How can I make my wedding reception fun?

Do you wish to host a wedding reception that will be remembered for all the right reasons? Even before the delicious meal, the flowing drinks, and the killer wedding playlist, some newlyweds prefer to get the party going at their reception with games, icebreakers, and other experiences, such as traditional lawn games, bride and groom fun facts, a photo treasure hunt, a well-stocked photo booth, and plenty of activities to engage the kids.

Weddings held outdoors with plenty of space for guests to roam are ideal for these kinds of celebrations, but that is by no means the only possible location. Having some fun wedding day games is a great idea if you ask us! Here are thirty of the most fun and interactive reception activities and games that your guests of all ages will love.

Most women can recall at least one instance in which they saw a wedding pin and thought, "I wish I did that at my wedding!" in a world full of Pinterest weddings (probably more fictional than actual). Any future bride would be motivated and entertained for hours by looking at previous brides' wedding ideas and what has been done at other weddings. We've developed a list of our favourite must-have wedding day surprises for the groom, the bridal party, the guests, and you! Great ideas, from fun activities to memorable tributes to friends and family, that you'll want to use for your own wedding.

Distribute Fantastic Favors

The wedding favours should serve as the icing on the cake at the end of a fantastic party. Gifts such as doughnuts, hot chocolate mix and marshmallows, a bag of your beloved coffee beans, or jars of local honey, a pretty succulent plant, or a pair of sunglasses imprinted with your name and wedding date are great ways to show your gratitude to your guests.

The Toasts Should Be Brief and Sweet

Quality, not number, is what matters most in wedding toasts, so remind the speakers that they should keep their remarks to under two minutes. Guests are encouraged to bring any longer stories to share at the wedding reception.

Make a Childcare Strategy

Give the kids their own space to play in and you'll have peace of mind knowing they'll be entertained the whole night (while you enjoy yourself on the dance floor). Have a babysitter set up a separate room with activities like movies, games, crafts, and even a dance party only for the kids! It's also a good idea to have some tables set up with activities like colouring books, crayons, games, and little toys.

To Spice up Your First Dance, Try Some New Moves

During the first dance, all attention will be on the two of you, making this a great time to impress visitors with an entertaining twist. Initiate a passionate first dance to "At Last" or another traditional first dance music, and then move gears to a lively latin dance or a breakdown to Bruno Mars.

Provide a Fun, Engaging Food Stop (Or Two)

The only thing better than a party with wonderful cuisine is a party with great food that everyone can tailor to their own tastes. Having food stations at your party where attendees may construct their own unique dishes, such as a mac and cheese station or a sushi rolling station, will ensure that they leave satisfied and ready to party.

Rethink Dinner

Serve four or five shorter courses instead of the standard three (but don't go too long if you want people to be able to dance) at your next dinner party. Arrange for minor surprises between courses, such as a quick toast from your humorous aunt, a heartfelt poem from a longtime acquaintance, or a professional performance, such as a singer or dancer. They'll feel like they're at a restaurant and theatre for the evening.

Alter Into a Relaxing Attire

It's safe to assume that you won't have a nice time at your celebration if you can't go two steps without tangling your train, so let's put it that way. After the first dance, the bride and groom can change into more casual attire (the bride into a chic little white dress or bodysuit, the husband into a more comfortable suit). When the bride and groom feel at ease, the guests feel at ease, and everyone has a good time.

Organize Some Unexpected Fun

Guests may be pleasantly surprised by elements of the party they were not expecting. During the cocktail hour and reception, surprise your guests with some unique entertainment, such as a juggler, mariachi band, aerialists, or a salsa dancer.

Maintain Excellent Break Music for Your Band

Everyone has been to that reception where the band stops playing right when the dance floor is becoming lively. Make sure this does not occur by inquiring about break procedures with any bands you're considering for your wedding. To conserve energy, some bands may take turns napping, others will play background music, and yet others will break up into smaller groups of two or three members. If it's the latter, see if you can supply the playlist, or at least review and approve their selections beforehand.

Hire a DJ That Understands You

It's a given that music will play an important role in making your reception memorable for your guests, but we still feel obligated to point it out. If your DJ is playing obscure tunes that are difficult to dance to, you may find that the dance floor empties. Discuss your no-play list with the DJ in advance.

Put on Some Music That Will Get the Whole Dance Floor Moving

If you really want to keep the dance floor full and not just you and your partner, you should be sure to choose music that everyone will enjoy. Despite your appreciation for weird indie rock, this is not the time to demonstrate your refined musical taste. It's fine to throw in some personal favourites, but you shouldn't ignore the current and classic chart toppers. In any other case, the dance floor might as well be vacant.

Create a Chill Zone

Place soft seating like couches and chairs in the lobby if space and funds permit. It's not a good idea to keep your guests seated at the same places all night after dinner has ended; a change of scenery will spark more conversation, provide your active dancers a place to rest, and entertain those who don't want to get up and move around. It's a classy and cosy spot for the elder visitors to sit and visit while the young ones dance. The addition of pillows, flowers, and votive candles in your wedding colours may turn rented or borrowed furniture into chic, inviting settings.

Employ a Day-of Coordinator

Even if you're super organised, it's going to be tough to keep track of all the details for your reception if you have a lot of exciting plans in the works. If you've already got a planner on hand, you're good to go. If not, it's probably a good idea to hire a coordinator to handle last-minute details on the big day. Look into the various options for planners.

Set up a Tasting Area

It goes without saying that you need a well-stocked bar for a successful party, but you can really step things up by providing guests with a fun way to engage with their drinks. Guests at a wine, beer, or whisky tasting get to try a variety of alcoholic beverages while also picking up some useful tasting tips. Making your own margaritas and smoking cigars at a hand-rolled cigar booth are also acceptable options.

Make the Room Flow Nicely

Among the many factors that contribute to a fun party, mobility is one of the most underrated. Most successful parties have extensive dancing interspersed with brief periods of socialising and dining. To make the most of the space during your reception, designate separate spaces for the dance floor, the bar, and the coffee and cake station. Set up several tables with desserts and late-night snacks by the bar, provide outside seating, or arrange some cocktail tables.

Don’t Starve Your Guests

Do you seek a crowd that will remain present throughout the night? After midnight (or sooner, if you can't wait), have the caterers bring out late-night snacks like French fries, pizza, and doughnuts. If you want to keep your customers moving, set up a coffee bar with a variety of syrups and toppings for them to use as they want. Involve only low-key favourites, and your guests will not want to leave.

Throw an Opening Reception

This isn't a recommendation for the reception per se, but it will certainly add to the enjoyment of it. Your guests can skip the small talk and get straight down to celebrating if you host a relaxed gathering the day before the ceremony where they can meet and mix with each other and get to know the wedding party.

Lawn Games for the Wedding Reception

These traditional lawn activities and tabletop games would keep your guests entertained all afternoon and into the evening, regardless of whether they prefer corn hole, croquet, or life-size board games.

Giant Jenga

This strategy game is a hit with kids of all ages, so we knew they'd enjoy playing with a super-sized version.

Ferris Wheel

Organizing a party with a carnival theme? Instead of constructing a modest-sized Ferris wheel, go all out. It will make for the best possible couple portrait and will be much to the delight of your guests.

Tic Tac Toe

Install Tic Tac Toe boards made of wood on each table like the bride and groom in this image did. Young visitors can take them home as souvenirs, and their parents will appreciate it.

Ring Toss

Ring throw games are a classic addition to any outdoor, daytime wedding. It's the perfect activity for a lively cocktail party!

Wedding Wheel

This wedding wheel is divided into sections with many lovely and hilarious requests, such as "Show us your top dance moves!" and "Bride & Groom kiss!" Ask your guests to keep it spinning all night long.

How Well Do You Know Each Other?

What is the quickest technique to make your visitors laugh? A game designed to see how well the groom and bride understand each other's eccentricities. All you need is a list of questions you've already thought of and some signs with both of your names on them. Just call out the name that seems to match the question the best, but be prepared to differ about who washes the dishes more often.

Croquet

Hosting a get-together in the garden? Traditional croquet is a must at any party. If you want kids who aren't used to the sport to participate in on the enjoyment, a rules sign will come in handy.

Word Search

Prepare a quick diversion for your guests to enjoy as they wait for you to make your grand entrance down the aisle. To keep them occupied and quiet, try giving each one a word search and a colouring book and crayons.

Dart Paint

Keep in mind that guests probably won't want to risk ruining their wedding attire by participating in an interactive craft if you plan on having one. The problem can be solved once and for all with a dart paint board. Simply have visitors stand back from the blank canvas and toss darts into paint-filled balloons (like in that scene from The Princess Diaries!).

Tricky Puzzle

Get your visitors to work together to solve a challenging challenge and break the ice. Try to make some progress by the end of the night.

Trivia

Guests from all walks of life and all walks of work will be seated at the same reception tables. Because of this, any group at the table is effectively a formidable trivia squad. Guests who would prefer not to dance can engage in a mental showdown with their neighbours.

Strongman Game

Separate the wedding party into bridesmaids and groomsmen and see who can reach the high striker the hardest for a funny show. We're putting our money on your maids.

Funny Programs

These comedic shows may not be a game or an activity, but they are sure to make you laugh. Keep the visitors entertained (and alert!) with funny stories, readings, and other activities in addition to merely listing out the procession.

Photo Booth

While many modern couples prefer open picture booths with backgrounds, we're sticking with the tried-and-true enclosed booth. After all, the ideal keepsake is a photo strip with all of your closest pals squeezed into the narrow frame.

Props

If you're going to have a photo booth, it would be hilarious to add a variety of odd and amusing props. If you want a picture of the entire wedding party, everyone in boas, be sure to get it.

The Shoe Game

In this wedding-themed version of "How Well Do You Know Each Other?," the bride and groom's shoes serve as the answer key to a series of wacky trivia questions.

Ladder Toss

Playing this intense lawn game is a great way to break the ice and meet new people.

Sack Races

Guests of all ages had a blast racing around in sacks designed especially for the occasion by one of the bride's friends.

Little Artists

Color books sized appropriately for little hands and crayons made from chunky gemstones will keep the attention of even the youngest artists busy for hours.

Corn Hole

We cannot think of anything more appropriate than yard games for a wedding reception in the great outdoors. Favorite of all time? The obvious answer is a game of corn hole.

Karaoke

Join in on some karaoke fun! Sing a powerful love song as the night winds down, just as the bride and groom above.

A celebration, your wedding is. Despite the fact that this is the biggest and most significant celebration you and your future husband will ever have, the basics of throwing a party remain the same. Good times are almost always guaranteed when good food, great tunes, and good company are present. A couple aces in your sleeve never hurt, though. Here are some fun games to play at a wedding.

Whether you're planning on having children or adults at your reception, it's always a good idea to have some kind of interactive activity planned. As an added bonus, wedding games are an excellent way to get everyone involved and talking during the reception. Perhaps you'd want to introduce your loved ones around the table with an icebreaker. Perhaps you need something to occupy the kids while their parents get their groove on.

Make sure that the particulars you decide on for your wedding ceremony represent your own personal taste and that of your partner. Keep in mind that the scale of an extravagant wedding celebration can easily be reduced for an intimate family gathering. Whether you opt to do everything on your own or employ professionals, remember that planning should be a breeze. As a keepsake of your happy day, think about having photo books printed to gift to close friends and family.

Conclusion

In order to get the party started at their reception, some newlyweds opt for games, icebreakers, and other experiences. Lawn games, photo treasure hunt, fully stocked photo booth, and other kid-friendly activities will keep guests of all ages entertained. Give the kids their own play area, and you can relax on the dance floor knowing they're having a good time. Arrange for the babysitter to prepare a special room for the kids to enjoy their own private movie night, game time, art project, or even dance party! The dance floor may empty if your DJ exclusively plays inaccessible, obscure music.

In advance, you and the DJ should talk about a set of songs that should not be played. Put couches and chairs in the lobby if there's room and money for it. If you have many exciting plans in store for your reception, it will be difficult to keep track of all the details. You won't need anything besides a planner if you already have one on hand. If not, it is highly recommended that you hire a coordinator to deal with any outstanding issues.

If you had to rate your familiarity with one another, how would you rate it? tests the bridegroom and bride's ability to appreciate one another's quirks. Many sweet and funny requests, such as "Show us your top dance moves!" and "Bride & Groom kiss!", are divided among the segments of a wedding wheel. Have your partygoers spin it nonstop. The Strongman game is a hilarious way to entertain the wedding party by seeing who can throw the hardest at the high striker.

A photo strip featuring you and all of your closest friends is the perfect memento. Be sure to get a picture of the whole wedding party dressed in feather boas. Having a game or other form of participation at your reception is a great way to get people talking and having a good time. Playing games at the reception is a great way to get everyone mingling and interacting with one another. Whether you choose to do it all yourself or hire help, keep in mind that preparation won't be difficult.

Content Summary

• Do you wish to host a wedding reception that will be remembered for all the right reasons?
• Here are thirty of the most fun and interactive reception activities and games that your guests of all ages will love.
• We've developed a list of our favourite must-have wedding day surprises for the groom, the bridal party, the guests, and you!
• Guests are encouraged to bring any longer stories to share at the wedding reception.
• Have a babysitter set up a separate room with activities like movies, games, crafts, and even a dance party only for the kids!
• After the first dance, the bride and groom can change into more casual attire (the bride into a chic little white dress or bodysuit, the husband into a more comfortable suit).
• When the bride and groom feel at ease, the guests feel at ease, and everyone has a good time.
• Everyone has been to that reception where the band stops playing right when the dance floor is becoming lively.
• Make sure this does not occur by inquiring about break procedures with any bands you're considering for your wedding.
• If your DJ is playing obscure tunes that are difficult to dance to, you may find that the dance floor empties.
• Discuss your no-play list with the DJ in advance.
• Employ a Day-of Coordinator
• If you've already got a planner on hand, you're good to go.
• To make the most of the space during your reception, designate separate spaces for the dance floor, the bar, and the coffee and cake station.
• Instead of constructing a modest-sized Ferris wheel, go all out.
• Tic Tac ToeInstall Tic Tac Toe boards made of wood on each table like the bride and groom in this image did.
• What is the quickest technique to make your visitors laugh?
• The obvious answer is a game of corn hole.
• A celebration, your wedding is.
• Despite the fact that this is the biggest and most significant celebration you and your future husband will ever have, the basics of throwing a party remain the same.