George Boyle
Planning a wedding reception is no easy feat, but incorporating board games is a fun way to keep your guests entertained. From giant outdoor games like Jenga and Connect Four to table games like Clue and Codenames, there are endless options to choose from. You can even set up a gaming table with a variety of board games for guests to enjoy. If you're feeling creative, consider making a personalized board game featuring your wedding guests or turning your photo booth into a game by having guests reenact famous scenes. Whether you're looking for simple centrepieces or unique activities, board games are a great way to add a touch of fun and interactivity to your wedding reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Games | Board games, giant versions of classic games (e.g. Jenga, Connect Four, Checkers, Chess, Scrabble), interactive games (e.g. scavenger hunts), word games, drinking games, lawn games (e.g. croquet, bocce ball), colouring-book activities, darts art station, card games, video games (e.g. Rock Band) |
| Setup | Gaming tables, centrepieces, decorations, favours, photo booths, lawn games |
| Guest Involvement | Guests can be encouraged to swap tables, play games, and participate in tournaments |
| Other | Guests can be invited to take games home as favours |
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What You'll Learn
Board games as centrepieces
Firstly, select a variety of board games that are easy to play and don't require a lot of table space. Classic, well-known games are a good option, as they will be accessible to guests who are not "serious" gamers. Consider games such as bingo, checkers, Jenga, Scrabble, or cards. You could also include microgames like Love Letter, which is great for smaller groups. If you want to add a unique touch, you can customise some games, like giant Jenga blocks with your names and wedding date, or a personalised crossword puzzle.
For a more interactive experience, you could set up a gaming tournament with brackets and prizes. This will encourage guests to move around and engage with others. Alternatively, you can create a game station or table where guests can pick a game that interests them. This option allows guests to choose their preferred game and take it back to their table. You could also provide instructions for each game at the game station, so guests can learn and play at their tables.
If you want to incorporate the wedding theme into the board games, consider customising the games to match your colour scheme or wedding theme. For example, you can paint the pieces of a checkerboard game in your wedding colours. You could also create personalised boards featuring your wedding guests, helping everyone to learn each other's names and faces.
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Giant board games
Giant Checkers
Creating a giant checkers board is easy and makes for a fun activity for guests of all ages. You can make your own by using a checkered blanket and plastic plates or Frisbees in red and black. Alternatively, you can create a jumbo version by spray painting a checkerboard onto the grass or using chalk on the pavement. For a reusable option, consider purchasing or renting a giant checkerboard rug.
Giant Chess
A giant chessboard is a classic game that can be a permanent fixture at many resort wedding venues. If your venue doesn't have one, you can rent one to set up outdoors. It makes for a great photo opportunity for the couple and their guests.
Giant Jenga
Jenga is a classic block-stacking game that can be taken to the next level by creating a life-size version. All you need are 54 blocks of lumber, which you can cut to the same size and customize with paint or stain. Your guests will have a blast building and knocking down the tower!
Giant Connect Four
Connect Four is a timeless and easy-to-play game that appeals to both adults and children. You can set up an oversized version of this game for groups of two to play and even have multiple sets to avoid long lines.
Giant Scrabble
Scrabble is a great game for guests who want to take a break from the dance floor. You can create your own giant Scrabble board by painting letters on wooden blocks and drawing the board on a drop cloth. Challenge your guests to come up with wedding or love-themed words!
These giant board games are sure to add a unique and entertaining element to your wedding reception, providing fun for both kids and adults.
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Board games as decor
Board games can be seamlessly woven into the decor of your wedding reception in several ways, adding a playful and interactive element to the celebrations. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Centrepiece Games
Instead of traditional floral centrepieces, consider placing board games as focal points on each table. Select compact games with simple mechanics that don't require too much table space. This way, guests can easily pick them up and start playing while waiting for the wedding party to arrive. Games like Love Letter, for instance, can be a good fit for this setting. You could even provide a copy of your favourite board game at each table, allowing guests to explore a game that's special to you.
Interactive Decor
For a more hands-on approach, you can create interactive decor pieces using board games. Set up a blank canvas with a twist—attach water balloons partially filled with paint and invite guests to throw darts at the canvas, creating a unique art piece with every pop of colour. Alternatively, a custom Crokinole board can be set up, inviting guests to leave their mark by affixing a tile or two with double-sided tape, resulting in a collaborative game room art piece.
Life-Size Games
Bring board games to life by supersizing them! Create a giant Scrabble board by painting letters on wooden blocks and drawing the board on a large drop cloth. You can also set up a jumbo version of Connect Four, a game that's easy to play and fun for all ages. If you're feeling adventurous, try making a giant chessboard using spray paint on grass or chalk on pavement, providing a memorable photo opportunity for the happy couple.
Themed Tables
Take inspiration from board games for table themes and decorations. For instance, name each table after board game-centric elements or themes. You could even create personalised boards featuring your wedding guests, with mini sets at each table or "bride's side" and "groom's side" versions, helping guests learn each other's names in a fun way.
Game Station
Designate a special area as a game station, where guests can select board games to take back to their tables. This encourages interaction and a sense of exploration, allowing guests to discover new games and bond over familiar favourites.
By incorporating board games into the decor, you're not only adding visual interest to the reception but also providing entertainment and creating opportunities for your guests to connect and make lasting memories.
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Board games as favours
If you're looking for a unique way to thank your wedding guests, why not give them board games as favours? This is a creative idea that will leave a lasting impression and add a playful touch to your special day. Here are some ways to do this:
Personalised Board Games: Create customised board games that feature your wedding guests. You can design mini sets for each table, incorporating the guests seated there, or divide the tables into "bride's side" and "groom's side", with guests from one side receiving the other side's board game as a favour. This interactive approach will not only be a fun memento but also help your guests bond and learn more about each other.
Game-Themed Favours: Instead of traditional favours, opt for game-themed tokens or gifts. You can include items like meeple-shaped decorations, personalised game pieces, or even gift codes for digital board games like Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, or Settlers. Another idea is to offer small card games like standard playing cards or micro-games such as Love Letter, which are easy to play and don't require much table space.
Interactive Centrepieces: If you want to combine centrepieces and favours, consider placing a board game at the centre of each table. Your guests can play these games during the reception, and they can also double as their favours, creating a memorable keepsake. Games like Settlers of Catan can be customised to fit your theme, with table numbers or names corresponding to locations in the game.
Customised Game Pieces: For a more affordable option, you can create customised game pieces for your guests. For example, if you're a fan of the game Carcassonne, you can give each guest a tile with a personalised doodle and a thank-you message. This idea is not only cost-effective but also adds a unique touch to your favours.
When incorporating board games into your wedding reception, it's essential to consider the interests and preferences of your guests. Some guests may not be interested in playing games, so offering game-themed favours or decorations can be a safer alternative. Additionally, ensure that any games you choose are easy to learn, don't require a long setup, and can be played in a reasonably short time, especially if your guests will be indulging in a few drinks!
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Board game tournaments
Game Selection
Choose a variety of board games that are suitable for tournament-style play and will appeal to a range of guests, from those who are ""serious" gamers to those who may be less familiar with board games. Consider including a mix of classic, well-known games that are easy to pick up and play, as well as some newer or more complex games for those who are up for a challenge. Some popular options include Spyfall, Wits and Wagers, Codenames, Sushi Go, Werewolf/Lupus en Tabula, and Resistance.
Tournament Structure
Decide on the tournament structure in advance. Will it be a single-elimination tournament, a round-robin format, or something else? Determine the number of rounds, the length of each round, and how players will advance. You may also want to consider having multiple tournaments for different games or a consolation bracket for those who are eliminated early.
Timing and Scheduling
Plan the timing of the tournament carefully. Allow enough time for each round, and consider any other activities or events happening during the reception. You may want to start the tournament early in the reception to give players ample time to complete their games. Alternatively, you could schedule it for later in the evening, after dinner and other formalities, when guests may be looking for some light-hearted entertainment.
Prizes and Rewards
Add an element of competition by offering prizes for the winners of the tournament. These could be small gifts, personalized tokens, or even bragging rights. You could also have a consolation prize for the player who is eliminated first or a "best sportsman" award for the player who demonstrates good sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Decoration and Theme
Incorporate the board games into your wedding decor and theme. You can use board games as centrepieces, place settings, or even favours for your guests. Consider naming the tables after board games or incorporating game-themed elements into your wedding cake or dessert. For example, you could have a custom cake topper inspired by one of your favourite board games.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to incorporate board games into your wedding reception. You could set up a gaming table with a dozen or so board games for guests to play and take home. You could also replace the traditional centrepiece with a board game.
It's best to stick to classic, well-known games that are easy to play and don't require a lot of table space. Some examples include Spyfall, Wits and Wagers, Codenames, Sushi Go, Cards Against Humanity, and Resistance.
If you're looking for something other than board games, you could try a giant version of a game like Jenga, Connect Four, or Checkers. You could also set up a photo booth with costumes and props and turn it into a game by offering prizes for the most creative photos.
It's important to consider the interests and comfort levels of your guests. If you have a lot of guests who are not "serious" gamers, opt for simpler, classic games that everyone knows. You could also provide instructions for more complex games. Encourage guests to swap tables throughout the night so they can meet new people and try different games.
