Franklin Dean
Planning games for your wedding reception is a great way to break the ice and get your guests mingling. Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor games, there are plenty of options to choose from, such as giant board games, lawn games, or interactive activities. Here are some ideas to get you started and ensure your guests have a memorable time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | Solo, pairs, or teams |
| Setting | Indoor, outdoor, or both |
| Equipment | Chalkboards, props, costumes, cards, paper, pens, disposable cameras, books, microphones, musical instruments, projectors, screens, speakers, computers, consoles, controllers, microphones, etc. |
| Complexity | Simple, straightforward, or complex |
| Style | Board games, video games, physical games, drinking games, card games, word games, etc. |
| Examples | Bingo, Cards About Matrimony, Truth or Dare, Scavenger Hunt, Karaoke, Charades, Connect Four, Jenga, Chess, Croquet, Ring Toss, Bocce, Pool, etc. |
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Giant board games
Jenga is a classic block-stacking game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. For a unique twist, opt for a life-size set of blocks that your guests can build and destroy together. This interactive game will surely be a memorable part of your wedding celebration.
Connect Four is another timeless game that appeals to both adults and children. It is easy to play and can be set up as an oversized version for added fun. To accommodate all your guests, consider setting up multiple games in different areas of your venue.
If you want to add a creative touch, design your own life-size board game. For example, you can create a giant checkerboard using spray paint on grass or chalk on pavement. You can even incorporate your wedding colors by painting the game pieces accordingly. This will not only serve as a fun activity but also as a visually appealing feature at your wedding.
For a more challenging option, set up a giant chessboard. This classic game is often available at resort wedding venues, but you can also rent one if your venue doesn't have it. It provides an excellent opportunity for adorable photos of the happy couple.
These giant board games will not only engage your guests but also create a playful and interactive atmosphere at your wedding reception.
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Scavenger hunts
Theme and Timing
Select a theme that aligns with your wedding's overall style. Decide when the scavenger hunt will take place—during cocktail hour, after dinner, or throughout the entire reception.
Clues and Challenges
Create engaging and accessible clues and challenges that are not too difficult. Include trivia questions about the couple's history or fun facts about the wedding party. For example, guests could be tasked with introducing themselves to others using a different name or stealing all the spoons from the tables.
Locations
Choose key locations around your venue for the scavenger hunt stops, ensuring they are safe and accessible for all guests. You can incorporate these locations into your clues and challenges.
Materials
Prepare scavenger hunt cards or booklets, and provide pens or pencils. Make sure the materials are clear and easy to understand, and incentivise participation with fun prizes.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
For an added twist, guests can use the scavenger hunt as a photo opportunity, capturing creative pictures that relate to the clues and challenges. This can result in some fun and unexpected memories of your special day.
Kids' Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is also a great way to keep children entertained during the wedding reception. You can create a separate hunt for them with pictures instead of words, or they can join in on the main scavenger hunt with the adults.
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Karaoke
Know Your Crowd
Timing is Key
Consider the timing of your karaoke session carefully. It may be a good idea to have karaoke after dinner, giving your guests something fun to do before hitting the dance floor. Starting karaoke later in the evening, after an hour or two of dancing, can also work well, especially if guests need a little ""liquid courage" to get up on stage. Keep the karaoke session to a reasonable length, with a limited number of songs, to avoid overdoing it.
Create the Right Atmosphere
To make your karaoke session a success, pay attention to the setup and atmosphere. Create a designated stage area with dazzling décor, including twinkling lights, disco balls, and colorful spotlights. Encourage audience participation and create a festive vibe by providing wireless Bluetooth microphones that allow your guests to move freely and bust a move while singing.
Choose the Right Songs
Selecting the right songs is crucial for a fun karaoke experience. Opt for crowd-pleasers, timeless classics, and feel-good anthems that will get everyone on their feet and singing along. Include a mix of disco, rock, and contemporary favourites, catering to a variety of musical tastes. Some popular song suggestions include:
- "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston
- "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
- "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
- "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- "Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake
- "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond
- "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
- "...Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears
- "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
Games and Variations
To make your karaoke session even more engaging, consider incorporating games and variations. One idea is "Karaoke Roulette," where guests draw song titles from a hat and are challenged to perform on the spot. You can also preload songs based on guests you know will sing or even have pre-planted singers among your guests. Having a karaoke host can be beneficial, as they can play some regular songs between karaoke songs, giving singers a break and providing an opportunity for guests who want to dance.
Technical Considerations
Ensure you have the right equipment for your karaoke session. A karaoke machine with wireless Bluetooth microphones is ideal. You may also want to set up a screen to display song lyrics, similar to a typical karaoke bar setup. Consider the volume and placement of your karaoke setup. Avoid setting it up too close to dining tables or in a location that may hinder conversations for those who are not participating.
Signature Touches
Add unique touches to your karaoke experience to make it memorable. Create signature cocktails named after famous karaoke songs, and if your venue allows, set up a photo booth with fun props and costumes, inviting guests to re-enact famous scenes or poses. These extra elements will enhance the festive atmosphere and provide additional entertainment for your guests.
By following these suggestions and tailoring the experience to your crowd, you can create a fun and harmonious karaoke session at your wedding reception that your guests will remember fondly!
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Minute-to-win-it games
Shaving Cream
Each player will need to shave a balloon without popping it and within a one-minute time limit. When the clock starts, the player will need to spread shaving cream all over the balloon and proceed to shave it. The player that accomplishes this within one minute gains a point.
Ring Pop
Each player will be given a ring pop that they will need to try to eat within one minute. This game can be played simultaneously. You can score this game by giving points to the first player finished or give points to any player that finishes in one minute.
Cookie Face
Place a cookie on someone's forehead. They will have to use only their facial muscles (no hands) to get it into their mouth. If they drop it, they can pick it up and try again or grab a new cookie. Use regular Oreos or switch it up with different types of cookies.
Stacking
Pick an item, such as apples or chocolates, and give everyone a pile of them. When you say go, they will have to try and stack a certain number of them on top of each other before the time runs out. Make sure to clarify any stacking rules, such as items needing to be stacked vertically.
Toilet Paper Wedding Dress
Each player will have one minute to wrap someone up in two rolls of toilet paper, creating a wedding dress. This game will be done in pairs, so each team will have two rolls of toilet paper they must use within one minute.
The Shoe Game
The bride and groom sit back-to-back and hold up one of their shoes and their partner's shoe to answer questions about each other. For example, they can answer who is the better dancer by raising the shoe of the person they believe to be.
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Interactive voting
Newlywed Trivia
Create a list of trivia questions about the newlyweds, such as how they met, their favourite things, or their most embarrassing moments. Guests can answer the questions individually or in teams, and the person or team with the most correct answers wins. This game can be played using pen and paper or, for a more interactive approach, use technology to conduct a live poll or survey.
He Said, She Said
This game involves creating a list of quotes from the couple and having guests guess who said what. It's a fun way to include inside jokes and references that will make your guests feel closer to you. Guests can write their answers down or use clickers to vote for their chosen option.
Wedding Bingo
Provide guests with tailor-made bingo cards featuring clichéd phrases commonly heard in wedding speeches, such as "You look beautiful" or "Don't cry!". Guests mark off the phrases as they hear them, and the first person to complete a full line wins. For a fun twist, you can create an alcohol-infused version where guests take a sip instead of marking off a box.
Couple Photo Puzzle
Have a custom jigsaw puzzle made using an engagement photo or wedding photo of the couple. Set up a table with the puzzle, and guests can work on it throughout the reception. The interactive aspect comes in when guests can vote on the image they want to see completed, with options such as a sweet moment between the couple or a fun group shot with the wedding party.
Best Dance Couple
Get guests excited about hitting the dance floor with an interactive voting game to decide the best dance couple. This can be done by having guests vote for their favourite dance duo via a live poll or by using a judging panel to decide the winners. This game will encourage guests to show off their best moves and create memorable moments on the dance floor.
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Frequently asked questions
Some fun indoor games to play at a wedding reception include a photo booth with props, a karaoke setup, a pool table, a custom jigsaw puzzle, and board games like Connect Four, Checkers, and Cards About Matrimony.
Outdoor wedding receptions can include lawn games such as cornhole, ring toss, giant Jenga, croquet, and bocce ball. For a permanent outdoor fixture, consider a giant chessboard.
To involve all the guests, consider interactive voting using technology for live polls. Alternatively, assign tables a dare, such as "kiss the person on either side of you" or "bust a move on the dance floor".
Wedding bingo is a fun game to get guests interacting. Guests are given tailor-made bingo cards with clichés from wedding speeches, and the first person to cross off a full line wins a prize. Another icebreaker is a high striker, an old-fashioned carnival game that tests guests' physical strength.
