Make Your Wedding Fun & Personal: Creative Ideas

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's important to remember that the day is meant to be a fun celebration of your love. Here are some tips to make your wedding a fun and memorable experience for both you and your guests:

- Ditch the formalities: Encourage guests to relax and be themselves by indicating a relaxed dress code, serving fun drinks, and shaking up traditional elements like the speeches.

- Set the tone with an engaging ceremony: Whether it's with the right music, a unique celebrant, or a personal touch, make sure your guests leave the ceremony on a high.

- Get your guests socialising: Help guests mingle and have fun by blending tables, using photo walls, and including call-and-response moments in the ceremony or speeches.

- Be present and relaxed: Your mood will rub off on your guests, so make sure you're enjoying yourself, too!

- Add a novelty factor: Include unique touches like a photo booth, silent disco, or interactive food stations to get guests talking.

- Think about the flow: Ensure your guests aren't left wanting by providing signage, avoiding long waits between events, and allowing time for mingling.

- Shake up traditions: Modernise the speeches, change the order of the day, or mix up the wedding party to keep guests on their toes.

- Book a great band or DJ: Amazing entertainment is key to a fun wedding, so choose someone who matches your energy and will get everyone on the dance floor.

- Choose the right venue: Opt for a venue with friendly staff, flexibility, and spaces that match the party you have in mind.

- Keep it simple: Avoid overthinking it and focus on creating a fun, relaxed, and informal atmosphere.

Create a fun, relaxed atmosphere

Creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere at your wedding is all about making your guests feel at ease and ensuring they have a great time. Here are some ideas to achieve that:

Choose the Right Venue

The venue you select can significantly impact the atmosphere of your wedding. Opt for a location that reflects the relaxed vibe you want to create. A country house or barn conversion, or even your own backyard, can be perfect for a more laid-back feel. Consider an outdoor wedding in a beautiful setting like a garden or on the beach. If you prefer an indoor space, decorate it to match your theme and ensure it's comfortable for your guests.

Lighting is Key

Lighting can transform your venue and create the desired atmosphere. Soft, warm lighting, such as fairy lights or candlelight, will make your space feel romantic and inviting. Avoid harsh, bright lights, and consider uplighters to add ambiance and disguise any less-than-perfect venue features.

Plan the Music

Music is a powerful tool for setting the tone. Opt for soft and slow songs to create a romantic atmosphere or go for a live band or DJ if you want a more festive vibe. You could even have a mix of both! During the meal, play music that will get everyone in a party mood. It's a great way to ease your guests into the celebrations and get them on the dance floor later.

Break the Ice

Weddings can be formal and intimidating for guests, so it's essential to break the ice early on. Ensure a warm welcome with friendly ushers, and consider garden games or an open-air photo booth to get people mixing and having fun. Alcohol also helps! Encourage guests to interact and let their hair down with fun props and activities.

Fun Food and Drinks

Food and drinks are a great way to set the tone for the day. Offer a relaxed and informal dining experience with a buffet-style menu and comfort food. You can even elevate familiar dishes, like southern comfort foods presented in a sophisticated way. Don't forget to cater to different dietary needs and ensure there's enough for everyone!

For drinks, why not offer a cocktail pre-ceremony or pre-reception? It's a great way to get the party started, and you can set up a drinks table instead of passing trays, giving guests the freedom to help themselves.

Creative Entertainment

Think beyond the traditional and incorporate unique entertainment to surprise and delight your guests. From fire performers and circus acts to alpaca petting farms and caricature artists, there are endless options to choose from. You could even have a silent disco, where guests dance to music played through headphones, creating a fun and memorable experience.

By incorporating these ideas, you'll be well on your way to creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere that your guests will love and remember fondly!

Make your ceremony engaging

Creative Additions

Add creative additions to your ceremony to make it more personalised and fun. Here are some ideas:

• Beer blending ritual: Each partner pours a different coloured beer into the same glass and then cheers with the blend.
• Ring warming: Pass your rings around your guests before or during the ceremony so they can pray over them, bless them, or put good energy into them.
• Community vow: Ask your guests to support your marriage and witness your lives together.
• Pet participation: Have your dog walked down the aisle or invite your cat to sit on someone's lap during the ceremony.
• Creative processional ideas: Walk down the aisle with your partner, or with both parents.
• Live wedding painting: Hire an artist to do a live painting of your wedding ceremony.
• Rice-throwing alternatives: Use eco-friendly confetti, bubbles, ribbons, tambourines, or kazoos.
• Personalised bouquet: Add little photos of loved ones to your bouquet or boutonnière.
• Pre-ceremony cocktail hour: Allow guests to socialise and welcome each other before the ceremony.
• Creative music and readings: Choose music and readings that are meaningful to you, or that are off-beat.
• Creative aisle ideas: Use flower petals, natural decor, paint, or arrows instead of a traditional carpet runner.
• Tree planting: Each partner can lift a shovel with dirt to plant a tree in a bucket, representing the marriage you are nurturing and growing.
• Creative ring presentation: Place the rings in a bird's nest or hollow out a novel and put the rings inside.
• Personalised programs: Include the story of how you met, fun facts, readings, and song selections that are special to you.
• Guest comforts: Provide fans or blankets depending on the weather, and colouring books for kids.
• Wedding time capsule: Place letters to each other and a bottle of wine in a box to open on your first anniversary.
• Family vow: Make it an opportunity for the couple and their children to all say "I do" and take each other as parents and children.
• Creative unity candle: Invite your guests to pass the flame from one to another until everyone is holding a lit candle, and then transfer the flame to the couple to light their unity candle.

Engaging Guests

• Witness lucky dip: Draw the names of your guests out of a hat to decide who will be your witnesses.
• Hide the rings: Tape your wedding rings under the chairs of guests and ask them to check under their chairs. The lucky guests can be your ring bearers.
• Group vows: Ask your guests a few questions and get a group "We do!"
• Bridal party intro: Have the celebrant introduce each member of the wedding party in the theme of a talent contest, game show, or beauty pageant.
• Ring warming: Pass the rings around your guests during the ceremony and ask them to make a wish.
• Musical chairs: During the signing, guests can play musical chairs.
• Flash mob wedding reading: Surprise your guests by having chosen guests sing or read a poem during the ceremony.
• Wishing bowl: Ask guests to write their wishes for you in one word and drop them in a bowl to be read during the ceremony, reception, or on your first anniversary.
• Marriage advice: Ask guests to provide marriage advice to be read out during the ceremony or saved for later.
• Guard of honour recessional: Have your guests blow bubbles, raise a glass of champagne, or high-five you as you walk through to a fun song.

Personalised Touches

• Personalised programs: Include fun facts, readings, and song selections that are special to you.
• Host cocktails before the ceremony: Mingle with your guests and ensure everyone is on time for the main event.
• Adorn your guests with favours: Gift your guests with boutonnières and fresh-flower hair clips.
• Tease their taste buds with a snack: Serve a favourite dish or a preview of what's to come.
• Write thank-yous ahead of time: Make guests feel welcome by writing them personal notes and leaving them at the ceremony entrance.
• Have fun with the ring bearer: Have your ring bearer carry the bands on something unique, like a pet or a vintage radio flyer wagon.
• Add pizzazz to the flower girl's style: Give the flower girls a cat-shaped purse or a sign to decorate.
• Bring meaning to the bouquets: Have your bridesmaids carry your favourite flower or one that's special to you.
• Share your love in a note: Write a letter to your partner and place it, along with a bottle of wine, in a box to be opened on your 10th anniversary.
• Choose meaningful processional music: Play a song that speaks to you and your relationship.
• Go non-traditional with your walk: Buck tradition and walk down the aisle with your partner.
• Flout your favourite words: Put a calligraphed runner behind the altar with words and quotes that are meaningful to you.
• Ask your bestie to officiate: Ask a friend to be your officiant by getting ordained online.
• Switch up the ceremony structure: Seat guests in a circle around the altar or wind your way through your guests during the processional.
• Mad Lib with your guests: Include your guests by making a game of writing your vows.
• Choose an alternative to readings: Ask a few people to share their marriage wisdom or have a friend sing a meaningful song.
• End the vows with a dance: Don't wait until the reception for your first dance.
• Hire a live painter: Capture the moment forever with a custom oil painting or watercolour.
• Acknowledge your special guests: Step into the pews for a quick hug from your loved ones.
• End the ceremony with a celebratory drink: Have the ushers pass around your favourite drink and make your first toast as a married couple.
• Nix the tossed rice: Have guests wave ribbon wands, sparklers, or party-store tambourines

Encourage socialising among guests

There are many ways to encourage socialising among guests at a wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Engagement Party and Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

The engagement party and bachelor/bachelorette parties are great opportunities for guests to meet and socialise before the wedding. As the bride and groom, you can help break the ice by introducing people to each other. For example, "This is Brittany. She and I do yoga together". Creating common ground between guests will help to spark conversation and make guests more inclined to chat at the wedding.

Photo Booths

Photo booths are a fun way to encourage guests to socialise and have some memorable pictures to look back on. Add some unique props like hats, sunglasses, or other fun items to make the photos even more memorable and encourage silliness.

Table Placements

Get creative with table placements by seating guests outside of their familiar groups. Group them according to their hobbies or interests, and give each table a fun nickname to hint at their common interest. This will help guests find common ground and encourage conversation.

Food and Drink Stations

Spread out the food and drink offerings at the reception to encourage guests to move around and socialise. Have separate tables for different types of drinks and food, such as one table for wine, another for beer, and perhaps one for appetizers and another for desserts. This will get guests moving around and provide opportunities for them to mingle.

Cocktail Socialising

The cocktail hour before the reception is a perfect time for the bride and groom to greet guests and help them feel welcomed and appreciated. Have your maid of honour or another member of the wedding party close by to help you move through the crowd and introduce guests to one another.

Wedding Games

All-inclusive wedding games are a great way to get guests interacting and are perfect icebreakers. For example, the Wedding Shoe Game, where the bride and groom are seated back-to-back and guests ask them funny questions, is a fun and unique way to get everyone involved. Other ideas include lawn games like giant Jenga or indoor casino games like roulette.

Conversation-Starting Quiz

Create a tableside quiz, "How well do you know the bride and groom?". This will get everyone involved and talking at their tables. The maid of honour or best man can act as quizmaster, adding to the fun.

Conversation Starters

Place conversation starter cards or games at each table to help guests who may feel awkward or struggle with small talk. You could even offer a prize for the most creative table!

Remember, your wedding guests are key to having a good time. By implementing these strategies, you can help create an inclusive and fun atmosphere where guests feel comfortable socialising and making new friends.

Be present and relaxed

Being present and relaxed on your wedding day is important for you to be able to enjoy the celebrations and make memories. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Choose a venue that suits your style

Opt for a venue that you feel emotionally connected to and reflects you as a couple. This could be a historic home in the countryside, a modern city venue, or even a friend's garden. If you can, stay at the venue the night before to minimise travel stress on the day.

Prepare the night before

Go to bed a little earlier than usual and create a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable linen, a calming playlist, and guided meditations to help you unwind and get a good night's rest.

Start your day with a healthy breakfast

Nerves and excitement might make it hard to eat, but it's important to fuel your body. Opt for a nourishing breakfast like a bowl of fresh fruit, natural yogurt, and granola. Avoid greasy and fatty foods, which may make you feel unwell if you're feeling anxious.

Create a calming atmosphere

Fill your preparation space with your favourite scents, whether it's through room diffusers, candles, or traditional sage smudge sticks. Play music that makes you feel positive and excited. If you enjoy baths, indulge in a relaxing soak with bath salts and flower petals.

Be mindful and present

Take a moment to connect with your surroundings. Notice the sounds, colours, and scents around you. If you practice mindfulness or meditation, make time for it in the morning. Focus on your breath and try to stay grounded in the present moment, rather than letting your mind race about the day ahead.

Build in some buffer time

Don't rush your morning. Factor in some extra time in case things take longer than expected. This will help you stay relaxed and ensure you're ready before your ceremony begins, giving you time to enjoy the moments with your bridal party and family.

Be intentional with your guest list

Surround yourself with people who will contribute to the relaxed atmosphere you want to create. Consider having a more intimate event, as smaller gatherings tend to be more relaxed and personal.

Inform guests about the theme and dress code

Let your guests know about the theme and dress code so they can dress accordingly. This will help set the tone for a relaxed and informal celebration.

Choose entertainment that suits your style

Whether it's a live band, DJ, or unique performers like fire dancers or a mariachi band, choose entertainment that reflects your tastes. If you want to encourage guest interaction, consider games, photo booths, or a karaoke booth.

Take breaks and make time for yourself

It's easy to get caught up in the festivities, but remember to take breaks and catch your breath. Use your photographer as an excuse to sneak away for a few minutes and enjoy some quiet moments with your partner.

By following these tips and tailoring them to your preferences, you can create a wedding day that is not only fun but also relaxed and memorable.

Add a novelty factor

Novelty is a great way to make your wedding fun and memorable. Here are some ideas to add a unique twist to your special day:

• Surprise performances: Hire surprise performers such as drag queens, fire eaters, ballet dancers, or even a celebrity impersonator to put on a show for your guests.
• Interactive food and drink: Get creative with your food and drink service. Consider interactive stations like a DIY cocktail bar, a "pimp your drink" station, a rolled ice cream stand, or a s'mores station by a bonfire.
• Unusual entertainment: Think beyond the typical DJ or band and opt for something unexpected, like a live painter, tarot card reader, magician, or mariachi band.
• Lawn and outdoor games: If your venue has outdoor space, set up lawn games like corn hole, giant Jenga, or a scavenger hunt for kids.
• Photo booths: A photo booth is always a hit, especially if it fits your wedding theme. Consider a retro VW bus photo booth or add fun props and backdrops.
• Bouncy castle: Why not? Decorate it with a balloon garland that matches your colour palette.
• Amusement park rides: If your venue allows it, bring the thrill of amusement park rides to your wedding.
• Printable games: Provide printable games for guests of all ages, perfect for breaking the ice and getting everyone involved.
• Mini golf: Set up a mini golf course or host your reception at a mini golf venue for some extra fun.
• Silent disco: A silent disco is a unique way to get everyone dancing, with guests wearing headphones and grooving to their own tunes.
• Live music: Serenade your partner or invite guests to sing their favourite tunes. You could also have roaming musicians, like a mariachi band or saxophonist, mix and mingle with the crowd.
• Fireworks: End the night with a dazzling fireworks display that will leave your guests in awe.
• Sparkler send-off: For a memorable exit, provide sparklers for your guests to wave as you make your grand departure.

Frequently asked questions