Weddings aren’t only about the bride and groom – they are about friends, family, and the coming together of loved ones far and wide. That’s why keeping them in mind while you plan your wedding day is so important. Having fun things set up for your guests to do will enhance the atmosphere, plus it will make your event one that they (and you) will never forget. If you want to wow your guests with exciting, novel activities and nifty embellishments to your ceremony, go for it! Here are 12 ideas to get you started.
1. Include Cool Favors
Give your guests cool wedding favors they can use right away. Provide them with sunglasses if you’re celebrating in the heat of summer, or try bottle openers, hangover kits or luggage tags (which have nice utility). Favors don’t have to be limited to the reception either. Distribute containers of bubbles instead of rice, and let guests blow bubbles throughout the night to help create a buoyant, delightful vibe.
2. Roll Out a Tasting Station
Rather than having a full bar set up in one location, opt for a rolling tasting station that features different drinks and snacks. Not only is it easy to maneuver like a home bar cart, but it’s also a great way to display glassware, drinks and unique appetizers. Whether its champagne, vodka, beer or moscato, let your guests sample several drinks before the reception begins.
Try having multiple rolling tasting stations and make each one unique. For instance, one can be just for vegetarian appetizers, a few for alcoholic beverages and one that provides a variety of fruit for guests.
3. Include an Element of Surprise
Including an element of surprise adds a special component to your wedding, and is another way to delight friends and family. Try making an elegant entrance – arriving at the ceremony via horse and carriage. Or you can go big with an aerial spectacle, making an entrance via hot air balloon if you’re celebrating in the early morning near an open field.
Also consider including a balloon or dove release during the ceremony, or end your special event with fireworks. You might want to incorporate a wardrobe change from your more formal ball gown wedding dress to something more comfortable later in the evening, too.
While you can include your special surprise at any time during the event, think of the time of day you want to incorporate your surprise element. Choose one that works best that juncture – butterfly releases in the daytime, lantern launches at night.
4. Cocktail Hour Previews
Similar to trailers at the movies, you can also hold special previews during your cocktail hour. These can be used to tell your love story in the form of pre-recorded video; using interviews from family, friends and even words from you and your spouse. This preview can also come in the form of a slideshow, where photos taken at the ceremony or candid moments of the bride and groom preparing for the wedding are used to the delight of your audience.
5. Unique Guest Transportation
If you have a small guest list or a short ride to the reception hall, consider providing your guests with special transportation. Instead of opting for a convoy of cars or limos, upgrade to a limo bus. If your wedding reception venue is near an open field, opt for a horse and carriage. Receptions near the river or bay can be accessed by gondolas, boats or even yachts.
6. Photo Booth
The photo booth is quickly becoming a fun wedding must-have. It’s also a great way to keep your guests entertained during the transition between the ceremony and the reception. Go for big props, such as giant hearts, oversize glasses and large goofy hats. Props unrelated to the your nuptials which make guests look silly will help lighten the mood. Plus it’ll encourage them to relax and take fun pictures that’ll serve as sweet mementos of your celebration.
7. Have Your Own Parade
Parades are a great entertainment option for your wedding. You can hire a professional group, such as a Mariachi band or ballet dancers, to provide a processional before the bride and groom enter the reception hall. Or go big with a parade of dragon dancers, and consider including your guests in the parade. Live music in general should go over well with attendees.
8. Infuse Culture
Including cultural elements from the background of you or your future spouse can be a nice way to personalize your ceremony. Mix some fun wedding traditions into the event, opt for a special dance, or wear garments of special cultural significance to you. These elements make your big day even more special for you and your guests.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out how you can incorporate international wedding traditions into your own upcoming nuptials!
9. Try a DIY Floral Centerpiece
Let your guests create their own centerpieces with a DIY floral station. Provide instructions and materials, but make it simple without being time-consuming.
10. Get a Comedian as Your Host
Everyone loves a good laugh, so why not hire a comedian to host your wedding reception? Choose one whose sense of humor you and your guests will get to keep guests laughing all night long.
11. Include a Live Illustration
Wedding illustrators can add a fun element to your wedding. You can hire an artist who captures scenes from the wedding or paints wedding guests live during the cocktail hour for a fun twist to your wedding.
12. Opt for Fun Guest Books
Have guests sign a guest book that is fun and unique. You can go digital with an iPad or big with a paddle-board or umbrella. Just make it stand out.
Final Thoughts
Don’t forget about your wedding guests. Your wedding should include fun ideas your guests will love and remember for years to come.
Did we miss any suggestions for making a wedding more special for your guests? Do you have any experiences or suggestions to share with our readers? Drop us a line if you do! And if you’re still looking at entertaining ways to spice up your big day, visit our Facebook and Pinterest pages – they are both great resources for up-to-date wedding ideas & inspiration.
