Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding is no easy feat, and keeping guests entertained between the ceremony and reception can be a challenge. While some couples opt to let guests fend for themselves during this time, others choose to provide activities to keep guests happy and create a seamless transition from one event to the next. From live entertainment like music and magic shows to interactive games and scenic tours, there are numerous ways to ensure your guests remain engaged and entertained throughout your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Activities | Scavenger hunt, trivia quiz, outdoor games, dance-off, karaoke, bingo, board games, card games, boat tour, city bus tour, carriage ride |
| Food and drinks | Cocktails, light appetisers, hors d'oeuvres |
| Entertainment | Band, magician, comedian, caricaturist, live music, DJ |
| Guest book | Interactive guest books, traditional signing of a book |
| Venue | If the wedding is in a picturesque location, encourage guests to explore |
| Transport | Mystery coach, bus tour |
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What You'll Learn
- Provide drinks and light appetisers during a cocktail hour
- Organise games, such as scavenger hunts, trivia quizzes, or giant Jenga
- Offer live entertainment, including musicians, magicians, or comedians
- Encourage guests to explore the venue, especially if it's in a picturesque location
- Set up interactive guest books with interesting questions for guests to answer
Provide drinks and light appetisers during a cocktail hour
Cocktail hour is a great way to keep your guests entertained between the ceremony and reception. It is a time for guests to mingle, grab some drinks, and enjoy light bites in a relaxed atmosphere. Here are some tips for providing drinks and light appetisers during this time:
Drinks
- Aim to have different avenues for guests to get their drinks. While having bartenders is a good idea, you can also enlist waiters to pass out pre-poured beverages.
- If you're serving alcohol, it's a good idea to also offer some food to your guests. This can help prevent any negative consequences of drinking on an empty stomach.
- If you do not wish to serve alcohol, providing alcohol-free drinks is a valid option as well.
Light Appetisers
- Opt for easy-to-eat finger foods that guests can enjoy while standing and mingling.
- One-bite snacks or miniature-sized foods are a great option, allowing guests to conveniently hold their drink in one hand and grab snacks with the other.
- Creative presentation can enhance the experience. For example, placing bites in miniature baskets or skillets, or serving food on skewers or flower frogs.
- Choose lighter options to ensure your guests have room for the main course at the reception. Seasonal vegetables with dips, cheeses, and meats are always a hit.
- Some tasty appetizer ideas include miniature pizzas, tacos, fried mac 'n' cheese lollipops, watermelon and feta bites, and seared sea scallops.
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Organise games, such as scavenger hunts, trivia quizzes, or giant Jenga
If you're looking for ways to keep your wedding guests entertained between the ceremony and reception, organising games is a great option. Here are some ideas to consider:
Scavenger Hunts
A scavenger hunt is a fun way to get guests moving around the venue or exploring the surrounding area. Create a list of items related to the wedding, venue, or love and let guests compete to find them. You can also include tasks, such as taking a selfie with the oldest guest or capturing a group selfie. The first person or team to find all the items or complete the tasks wins. Scavenger hunts are a great way to get guests of all ages involved and interacting with each other.
Trivia Quizzes
Creating a trivia quiz about the couple or the wedding is another entertaining and engaging idea. Guests can split into teams based on their association with the bride or groom and answer questions about the couple's relationship, likes, and dislikes. You can also include general wedding trivia or trivia related to the event's theme. Trivia quizzes are a fun way to add a personal touch to the day and encourage friendly competition.
Giant Jenga
If your venue has outdoor space, consider setting up lawn games like giant Jenga. This classic outdoor game is a fail-safe option, especially for summer weddings or weddings with young guests. It provides a great way for guests to interact and have fun. You can also set up other outdoor games, such as corn hole, ring toss, or croquet, to create a lively and interactive atmosphere.
Other Games
In addition to the above, there are plenty of other games you can organise to keep your guests entertained. These include karaoke, minute-to-win-it games, interactive voting, dance-offs, and table games such as cards or board games. You can also set up a photo booth with props or a selfie booth to encourage guests to capture memorable moments.
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Offer live entertainment, including musicians, magicians, or comedians
Live entertainment is a great way to keep your wedding guests engaged and happy while you transition between the ceremony and reception. The type of live entertainment you choose will depend on your budget and the vibe you want to create.
If you're looking for musical entertainment, a solo pianist or guitarist can provide a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. You could also consider a singer, a jazz trio or quartet, or even a full rock band. Roving musicians and walkabout bands can add a unique twist to your wedding music. For a truly unique musical experience, you could hire a bagpipe player or a tribute band.
Magicians and comedians can also provide light-hearted entertainment and add a fun element of surprise to your wedding. Caricaturists can draw quick, humorous portraits of your guests, giving them a unique keepsake.
For a more unique performance, you could hire aerial silk performers, stilt walkers, fire-breathers, or ribbon twirlers to showcase their art during cocktail hour.
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Encourage guests to explore the venue, especially if it's in a picturesque location
If your wedding venue is in a picturesque location, such as a park, garden, or beach, encourage your guests to explore the venue during the downtime. Here are some ways to do this:
Inform your guests about interesting spots or scenic views they might want to visit. You can include this information in the invitations or have it displayed at the venue. This way, your guests can explore the venue and its surroundings while also enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Organize a scavenger hunt that takes guests around the venue and its picturesque location. Create a list of items related to the wedding or venue, and let guests compete to find them. This will not only keep your guests entertained but also encourage them to explore and appreciate the venue's beauty.
Offer a variety of outdoor games and activities that can be played in the scenic setting. Games like corn hole, giant Jenga, or croquet are perfect for outdoor spaces and can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. These games will not only keep your guests engaged but also create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.
If your venue offers boat or bus tours, inform your guests about this option. They can sign up for these tours and explore the surrounding area while also enjoying a unique experience. However, do keep in mind that these tours might come with an additional cost for your guests.
By encouraging guests to explore the venue and its picturesque location, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for them. They can discover hidden gems, capture beautiful photos, and create lasting memories of your special day.
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Set up interactive guest books with interesting questions for guests to answer
Keeping your guests entertained between the wedding and reception is an important part of wedding planning. One way to do this is by setting up interactive guest books with interesting questions. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Retro Guest Book
For a retro and unique take on the traditional guest book, set up a rotary phone and record your guests' messages on vinyl. This can be played back on each anniversary to relive the memories and hear the song selections from the wedding day.
Postcards and Travel
If you and your partner love to travel, incorporate this into your guest book. Put together a display of postcards and ask guests to write a note on their favourite one. Alternatively, find a book with a map of the world and ask guests to sign their names next to their favourite places.
Video Messages
For a modern twist, ditch the paper and opt for video messages. Guests can record their well-wishes and congratulations, creating a lasting memory that can be cherished for years to come.
Customised Guest Book
Commission a custom guest book that reflects your personality and style. This could be a book with a vibrant cover and colourful pages, or something that represents a shared passion, like a map of the world.
Interactive Displays
Encourage guests to interact with your guest book by setting up a display that invites participation. For example, set out a handful of vinyl records from your favourite artists and provide markers for guests to sign. Or, as a fun nod to the couple's interests, guests could be asked to autograph baseballs or write messages on fabric squares that will be sewn into a quilt.
With thoughtful planning, you can create a memorable experience for your guests and ensure they remain entertained throughout your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to entertain your guests between the wedding and the reception. You can organise games or activities like a scavenger hunt, trivia quiz, or outdoor games like lawn bowling, giant Jenga, or corn hole. You can also offer live entertainment such as a band, magician, or comedian. If your wedding is in a picturesque location, you can encourage your guests to explore the venue.
You can host a cocktail hour with drinks and light appetisers. You can also have a live performer during the cocktail hour to create an intimate and warm atmosphere.
You can organise a mystery coach or bus tour with interesting stop-offs in a neighbouring town, or a boat tour or carriage ride. You can also set up a dance-off with fun dances like Thriller or Grease Lightning, or hire a caricaturist to draw quick, humorous portraits of your guests.
You can include enclosure cards with your invitations specifying any change in location. You can also notify guests in advance of any games or activities you have planned and ask them to organise their own teams.
