Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's important to remember that the day is meant to be fun! Here are some tips to ensure your wedding is enjoyable for you and your guests:
- Keep the ceremony short and sweet – 15 to 30 minutes is the ideal length to keep your guests engaged.
- Do something unexpected during the ceremony, like writing your own vows, having an adult flower girl, or singing a song.
- Ensure your guests are comfortable – provide enough space and control the temperature if possible.
- Have a variety of food, drinks, and desserts at the reception.
- Provide activities such as yard games (e.g. Jenga, cornhole), a photo booth, or a cocktail hour to keep guests entertained.
- Hire a good DJ or band to get people on the dance floor.
- Include interactive elements like a sparkler exit or a group photo to get everyone involved.
- Add a novelty factor, such as a margarita bar, glitter station, or silent disco.
- Choose a venue that suits your desired vibe and allows for a smooth flow of events throughout the day.
- Mix up traditions by having a flowergranny, bridesman, or post-dinner ceremony.
- Keep things relaxed and informal – from the dress code to the speeches, encourage guests to let loose and have fun.
- Get guests socialising with a hen or stag party, blended tables, photo walls, and buffet-style dining.
- Provide transportation or arrange a bus home for guests who aren't staying at the venue.
What You'll Learn
- Keep guests entertained with activities like a photo booth, a bouncy castle, lawn games, a bonfire, a silent disco, a mini golf course, or a sparkler send-off
- Make your ceremony short, unique, and entertaining
- Ensure your guests are comfortable and have enough space
- Set the right tone with a fun, energetic wedding photographer
- Book a great band or DJ
Keep guests entertained with activities like a photo booth, a bouncy castle, lawn games, a bonfire, a silent disco, a mini golf course, or a sparkler send-off
Photo Booth
A photo booth is a great way to keep guests entertained and capture some fun memories. You can find local photo booth vendors online and choose from a variety of backdrops, props, and customisations to match your wedding theme.
Bouncy Castle
A bouncy castle is not just for kids! Rent a classy, all-white bouncy castle to bring out the inner child in your guests and create some unique photo opportunities.
Lawn Games
Lawn games are perfect for outdoor weddings, especially if there's a gap between the ceremony and reception. Games like cornhole, horseshoes, Giant Tumbling Timbers, and Giant Yard Pong will keep your guests entertained and add a fun element to your special day.
Mini Golf Course
For a truly unique and memorable experience, consider a luxury mini golf course at your wedding. Handcrafted with features like a "wedding ring" loop-the-loop and a rotating champagne feature, it will be a fun activity for your guests and a great backdrop for photos.
Silent Disco
A silent disco is a fun way to keep the party going without worrying about noise restrictions. Guests dance to music streamed onto wireless headphones, allowing you to continue the celebration into the night without disturbing neighbours or breaking local noise ordinances.
Sparkler Send-Off
Sparklers add a magical touch to your wedding send-off. You can find sparklers in various sizes and shapes to create a dazzling display as you exit your reception. They also make for stunning photographs, providing a perfect end to your special day.
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Make your ceremony short, unique, and entertaining
The wedding ceremony is often one of the most boring parts of the day for guests. They have to sit still for a long time, it might be too hot or too cold, and it's often the same as every other ceremony. Here are some tips to make your ceremony more engaging and fun:
- Keep the ceremony short. 15 to 30 minutes is usually a good length.
- Do something interesting and different to keep guests entertained. For example, write your own vows, dance down the aisle, have an adult flower girl, or sing a song.
- Make people comfortable by ensuring there is enough space and controlling the temperature as best you can.
Planning before the wedding
Before the wedding, it's important to talk to your guests and ask them what they would want to have a good time. You can create an online poll and send it out to everyone to get their input. If you know someone who always gets stressed out and never has a good time, talk to them and see what you can do to help.
Try to prepare as much as possible before the wedding day, such as decorating the venue or putting together wedding favours. It's also a good idea to create a schedule or plan for the day to ensure things run smoothly and on time.
The wedding reception
The wedding reception is where most of the fun should happen. Give your guests plenty of time, usually 3 to 5 hours, and make sure there is food, alcohol, and dessert. Provide a variety of options so people have choices.
Offer activities such as yard games (e.g. Jenga, cornhole), a photo booth, or a cocktail hour to keep guests entertained and mingling. Dancing is also a great way to get everyone involved and having fun, especially if you and your partner join your guests on the dance floor.
Unique entertainment ideas
- Fireworks display
- Bouncy castle
- Bonfire with s'mores
- Vegas-inspired performers (singers, dancers, acrobats, contortionists)
- Outdoor lawn games
- Live mariachi band
- Vintage photo booth
- Amusement park rides
- Celebrity impersonator
- Caricaturist
- Tarot card reader
- Silent disco
- Mini golf
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Ensure your guests are comfortable and have enough space
Ensuring your guests are comfortable and have enough space is key to a fun wedding. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Planning before the wedding
Make sure there is enough space for everyone to get ready comfortably. If possible, rent a hotel room or go to someone's house to get ready, especially if you have a large wedding party. Having plenty of space will make the process of getting ready much more enjoyable and less stressful.
The wedding ceremony
Make your guests comfortable by ensuring there is enough space for them to sit or stand comfortably during the ceremony. Take into account the number of guests you plan to invite and choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate them. This is especially important, especially with COVID-19 restrictions.
Additionally, make sure the temperature is comfortable for your guests. If your wedding is outdoors, consider the time of year and whether your guests will be too hot or too cold.
The wedding reception
Give your guests plenty of time to enjoy the reception by making it 3 to 5 hours long. This will allow them to socialise, enjoy food and drinks, and participate in any activities you have planned.
Provide a variety of food and drink options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. A well-fed guest is a happy guest!
Create a comfortable environment with enough space for guests to move around and socialise. If you plan to have dancing, make sure there is a designated space for it.
Other tips
- Provide a comfortable waiting area for guests before the ceremony, especially if there is a wait between the ceremony and reception.
- Consider providing gifts for your wedding party to add to the excitement and create a fun atmosphere.
- If you are having a photo booth, ensure it is spacious enough to accommodate groups of guests.
- If you are providing outdoor lawn games, ensure there is enough space for guests to play comfortably.
- If you are offering a pamper box in the bathroom, make sure the space is not too cramped.
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Set the right tone with a fun, energetic wedding photographer
A fun, energetic wedding photographer is key to making your wedding a memorable one. They will capture all the special moments and details of your big day, so you can relive them for years to come. Here are some tips to help you set the right tone with your wedding photographer:
- Discuss your must-have photo moments with your photographer beforehand. Let them know about any special details or people you want to be included in the photos.
- Prioritize getting photos of your wedding accessories, such as your jewellery, shoes, and bouquet. These are often overlooked but are an important part of your overall look.
- Make time for getting-ready photos. These photos capture the anticipation and excitement of the day and can include shots of you getting your hair and makeup done, putting on your dress, and spending time with your bridal party.
- If you're wearing a veil, be sure to get photos from different angles to showcase its beauty. The veil is only worn for a short time, so make the most of it!
- Get solo portraits of both the bride and groom. These photos will highlight your individual style and personality.
- Capture candid moments. While posed photos are great, don't forget to include some natural, unposed shots that capture the joy and emotion of the day.
- Take photos with your wedding party. These are the people you love most, so you'll want special shots with them to look back on.
- Get a landscape shot of your ceremony and reception spaces. You've put a lot of effort into making these spaces beautiful, so you'll want to remember how they looked.
- Prioritize getting photos of important moments during the ceremony, such as the ring exchange, your first kiss as newlyweds, and any funny or unexpected moments.
- Capture the details of your reception, including the centrepieces, cake, and any unique design elements. These photos will help you remember all the hard work that went into planning your special day.
- Have fun on the dance floor! Your photographer will capture the atmosphere and energy of the party, so let loose and enjoy yourself.
- End the night with a special send-off. Whether it's with sparklers, bubbles, or confetti, make sure your photographer captures this final moment before you depart.
By following these tips and working closely with your photographer, you'll be able to set the right tone for a fun and energetic wedding celebration.
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Book a great band or DJ
Booking a great band or DJ is one of the easiest ways to ensure your wedding is fun. Music is a key part of any wedding reception, so it's important to get it right.
Choose the Right Entertainment for You
First, decide whether you want a band or a DJ. A band will bring a different energy to your wedding and can offer a wider range of music styles. A DJ, on the other hand, is often a more affordable option and can play a wider range of songs.
Do Your Research
Once you've decided on the type of entertainment you want, start researching local bands or DJs. Watch videos of them performing or, if possible, attend a showcase. This will give you a good idea of their style and energy.
Get Guest Input
If you want to get your guests involved, consider sending out a poll to find out what type of music they would like. This can also be a fun way to get everyone excited about the wedding.
Create a Schedule
Work with your band or DJ to create a schedule for the night. This will ensure there is a good flow to the evening and that your guests are never left waiting or wondering what is happening.
Keep the Dance Floor Full
To ensure your guests are having fun, you'll want to keep the dance floor full. One way to do this is to make sure you and your new spouse are out there! Your guests will want to interact with you, and they will be more likely to dance if you are.
You can also ask your DJ or band to play a fun song that will get everyone on the dance floor. Songs like the Cha Cha Slide or YMCA are sure to get everyone involved!
Other Things to Consider
- If your budget allows, consider hiring other types of entertainment as well, such as mariachi bands, steel drum bands, or silent discos.
- Make sure there is plenty of space for your guests to dance and move around.
- If possible, choose a venue that won't turn the music off or lights on at midnight.
- If you're having an outdoor wedding, consider the temperature and whether your guests will be comfortable.
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