Rhiannon Hendricks
Weddings are joyous occasions but can be overwhelming for the couple, who may find themselves separated during the festivities. It is important for couples to spend time together and create memories on their special day. There are several ways to do this, such as exchanging gifts or notes, stealing a few moments from guests, or simply holding hands. Planning activities for guests can also help couples spend time together while keeping guests entertained. These activities can include games, live entertainment, unique experiences, or even a simple, warm bonfire with s'mores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Entertainment | Live bands, DJs, dance machines, glitter artists, tribute bands, animal farms, singing waiters, circus performers, escape rooms, axe-throwing, bouncy castles, tarot card readers, magicians, lion dancers, temporary tattoos, etc. |
| Food and Beverage | Tasting bars, oyster tastings, whiskey tastings, wine tastings, champagne, prosecco, etc. |
| Games and Activities | Scavenger hunts, trivia quizzes, outdoor games, boat tours, bus rides, carriage rides, Polaroid guest books, video messages, etc. |
| Couple-Centred Activities | Exchanging gifts or notes, riding with the wedding party, sweetheart tables, holding hands, spending time with your spouse, etc. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Play games, like pass the parcel, or do a scavenger hunt
- Set up a photo booth, or hire a photographer for candid shots
- Create a relaxed atmosphere with music, from live bands to DJs
- Wow guests with creative food and drink, like a tasting bar
- Have unique entertainment, like a tattoo artist or tarot card reader?
Play games, like pass the parcel, or do a scavenger hunt
Playing games is a great way to pass the time at a wedding. Two popular options are pass the parcel and scavenger hunts.
Pass the Parcel
Pass the parcel is a fun, classic party game that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The game involves passing a wrapped parcel or gift from person to person, either based on a series of directions or while music plays. The aim of the game is to be the one holding the parcel when the music stops or when all the directions have been followed. The person holding the parcel at the end of each round, or at the end of the game, gets to unwrap a layer of paper to reveal a small gift or prize inside. This continues until the last layer is unwrapped, and the person who unwraps this final layer keeps the main item in the centre of the parcel.
To prepare the parcel, place a gift in the centre, and then wrap it with as many layers as players, with some spares in case more players join. If playing with children, you can also place smaller gifts on each layer, so that every child gets a prize. For an added twist, instead of gifts, you can include labels on each layer, with descriptive phrases such as "for the person wearing green" or "for the person who got an A in math this week".
Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is another fun game that can be played at a wedding, either as a standalone activity or as part of a wider game, such as musical chairs. To play, participants must search for items that do not belong to them or any other players. The hunt only begins once the word "go" is heard, and players must return the item to its rightful owner before the next round starts.
Other Games
Other games to consider include piñatas, lawn games (such as giant Jenga, twister, giant noughts and crosses, and ring toss), and escape rooms.
The Royal Wedding Date: A Delicate Balance of Duty and Desire
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$9.98
Set up a photo booth, or hire a photographer for candid shots
Setting up a photo booth or hiring a photographer for your wedding is a great way to help guests pass the time and ensure the day is captured for posterity.
If you want to set up a photo booth, you can either hire a professional or go the DIY route. Hiring a professional photo booth will typically cost between £299 and £700 for 3 to 4 hours. This will include a manned booth with props, dressing-up boxes, digital copies, and unlimited prints. You can also choose from various themed options, such as magic mirrors, vintage open-air booths, or even a VW campervan.
If you're craftier, you can create your own DIY photo booth with an iPad photo booth app and a few basic items. The Simple Booth HALO® app, for example, allows guests to create GIFs, photo strips, and more, with modern features like digital props, backdrops, and frames. You can construct the booth with an iPad case on a tripod or light stand, and accessorise with props and decor to suit your wedding style. Remember to choose a spot that's visible but slightly private, so guests can feel comfortable striking a pose.
Alternatively, you can hire a professional wedding photographer to capture both candid shots and posed portraits. This is an essential investment, as the photos will be cherished for years to come. When choosing a photographer, it's important to consider their style and how well you connect with them. Look through their portfolio to see if their work resonates with you, and don't be afraid to ask for references or meet in person. A good wedding photographer should be able to command the room while also being friendly and approachable. They should be able to give polite directions to ensure everyone looks their best in the photos.
Whether you opt for a photo booth or a photographer, your wedding guests are sure to enjoy capturing memorable moments that will last a lifetime.
Capulet's Change of Heart: Wedding Plans Altered
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Create a relaxed atmosphere with music, from live bands to DJs
Music is an essential part of a wedding, setting the tone, energizing the guests, and creating memorable moments. To create a relaxed atmosphere, you can opt for live bands, DJs, or a combination of both.
Live bands provide an authentic and engaging performance that captivates the crowd. They can be especially charming for creating a romantic ambiance during the ceremony or cocktail hour. For instance, a string quartet, a jazz band, or an acoustic duo can offer relaxed vibes during the cocktail hour. A classical duo or a solo guitarist can add a touch of elegance to smaller ceremonies or outdoor events. If you're looking for something more upbeat, a big band or a tribute band can bring the energy to the dance floor.
DJs, on the other hand, offer versatility with their endless playlists. They can easily transition from playing instrumental tracks during the ceremony to spinning crowd-pleasing hits during the reception. DJs typically cost less than bands due to having fewer members.
Combining a live band and a DJ can create a dynamic and memorable musical experience. For example, a DJ can play a range of genres to complement a live saxophonist or drummer during high-energy performances. This combination offers the best of both worlds, blending the energy of live performances with the versatility of a DJ.
To ensure a seamless collaboration between your live band and DJ, it's essential to have a clear vision and communicate your needs effectively. Discuss logistics, set lists, transitions, and song choices to maintain the flow of the celebration.
Additionally, consider your budget and space allowances when deciding between a live band and a DJ. If you have a tight budget, a DJ may be a more cost-effective option, but if you have the space and funds, combining the two can offer a unique and electrifying experience for you and your guests.
Planning a Wedding on a Budget: A Free Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wow guests with creative food and drink, like a tasting bar
Food is a powerful way to connect with people, so take advantage of this opportunity to highlight your personalities, celebrate cultures, and offer your guests a delicious adventure. Here are some creative ideas to transform your wedding reception into a culinary adventure:
Food Stations
Ditch the single-serving plates and embrace the trend of food stations. These themed areas allow guests to explore assorted flavours and cuisines at their own pace. Transport your guests around the world with stations offering mini tacos, bao buns, wood-fired pizzas, or sushi rolls. Indulge in nostalgia with stations featuring gourmet versions of mac and cheese, mini pot pies, or sliders with creative toppings. Balance sweet and savoury options with stations offering artisanal cheeses, charcuterie boards with fresh fruit and jams, and miniature desserts like cupcakes, cake pops, and macarons.
Interactive Stations
Take it a step further with interactive stations where guests can personalize their food. Think build-your-own pasta stations, taco bars with an array of fillings and toppings, or a nacho bar with a selection of dips. Every wedding guest loves pasta! Put out a variety of noodles, pitchers of tasty sauces, veggies, meats, and shredded cheese. Let your guests combine their favourites and create a personalized pasta dinner. Class it up with unique, fresh bread, meats, cheeses, and more.
Creative Platters and Table Settings
Use creative platters, colourful garnishes, and beautiful table settings to elevate the ambiance. Don’t forget the drinks! Create signature cocktails that reflect your wedding theme or the flavours of your food. A signature mocktail is a thoughtful touch for non-drinkers as well. Make your food service totally unique by incorporating personal touches. Feature dishes from your or your partner’s family heritage, name signature cocktails after your pets, or create a dessert table inspired by your favourite childhood treats.
Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth near the food stations with festive props so guests can capture memories of their culinary adventure.
Renewing Vows, Rekindling Romance: A Wedding Date Tradition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Have unique entertainment, like a tattoo artist or tarot card reader
If you're looking for unique entertainment to keep your wedding guests engaged, you could consider hiring a tattoo artist or a tarot card reader.
Hiring a tattoo artist to offer tattoos as party favors is an increasingly popular idea, with couples sharing their experiences on TikTok. While some people think it's a fun and unique idea, others have concerns about the legality, sanitation, and potential regret of wedding tattoos. If you do decide to hire a tattoo artist, it's important to consider the setup, sanitation, and paperwork, as well as ensuring that guests are not intoxicated. You could also share the artist's information with your guests ahead of time so they can see their work and reviews.
Tarot card reading is another form of unique entertainment that can be offered at weddings. Tarot card readers can provide personal and upbeat readings to your guests, keeping the atmosphere light-hearted and insightful. They are especially suitable for spiritual or Halloween-themed weddings. When hiring a tarot card reader, you may want to enquire about their equipment requirements, such as a table, seating, and a PA system.
In addition to these unique entertainment options, there are other fun ideas to keep your wedding guests entertained. You could set up a piñata, personalized wedding magazines or newspapers, or even hire an escape room or a mobile axe-throwing business to bring a unique and memorable experience to your wedding.
Tipping Etiquette: Wedding Planners
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to keep your guests entertained at your wedding, including:
- Live entertainment, such as a band, singer, or even lion dancers
- Unique experiences, like a boat tour, bus ride, or horse-drawn carriage ride
- Games, such as a scavenger hunt, trivia quiz, or outdoor lawn games like bocce ball or corn hole
- Food and beverage tastings, such as oyster tastings, whiskey tastings, or wine tastings
- A photo booth or GIF photo booth
It can be easy to get separated from your spouse during the festivities, so it's important to make a conscious effort to spend time together. Some ideas include:
- Riding with your wedding party or alone between the ceremony and reception
- Taking a moment to exchange gifts or notes during the "first look"
- Holding hands during the reception
- Sneaking away for a bite to eat or a drink
- Taking a walk to explore the venue
If you're looking for something unexpected, here are some unique wedding ideas:
- A tattoo station where guests can get temporary tattoos or henna hand designs
- A tarot card reader or astrologist
- A bouncy castle
- A piñata
- A secret themed tent
