Make Your Wedding A Blast With These Fun Tips

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's important to remember that a wedding is a celebration. Here are some fun ideas to make your wedding enjoyable for both you and your guests.

Food and Drinks

Food and drinks are essential to any wedding. Here are some ideas to make them fun:

- Interactive food bars: sundae bar, trail mix bar, s'mores bar, decorate-your-own-cupcake bar, etc.

- French fries or mac and cheese as a midnight snack.

- A Dels lemonade cart (if you're in Rhode Island).

- Grilled cheese and tomato soup shots.

- An ice cream bar.

- A live event painter who guests can watch when they're not on the dance floor or in the photobooth.

- A food truck with late-night snacks like chicken fingers, fries, cheese fries, nachos, mozzarella sticks, lemonade, deep-fried Oreos, and funnel cake.

Games and Activities

There are plenty of games and activities to keep your guests entertained:

- Lawn games: cornhole, giant Jenga, oversized lawn games, etc.

- Board games and video games.

- A photo booth with dress-up accessories.

- A live band and dancing.

- A caricature artist.

- Temporary tattoos.

- A piñata.

- A mystery book swap: guests bring a wrapped book that's important to them, and everyone exchanges books.

- A fire pit with s'mores.

- A bouncy house (especially if you have kids attending).

- A Polaroid camera or disposable cameras for guests to capture their own memories.

- A tarot card reader.

- A magician.

Other Ideas

- Good music.

- Open bar.

- A receiving line after the ceremony where the couple greets each row of guests.

- A basket of flip-flops for guests to change into if their feet get tired.

- A basket of toiletries in the bathroom, including feminine supplies, hairspray, and pain relievers.

- A sparkler exit.

- A photo guest book: a Polaroid camera and a board for guests to hang their photos.

- A ring-warming ceremony where guests pass around and bless the wedding rings.

- A fun crowd: invite guests who will get along and keep the vibe positive.

Games: Lawn games, board games, video games, and a photo booth are all popular options

Games are a great way to make your wedding fun and there are several types you can choose from: lawn games, board games, video games, and photo booths.

Lawn games are a fun addition to any outdoor wedding, especially if you have a large guest list. Giant Jenga is a popular option as it can accommodate a lot of players and is easy to play. Other lawn games to consider include cornhole, Polish horseshoes, croquet, badminton, and custom cornhole boards. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own giant Jenga set with some 2x4s.

Board games are another option to keep your guests entertained, especially during the cocktail hour or reception. Simple and well-known games like cards, Jenga, Bananagrams, and Scrabble are easy to set up and can be played by guests of all ages. If you want something more unique, you could try Codenames, Spyfall, or Love Letter, which is available in a wedding-themed version. You could also set up a gaming table with a variety of options for guests to choose from.

Video games can also be a fun addition to your wedding, especially for guests who might not be into dancing. SingStar on PS2 and MarioKart on Wii are two examples of video games that have been featured at weddings.

Photo booths are a popular choice for weddings and can be a fun activity for your guests. They can serve as wedding favours, providing your guests with a fun memento of your special day. You can set up a simple backdrop and use Polaroid or Instax cameras, or rent a photo booth for more features like props and digital copies of the photos.

When choosing games for your wedding, consider your venue, your guest list, and the overall vibe you want to create. Games can be a great way to encourage mingling and interaction between guests, providing a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

Food and drink: An open bar is a common choice, but some also suggest a non-alcoholic welcome drink

Food and drink are integral to a fun wedding. An open bar is a common choice, but some also suggest a non-alcoholic welcome drink. Here are some ideas to make your wedding fun and memorable through food and drink:

Keep your guests well-fed and happy

It is important to ensure that your guests are well-fed and have plenty of options, especially if there will be a gap between the ceremony and reception. Consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests, and provide a variety of options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. If your budget allows, you could also provide a late-night snack, such as a food truck serving chicken fingers, fries, and other treats.

Make your food interactive and fun

You could have interactive food bars such as a sundae bar, trail mix bar, s'mores bar, or a decorate-your-own-cupcake bar. A unique idea is to have a live event painter whom your guests can watch when they are not on the dance floor or enjoying other activities. You could also provide rollable flats as dancing shoes so your guests can comfortably dance the night away.

Offer a variety of drinks

In addition to an open bar, you could offer a non-alcoholic welcome drink to greet your guests as they arrive. If your wedding is during the day, you could offer a brunch-style menu with mimosas and other breakfast cocktails. If you are looking for a unique twist, you could even have a giant crossword puzzle or a globe with pins for guests to suggest your next travel destination.

Make your wedding cake stand out

While a traditional wedding cake is always a good choice, you could also offer a variety of unique desserts, such as an ice cream bar or a selection of cupcakes and cookies. If you want to add a personal touch, you could even have a live event painter creating a one-of-a-kind cake portrait.

Keep your guests entertained

In addition to food and drinks, it is important to provide entertainment for your guests. You could have a photo booth with fun props, lawn games such as cornhole or giant Jenga, or even a video game station with Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. If you want to add a touch of magic, you could hire a tarot reader or a medieval bard and jester to entertain your guests throughout the evening.

Plan your schedule wisely

Try to avoid too many interruptions during the reception, such as cake-cutting, toasts, and announcements, as this can disrupt the flow of the party. Keep the ceremony short and sweet, and consider having the ceremony and reception in the same place to maintain the mood and energy of the celebration.

By offering a variety of food and drink options, providing entertainment, and planning your schedule wisely, you can create a fun and memorable wedding for you and your guests.

Music: A live band is often mentioned as a way to get guests dancing

Music is a key component of a fun wedding. A live band is often mentioned as a way to get guests dancing. Here are some tips to ensure your live band keeps the party going:

• Choose a band that suits the style of your wedding and the musical preferences of your guests. If you want a fun, lively atmosphere, consider a band that plays upbeat music that people can dance to.
• Involve your guests in the music selection process. You can include a song request in your RSVP cards or create a shared playlist where guests can add their favourite songs. This way, your band can play songs that your guests know and love, making them more likely to get up and dance.
• Ensure the band can read the room and adapt their set list accordingly. A good band will be able to gauge the energy of the crowd and play songs that match the mood. They should also be able to take requests from guests and adjust their performance to keep the dance floor packed.
• If possible, position the band close to the dance floor. Having the band in the same room as the dance floor will create a more intimate and engaging atmosphere. It also makes it easier for guests to approach the band with song requests.
• Consider the timing of your band's performance. Typically, the dance floor will be more packed later in the evening, after guests have had a few drinks and loosened up a bit. You may want to schedule the band's performance for this time slot to maximise their impact.
• If you want to include a first dance or other traditional wedding dances, consider doing so early in the evening. This will encourage guests to join you on the dance floor and set the tone for a fun, dance-filled evening.
• If your band takes breaks, ensure there is still music playing during those times. You can create a playlist of songs that match the band's style and energy to keep the party going even when the band is taking a break.
• If your budget allows, consider hiring additional entertainment to complement the live band. For example, you could have a DJ play music during the band's breaks or hire dancers to get the party started and encourage guests to join in.
• Communicate your expectations clearly with the band. Let them know that you want them to engage the crowd and create a fun atmosphere. Provide them with a brief that outlines the type of music you want, the energy level you're aiming for, and any specific songs or genres you'd like them to include or avoid.

Timing: Avoid long gaps between the ceremony and reception, and don't cram too many activities into the reception

Timing is crucial when it comes to ensuring your guests have a great time at your wedding. Long gaps between the ceremony and reception can disrupt the flow of the day and are a common pet peeve among guests. If possible, keep the gap to a maximum of 60-90 minutes. If a shorter gap isn't feasible, there are several ways to ensure your guests remain entertained.

One option is to organise a group activity such as a tour or a visit to a museum or garden. This is especially useful if you have a lot of out-of-town guests who might be unsure of how to spend their time. Be sure to provide transportation and include snacks and drinks. Alternatively, you could provide guests with a list of activity ideas such as nearby landmarks, museums, parks and restaurants. This can be included in a welcome basket or handed out as guests leave the ceremony.

If most of your guests are staying at the same hotel, you could host a 'mini-reception' to keep the mood upbeat as guests anticipate the main event. This could take place in the hotel's party room, bar or garden and include light snacks and drinks. You could also use the gap to take family and wedding party portraits, either at the ceremony location or at scenic spots around the city.

If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you could host a cocktail hour with entertainment, giving your guests drinks and bite-sized foods while you take wedding party photos.

Lighting: Ensure there is enough light for guests to see, especially if the wedding continues after dark

Lighting is a crucial aspect of any wedding, not only for creating a fun and festive atmosphere but also for ensuring the comfort and safety of your guests, especially if the celebration continues after dark. Here are some tips to make sure your wedding venue is well-lit and guest-friendly:

Plan a visit to your venue at the same time of day as your wedding. This will help you assess the natural light and existing lighting fixtures, allowing you to identify areas that may need additional lighting. If your wedding is outdoors, a visit after dark is essential to ensure you know what areas need to be illuminated for both ambiance and safety.

Consider the power sources available at your venue. If you're planning on using lots of lighting, you may need to bring in a generator, especially if you're hosting the wedding at a home. Discuss power requirements with your lighting designer and other vendors, such as the band or DJ, to ensure you don't overload the electrical system.

Use a mix of lighting types to create a magical atmosphere. Fairy lights, string lights, and lanterns can be used to create a whimsical and romantic ambiance. Hang them over dance floors, lounge areas, or reception tables to cast a warm glow over your guests. For a more modern look, consider adding LED lights to floral arrangements or using colour wash lighting to bathe the room in flattering hues.

Don't forget to light up outdoor spaces, especially walkways, staircases, and paths to essential areas like the bathrooms and bar. Candlelit lanterns or luminaries can be used to create a romantic and inviting atmosphere while also ensuring your guests can navigate safely. Just be sure to check with your venue about their open-flame policy, and consider battery-powered options if necessary.

Highlight key areas and details with strategic lighting. Use pin spots to shine a focused beam of light on centrepieces, the wedding cake, or other decorations you want to showcase. A well-lit venue will also ensure your photos pop, so consider using spotlights to illuminate venue details like stone walls or hanging greenery installations.

Finally, don't be afraid to bring in a lighting professional. Lighting designers can make suggestions tailored to your venue and help you create a lighting plan that ensures your wedding is both beautiful and functional. They can also advise on any permits or safety considerations you may not have thought of.

Frequently asked questions