A Wedding To Remember: Fun And Unique Ideas

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's important to remember that it's also meant to be fun! Here are some tips to ensure your wedding is enjoyable for both you and your guests:

- Ditch the formalities: While traditional weddings are steeped in formality, you can shake things up by indicating a relaxed dress code, serving fun drinks, and modernising the speeches.

- Set the tone with the ceremony: Make your ceremony engaging and unique. Whether it's writing your own vows or having an adult flower girl, adding a personal touch will keep your guests entertained.

- Encourage socialising: A fun wedding is often one where guests know each other. Host a hen or stag party beforehand, mix up the tables, or include interactive games and activities to get everyone chatting.

- Be present and relaxed: Your guests will feed off your energy, so make sure you're having a good time! Welcome your guests with a drink or a note, and ensure they're comfortable throughout the celebration.

- Add a novelty factor: Include something unique and unexpected, like a margarita bar, a glitter station, a photo booth, or a silent disco.

- Think about the flow: Ensure your guests know where to go and what's happening. Avoid long gaps between events, and provide entertainment while guests mingle and chat.

- Shake up traditions: Put a twist on traditional wedding elements, like changing the order of the day or mixing up the wedding party.

- Book a great band or DJ: Amazing entertainment will get everyone on the dance floor and keep the energy high.

- Choose the right venue: Select a venue that fits your vision, with friendly staff and flexibility to make the space your own.

- Keep things fun and relaxed: From the outfits to the food, prioritise fun, relaxed, and informal in your planning and interactions with suppliers.

Ditch formalities and opt for a relaxed dress code, fun drinks and modernised speeches

Ditch Formalities: Relaxed Dress Code, Fun Drinks, and Modernised Speeches

Dress Code

A relaxed dress code is a great way to make your wedding fun and modern. While formal attire is the most common wedding dress code, you can opt for a more casual approach. This could mean anything from dressy casual to tropical or destination attire. For example, if your wedding is taking place outdoors or on a beach, a casual dress code will likely be more comfortable for your guests. Just be sure to specify that attire is casual so your guests don't turn up in suits and gowns!

Fun Drinks

Signature drinks are a creative way to serve alcohol at your wedding. You could offer a unique cocktail that is reminiscent of your favourite drink or inspired by your love story. For example, if you and your partner always order the same drink, why not serve a special version of it on your wedding day? You could also offer non-alcoholic signature drinks, such as lavender lemonade or fresh fruit slushies.

Modernised Speeches

Speeches are a great way to modernise your wedding and make it more fun. While the traditional running order of wedding speeches usually includes the groom, best man, and father of the bride, you can switch things up by giving a speech yourself as the bride. You could also include other friends and family members who aren't in the wedding party, making them feel more involved in the day.

To make your wedding fun, focus on making your guests feel comfortable and entertained. This could mean providing a variety of food and drink options, plenty of seating, and a good mix of music and dancing. Ultimately, your wedding should reflect your personality as a couple, so don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box!

Make the ceremony engaging with music and a celebrant

Music is an integral part of a wedding ceremony, and it plays a vital role in setting the tone for the entire event. Here are some tips to make the ceremony engaging and fun with music and a celebrant:

Choose the Right Music

The music you choose for your wedding ceremony should reflect your personality and taste. It is essential to consider the order of the songs and the impact they will have on the overall atmosphere. From the moment your guests arrive to the moment you walk down the aisle, music can enhance the experience and create lasting memories.

Prelude and Processional Music

Prelude music is typically light and ambient, creating a calming atmosphere as guests arrive and take their seats. It usually starts 30 to 45 minutes before the ceremony and includes five to ten songs. The processional music accompanies the entrance of the wedding party, family, and the bride. While you can choose one song for the processional, switching to a different, more dramatic song for the bride's entrance can create a memorable impact.

Recessional and Interludes

The recessional music is played as the newlyweds exit the ceremony, and it is usually upbeat and cheerful. Following this, you can include interludes or songs during significant moments, such as lighting a unity candle or signing a register. These interludes can be more mellow and reflective, providing a relaxed atmosphere.

Choose a Variety of Songs

It is essential to consider the length of your aisle and the number of people walking down it when selecting processional songs. Typically, two songs are chosen: one for the family and wedding party and a more emotional and dramatic song for the bride's entrance.

Know Your Venue Guidelines

Before finalising your music choices, check with your venue and officiant about any rules or regulations regarding music. Some venues may have restrictions on music volume or require the use of a specific sound system. Knowing these guidelines will help you make informed decisions and ensure your music choices align with the venue's requirements.

Consider the Venue's Acoustics and Space

When selecting your musical ensemble, consider the layout and space constraints of your venue. For example, a large brass quintet may overwhelm a small chapel, while an outdoor wedding might require an electric piano instead of a traditional one. Adding a string instrument, such as a violin or cello, can enhance the romance and elegance of your ceremony.

Engage Your Guests with Music

To make your ceremony engaging, consider choosing songs that your guests can sing along to or participate in. Interactive songs, such as the "Cha Cha Slide" or "YMCA," can be a fun way to get everyone involved, especially if you have guests from different generations.

Choose the Right Celebrant

A professional celebrant can work with you to create a personalised and engaging ceremony. They can guide you in writing your vows, selecting readings, and incorporating meaningful rituals. A good celebrant will ensure that your ceremony is a true reflection of your relationship and values.

Make the Ceremony Your Own

Whether you're having a religious or secular ceremony, make it unique by incorporating music and rituals that resonate with you. If you're having a church wedding, chat with your priest or vicar about how to make the ceremony more personal, such as choosing meaningful music or including special rituals.

Get Creative with Music and Rituals

Consider including rituals or symbolic acts in your ceremony that are enhanced by music. For example, a unity candle lighting or a sand ceremony can be accompanied by a meaningful song that reflects your relationship.

Surprise Your Guests with Musical Choices

Adding a bit of novelty to your musical choices can delight your guests and create unexpected moments. Whether it's walking down the aisle to an unexpected song or including a special performance by a talented friend or family member, these surprises can make your ceremony memorable.

Keep Your Guests in Mind

Remember that your guests' comfort and enjoyment are essential. Ensure there is enough seating, especially for older guests, and consider the temperature of the venue. Provide refreshments, such as water or welcome drinks, to keep your guests comfortable, especially during outdoor weddings.

By following these tips and working with your celebrant and musicians, you can create a fun and engaging wedding ceremony that your guests will remember for years to come.

Get guests socialising with a hen/stag party, blended tables, photo walls and a buffet

A fun wedding is often one where guests are socialising and getting to know each other. Here are some ideas to get your wedding guests chatting, mingling, and having fun:

Host a hen or stag party

A hen or stag party is a great way to bring friends from different parts of your life together before the wedding. This will help your guests get to know each other and feel more comfortable on the day.

Mix up the tables

Blending tables is a great way to integrate guests who might know fewer people. This can help create a more relaxed and social atmosphere, and ensure that everyone has someone to talk to.

Set up a photo wall

A photo wall can serve as a fun backdrop for guests to take photos together. This can be a fun activity during the cocktail hour and encourage mingling. You could even provide props, such as large sunglasses, glow sticks, funny masks and hats, to encourage guests to get creative and have fun.

Offer a buffet-style meal

Buffet-style dining is another way to encourage guests to mix and mingle. It provides an opportunity for guests to move around, socialise, and choose their favourite foods. It also adds a relaxed and informal vibe to the wedding.

In addition to these ideas, there are many other ways to make your wedding fun and enjoyable for your guests. Here are some extra tips:

• Add a novelty factor, such as a margarita bar, a glitter station, or a silent disco.
• Think about the flow of the day and ensure there is a balance between structured activities and time for guests to chat and mingle.
• Shake up traditions, such as modernising the speeches, changing the order of the day, or mixing up the wedding party.
• Book a great band or DJ to keep the energy high and get guests on the dance floor.
• Choose a venue that suits the fun and relaxed vibe you are aiming for.

Add a novelty factor like a photo booth, silent disco or glitter station

Add a Novelty Factor to Your Wedding with a Photo Booth, Silent Disco, or Glitter Station

A fun wedding is one where guests are comfortable and chatting all night. To achieve this, you can add a novelty factor to your wedding, such as a photo booth, silent disco, or glitter station. These interactive experiences will boost the uplifting, social atmosphere and enhance the overall guest experience.

Photo Booth

A photo booth is a great way to encourage your guests to interact and have fun. It gives them a break from the dance floor or serves as an alternative activity for those who feel uncomfortable dancing. With a photo booth, your guests can take home instant mementos of the wedding.

While renting a photo booth can be expensive, you can create your own DIY photo station with a well-lit backdrop and decorative display. Guests can use their phones or disposable cameras to take pictures. You can also supply Polaroid cameras so guests can receive physical prints right away.

Silent Disco

A silent disco is a unique way to keep the party going late into the night without worrying about local noise ordinances. It involves guests dancing to music streamed from a DJ or device onto personal wireless headphones.

To organize a silent disco, you can rent or purchase headphones and coordinate with a DJ. It's best to work with an entertainment company that has experience with silent discos to ensure a smooth transition.

Glitter Station

A glitter station is a fun and sparkly addition to your wedding, especially if you and your guests enjoy festivals. It's an equalizer that gets guests of all ages mingling and laughing together.

To create your own glitter station, you'll need biodegradable glitter in various colors, adhesive such as Vaseline or aloe vera gel, and mirrors for guests to apply the glitter. Just be sure to clear it with your venue, especially if they have carpeted floors!

Adding a novelty factor to your wedding, such as a photo booth, silent disco, or glitter station, will surely create lasting memories and a fun atmosphere for you and your guests.

Think about the flow of the day with clear signage, entertainment and food at the right times

The flow of your wedding day is important to ensure your guests have a great time. Here are some ideas to ensure the day runs smoothly, with clear signage, entertainment and food at the right times:

Clear Signage

Ensure your guests know where to go and what's happening when by placing signage around your venue. This is especially important if your venue has multiple areas or rooms, or if there are activities happening in different places. For example, you could have a sign pointing guests towards the photo booth or lawn games.

Timing of Entertainment

Keep your guests entertained throughout the day by spacing out the entertainment and allowing time for mingling and chatting. For example, you could have lawn games set up for guests to play while they wait for the wedding breakfast to begin, or have a photo booth open during the cocktail hour. If you're having a sit-down meal, consider providing some table games or a quiz to keep guests entertained while they eat.

Food at the Right Times

Make sure your guests aren't left hungry by providing food at the right times. If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, provide some light refreshments during the cocktail hour. For a morning wedding, consider providing an afternoon tea, or for a summer wedding, set up an ice cream stand. If your wedding is during a mealtime, make sure there's plenty of food, and if it's an evening do, provide some midnight snacks to fuel your guests' dancing!

Spacing Out Activities

While you'll want to keep your guests entertained, try not to cram too much into the day. Leave some time between activities for your guests to relax and chat. For example, if you're having a ring-warming ceremony, followed by a group photo, and then a bouquet toss, your guests might feel like they're being constantly interrupted.

Keeping to a Schedule

Create a schedule for the day and stick to it as much as possible. This will ensure the day runs smoothly and your guests aren't left waiting around. For example, if you're providing a shuttle service for your guests, make sure it arrives on time, and if you're having a sit-down meal, ensure it's served promptly.

Keeping Guests Informed

Let your guests know what to expect by providing them with a schedule or itinerary for the day. This could be included in the wedding invitation or as a sign at the venue. This will help them to feel involved and know what's coming up.

Frequently asked questions