Rhiannon Hendricks
A wedding reception is a big party to celebrate the love between two people, and there are many ways to ensure that all guests have fun. The reception will likely be several hours long, so it's important to schedule events to break up the time and give guests things to do. Dancing is the main activity at most wedding receptions, but it's not for everyone, so there are plenty of other unconventional activities to choose from. For example, you could have a mechanical bull, a love story presentation, or a comedian perform. You could also have roaming entertainment, such as magicians, tarot card readers, or astrologists. If you're looking for something more low-key, consider a live painter or a poet. To make your reception truly unforgettable, incorporate a few wedding games, such as a scavenger hunt, a word game, or a colouring-book activity for kids.
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What You'll Learn
Dancing, games and activities
Dancing is a big part of a wedding reception, and there are certain traditional wedding dances that make the celebration more meaningful. These include the first dance, the father-daughter dance, the mother-son dance, and the wedding party dance. The newlyweds' first dance is a special moment, and some couples take dance lessons to prepare for their moment in the spotlight.
To ensure your guests get up and dance, it's important to choose great music. You can include special songs, wedding line dancing songs, or anything else you want. A DJ who can read the room can also help get people on the dance floor. Having the wedding party dance together to a fast-paced song can also encourage the rest of the guests to get moving.
If you want to supplement dancing with other activities, there are plenty of games you can incorporate into your reception. Wedding reception games can be a great way to break the ice, especially for friends and family who have never met. You can set up lawn games, or indoor games such as board games, or even a casino night with poker.
For outdoor games, a giant chessboard is a fun idea, or you can set up a life-size version of Jenga. A large yard version of Tic-Tac-Toe is easy to make, and Spikeball will get your more active guests involved. For kids, you can set up a scavenger hunt or turn the games they'd find on a restaurant placemat—like hangman, dots and squares—into fun wedding games.
For indoor games, Mad Libs or trivia games about the couple are fun and easy to do. You can also play The Shoe Game, where the newlyweds take a seat with their backs to each other and hold up shoes in response to questions from the guests.
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Food and drinks
Choosing the Right Food
When selecting your wedding menu, don't overcomplicate things. Choose food that you and your spouse will enjoy, and don't worry too much about pleasing everyone. It's your day, so have fun with the menu and make it reflect your personalities. Consider the formality of your wedding and the serving style you prefer. Buffet-style meals are budget-friendly and suitable for less formal venues, while a sit-down serving style is more formal and elegant. If you're having a plated meal, most caterers will recommend giving guests a choice between two proteins or a vegetarian/vegan option.
Creative Food Ideas
To make your reception unique and memorable, consider some creative food options:
- Set up picnic stations with pasta salad, baguettes, club sandwiches, and watermelon slices for a fun al fresco dining experience.
- For a rustic wedding, serve country-style fried chicken, or get creative with pickles, offering classic dill pickles alongside unexpected options like pickled cauliflower.
- For a summer wedding, try a refreshing take on the traditional Caprese salad by skewering mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour.
- If your wedding is near the coast or a region known for fresh seafood, set up a raw bar with shrimp, oysters, crab claws, or the catch of the day.
- For a late-night party, serve diner-inspired food like chicken tenders, fries, waffle stacks, hash browns, and omelets.
- For a fun twist on snacks, set up a soft pretzel display with various toppings and dipping sauces.
Drinks
Beverages can also add an extra element of fun to your reception. Consider having a stylish cocktail bar or a warm drink station, depending on the season and your preferences. If you want to include alcohol, you can offer classic cocktail hour beverages like Champagne and craft beer. Alternatively, provide a range of non-alcoholic options such as coffee, tea, juice, lemonade, or iced tea.
Catering for All Guests
Finally, remember to make your catering staff aware of any dietary restrictions or food allergies among your guests. This is especially important if you're having a plated meal, as each guest's meal choice will need to be indicated on their place card. Consider having children served at their tables, and early in the service, so that their parents can also enjoy their meals without interruption. Similarly, you may want to offer plated meals to elderly guests to avoid the hassle of navigating a buffet queue.
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Entertainment: magicians, musicians, performers, etc
One way to make your wedding reception memorable is by hiring a magician. Magicians can perform tricks and illusions, and even personalise their performances with custom-designed cards featuring the couple's names and wedding date. Magicians can also serve as fantastic icebreakers, engaging guests in close-up magic and interactive tricks that encourage conversation and camaraderie.
If magic isn't your thing, there are plenty of other entertainment options to choose from. Consider hiring a fire performer or an aerialist for a truly breathtaking performance. You could also invite a tarot card reader, astrologist, or even set up a petting zoo for your guests to enjoy.
For those who love music, a DJ or a live band can be a great addition to your wedding reception. A skilled DJ can play music from various genres and decades, creating a real dance party atmosphere. If you want to add a unique twist, consider hiring singing waiters or tribute bands.
Lastly, don't be afraid to think outside the box. If you and your partner love Disney, invite some characters to your reception. Or, if you're a fan of comedy, book a comedian to perform and keep your guests laughing all night.
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Photo booths and photography
Wedding photo booths are a great way to entertain your guests and provide them with memorable keepsakes. They are a fun activity for guests of all ages, especially those who don't want to dance. Photo booths can be easily set up with a well-lit backdrop and props, or you can rent one with various features like digital copies, prints, and themed options.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider a portrait booth with a professional photographer for high-quality, directed photos. These can be more expensive, but they add a "wow" factor to your event. Traditional photo booths, on the other hand, offer a nostalgic experience with iconic photo strips, though they may be harder to find and have limited space.
To encourage guests to use your photo booth, ensure it is eye-catching and inviting, matching your wedding's style. Hang signage to direct guests to the booth and consider a live feed or big screen to display the photos, inspiring others to join in.
For a budget-friendly option, create a DIY photo station with a backdrop and props, where guests can use their phones or Polaroid cameras to capture the moment. You can even set up a glitter station or provide inflatable props for extra fun.
Photo booths are a fantastic way to enhance your wedding reception, providing lasting memories for both you and your guests.
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Speeches, blessings and thanks
The wedding reception is traditionally hosted and kicked off by the bride's parents, who will congratulate the newlyweds and give a toast. The father of the bride traditionally delivers the welcome speech, which sets the tone for the entire celebration. The welcome speech can be given by anyone who plays a significant role in the couple's life or the wedding celebration itself. It is meant to make guests feel welcomed and appreciated and provide any necessary information about the upcoming celebration.
Following the welcome speech, the groom typically speaks next. Their speech often includes thanks to the guests, both families, and the bridal party, particular words for the bride, and a toast to the bridesmaids.
Next, the best man will deliver a speech, usually a mix of humour and sentiment, sharing stories about the groom and offering well wishes to the couple. The maid of honour then takes the mic, sharing her unique perspective and experiences with the bride.
Other speakers may include the bride, parents of the groom, other bridal party members, and close friends and relatives. The couple may also wish to say a few words to thank their guests and kickstart the reception meal.
Toasts are a vital part of wedding speeches, with the groom's toast often marking the conclusion of their speech. Blessings are also a part of wedding speeches, with some weddings emphasising blessings from elders.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to entertain your guests at a wedding reception. Here are some unique ideas:
- Tarot reading or astrology
- Petting zoo
- Video games
- Fire performers
- Aerialists
- Magicians
- Casino tables
There are many activities you can include at a wedding reception to keep your guests entertained. Here are some ideas:
- Photo booth with props
- Lawn games
- Scavenger hunt
- Word games
- Coloring-book activities
- Oversized board games, like Checkers
- Archery
A typical wedding reception timeline includes the following:
- Cocktail hour
- First dance
- Dinner
- Cake cutting
- Dancing
- Bouquet toss
- Speeches and toasts
