Make Your Wedding Reception Fun And Unforgettable

Planning a wedding reception can be stressful, but it's important to remember that the day is meant to be a celebration. There are many ways to make your wedding reception fun and memorable for you and your guests. Here are some ideas to get you started:

- Interactive food and drink stations: From a mac-and-cheese bar to a sushi-rolling setup, interactive food stations will leave your guests happy and well-fed. You could also set up a make-your-own margarita bar or a tasting station for wine, beer, or whiskey.

- Unique entertainment: Surprise your guests with unexpected entertainment, such as a magician, mariachi band, aerialists, or a salsa dancer. You could also hire a live painter to capture the magic of the day or set up a photo booth with fun props and backdrops.

- Lawn and group games: If your venue has outdoor space, consider setting up lawn games like corn hole, croquet, or bocce ball. For indoor spaces, giant Jenga, trivia games, or a poker setup will keep your guests entertained.

- Music and dancing: A great DJ or band is key to keeping the dance floor packed. Create a playlist with a mix of crowd-pleasers and your personal favorites. You could also shake things up by starting your first dance with a romantic song and then switching to an energetic Latin dance or a fun pop song.

- Personalized touches: Add a custom stamp of your and your partner's initials throughout the wedding, from wedding signs to table numbers and favors. You could also create a unique menu display by having the menu sprawled across plates, marble, or charcuterie boards in elegant calligraphy.

- Comfort and convenience: Keep your guests comfortable by providing blankets for cold days or parasols for shade. You can also set up a few cocktail tables near the bar and offer outdoor seating to give your guests a change of scenery.

Hire a live band, DJ, or singer

A live band, DJ, or singer can make all the difference at your wedding reception. It's important to hire a professional, rather than relying on a friend or family member, as they will be able to read the room and keep the energy high.

When it comes to music, variety is key. If you hire a band, consider bringing in additional musicians to play during the band's breaks. This will ensure that the party doesn't lose momentum. If you opt for a DJ, create a playlist that includes something for everyone. While it's fine to include a few of your favourite songs, now is not the time to show off your eclectic music taste. Keep the dance floor packed by playing well-known hits that your guests can sing and dance along to.

If you want to go beyond background music, consider hiring performers to put on a show. Singers, dancers, acrobats, and fire performers can all add a touch of glitz and glamour to your reception. You could even organise a surprise performance to really wow your guests.

For a more low-key affair, an acoustic guitarist or singer can provide a relaxed atmosphere for your guests to mingle and chat. If you want to encourage your guests to get up and dance but are worried about the dance floor remaining empty, ask your DJ to announce a group photo at the start of the open dancing. Play a fun song immediately after to keep everyone on the dance floor.

If you're not keen on dancing, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate music into your reception. Set up a karaoke booth and let your guests take centre stage. Alternatively, create a playlist of your favourite songs and have a sing-along.

Set up a photo booth

Setting up a photo booth is a fun activity for guests and a great way to capture memories from your special day. Here are some tips to make it a success:

Choose a Location

Decide on a location for your photo booth that is easily accessible for guests and provides a fun backdrop. If your venue has a cool feature like a vintage car or a beautiful garden, consider setting up the photo booth there. You could also create a dedicated space with a stylish backdrop, such as a flower wall or a vintage-style photo frame.

Props and Accessories

Enhance the fun with a variety of creative props and accessories. Think oversized sunglasses, funny hats, feather boas, glittery capes, and colourful wigs. You could also provide themed props that match your wedding theme, such as tropical flowers for a beach wedding or masquerade masks for a masquerade ball.

Lighting

Ensure the photo booth area is well-lit to capture clear and vibrant photos. Natural light works best, so consider setting up near a window or outdoors during daylight hours. If your reception is in the evening or at a venue with low lighting, you may need to bring in additional lighting.

Camera and Backdrop

While a professional photographer is not necessary, it is worth investing in a good-quality camera or smartphone to capture high-resolution images. Set up a tripod to ensure the camera stays in place, or consider hiring a selfie mirror, which allows guests to see themselves in the frame. A colourful backdrop or curtain can also enhance the photos and hide any unsightly areas.

Signs and Instructions

Provide clear instructions for guests, especially if you want them to take their own photos. Include signs with fun prompts or ideas, such as "Strike a pose!" or "Show us your best dance moves!". You could also suggest specific poses, like a group hug or a funny face.

Photo Printing and Sharing

Consider providing a way for guests to print their photos instantly, either through a portable photo printer or by emailing the images to them. This way, they can take home a tangible memory of your wedding. You could also encourage guests to share their photos on social media using a unique wedding hashtag, so everyone can relive the fun later.

A photo booth is a great addition to any wedding reception, providing entertainment for guests of all ages and capturing fun memories that you can cherish for years to come.

Offer interactive food stations

One way to make your wedding reception more fun is to offer interactive food stations. This gives your guests the chance to customise their food to their liking and keeps them entertained throughout the night.

Mac and cheese bar

A mac and cheese bar is a fun and interactive food station idea that will be sure to be a hit with your guests. You can offer a variety of toppings and mix-ins, such as different types of cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and more. This allows your guests to get creative and design their own perfect mac and cheese dish.

Sushi-rolling setup

A sushi-rolling setup is another great option for an interactive food station. Your guests can choose their own fillings and watch as their sushi rolls are made right in front of them. This option is sure to impress your guests and offer them a unique and memorable dining experience.

DIY cocktail bar

For the drinks, you could set up a DIY cocktail bar where guests can mix their own drinks. Provide a variety of spirits, mixers, and garnishes, and let your guests get creative. You could even offer a cocktail-making class or demonstration to take it to the next level.

Make-your-own pizza station

A make-your-own pizza station is another fun and interactive food idea. Provide a variety of toppings, sauces, and dough options, and let your guests build their own pizzas. You could even have a wood-fired pizza oven on-site to cook the pizzas for an extra special touch.

Tasting stations

If you want to offer something a little more sophisticated, you could set up tasting stations for wine, beer, whiskey, or even cigars. This gives your guests the chance to sample different drinks and learn about their favourite tipples. It's an interactive and educational experience that is sure to be a hit.

Dessert stations

For those with a sweet tooth, you could set up interactive dessert stations. This could include a make-your-own sundae bar, a build-your-own doughnut wall, or even a s'mores station if you're feeling extra indulgent. These stations will be sure to satisfy your guests' sugar cravings and keep them entertained.

Plan surprise entertainment

Planning surprise entertainment is a great way to make your wedding reception more fun. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Circus Performers

Why not bring the circus to your wedding? You could hire fire performers, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, contortionists, and more to surprise and delight your guests. This option is perfect if you want a grand, extravagant production that will leave your guests speechless.

Live Painters

A live painter is a unique way to capture the magic of your wedding day. Your guests will be fascinated as they watch the artist at work, and you'll have a beautiful custom portrait of your wedding to cherish forever.

Tarot Card Readers

For something a little more mystical, consider hiring a tarot card reader to offer readings to your guests. This is a fun and interactive way to entertain your guests and give them a glimpse into their future. Be prepared for long lines, as this is sure to be a popular attraction!

Synchronized Swimmers

If your venue has a pool, why not put on a show with synchronized swimmers? With their cheeky choreography and eye-catching costumes, they'll definitely make a splash at your wedding. Schedule them during cocktail hour for a fun surprise.

Celebrity Impersonators

Always wanted a celebrity appearance at your wedding but didn't have the budget? Hire a celebrity impersonator instead! They'll go all out with their costume, singing, and performance to bring your favorite star to life. It'll be a fun surprise for your guests and a unique touch to your reception.

Bouncy Castle

Tap into your inner child and rent a bouncy castle for your wedding! It's not just for kids' birthday parties anymore. Your guests will love letting loose and having some playful fun. Just be sure to decorate it with a balloon garland that matches your wedding color palette.

Create a kids' area

Create a Kids Area

If you're inviting children to your wedding, it's worth creating a designated area to keep them entertained. Here are some ideas to make your wedding fun for your younger guests:

• Set up a few tables topped with colouring books, crayons, small toys, and games. You could also provide each child with a personalised colouring book.
• Arrange for a babysitter to supervise a separate room with movies, crafts, and games.
• Set up a crafts station with stickers, door knob hangers, and stick-figure clothes pins.
• Provide Lego blocks and let the kids build their own centrepieces.
• Create a visual list of items for a wedding-themed "I Spy" game. You could also give the kids disposable cameras to capture their discoveries.
• Set up a hopscotch grid with chalk outside or use foam tiles or removable paper tape for an indoor setup.
• Provide jigsaw puzzles, preferably smaller-sized ones with 12 or more pieces, and customise them with photos of you and your partner.
• Buy a wedding cake-shaped piñata and fill it with your favourite candies.
• Set up a mini bowling game with plastic bottles or tin cans.
• Create a comfortable lounge area with couches and pillows.

Frequently asked questions