are not familiar with gambling to have fun and enjoy themselves while playing these games.
Commission a Caricaturist
Have live painters make drawings of your guests and their dates. More than any wedding door favours, this unique idea would be an instant hit amongst your wedding guests since it’s not everyday that they get to dress up to the nines, plus take home a pretty keepsake that they will cherish for a long time.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Leave disposable cameras at each table with a list of photos to take, eg; something yummy, the newlyweds, people laughing, dance floor etc. At the end of the day you’ll be left with photos from the perspective of your guests.
Make Your Own Cocktail Bar
Setting up a DIY cocktail bar is easy and fun. Here are the steps. First, choose a theme for your bar, such as “vintage,” “midcentury,” or “country.” Next, purchase some basic equipment for making cocktails, like shakers and strainers. Fill your bar with alcohols and mixers, add some bitters, sliced citrus and syrups as well to give your guests more options when mixing their drinks. Leave printed instructions and let the magic happen!
Batik Community Painting By Wedding Guests
Instead of a keepsake for your wedding guests, turn the tables and have them work together to complete a unique batik piece of home decor that you and your partner can enjoy. @northvillage.my organises one such unique experience. She prepares the canvas and tools for wedding guests to gather and collectively paint a beautiful batik piece during the cocktail session, creating unforgettable memories for themselves and a special keepsake for yourself.
Hire a Killer DJ
If you’re looking for the extra something to make your wedding day special, then hiring a DJ is the way to go. A good DJ can take your event from “small” to “blowout” in no time flat. Playing music that everyone in attendance will enjoy and be able to dance to, he’ll also be able to gauge the mood of the crowd and keep things going when people are ready to get down on the dance floor.
Tattoo Station
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If you love tattoos and want to share your passion with your loved ones, consider having a tattoo station at your wedding. With the help of an artist, you and your partner can create a couple of simple designs that revolve around your wedding that your guests can choose from. Or if you would prefer something less permanent, consider offering temporary tattoos or henna hand decoration instead.
Hire a Magician
A magician will add some pizzazz to your wedding reception, on top of being a hit with guests of all ages. Not to mention the reaction from your guest will be a welcome addition to the wedding album your photographer will get a chance to snap.
Unique Performances
Add a touch of opulence to your wedding reception with singers, dancers or even acrobats. An extravagant production is the perfect way to make your big day unforgettable.
Wedding Piñata
If you’re thinking outside the box, a Piñata makes a great wedding centerpiece. You can hang it from a tree outdoors or inside your venue, and it can even replace your wedding cake! Fill it with candy and let the fun begin! Purchase one from Etsy or DIY your own!
Dance-Off Competition
Organise a dance-off between the groomsmen, bridesmaid or any groups of guest! It’s super fun and entertaining to see them bust out their best moves. Plus, it’ll get the other guest riled up and ready for the dance floor without costing a penny!
End It With A Bang
Wedding fireworks are always a crowd-pleaser. It’s hard to think of something more romantic than watching a sparkling lights display with your spouse and loved ones. The more extravagant, the better—your guests will be captivated as soon as it begins.
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