Keeping Your Guests Entertained

The wedding ceremony is finally over, you’re flush with happiness and ready to take your post-ceremony photos (or just take a break for a minute). But what about your guests? Instead of leaving them to fill their time with awkward cocktail party conversation, I’d recommend planning a few activities to keep that good time rolling along without a hitch. Here are a few ideas to keep the party going while you’re off getting those perfect shots!

1. Yard Games
Bring out the friendly competition of your guests with classic yard games! Set up stations with cornhole, giant Jenga, or even a game of ring toss. Not only are these games a blast, but they also encourage guests to mingle, laugh, and it makes the time fly between the ceremony and reception. Bonus: Yard games make for great photo ops too!

Pro Tip: Customize the games with your wedding colors or monograms for an extra touch of personalization.

2. The Classic Photo Booth
While you’re getting those stunning couple shots, your guests can snap some fun memories of their own at a photo booth. Set up the booth with cute props, hats, and signs, and let your guests go wild! It’s the perfect icebreaker for guests who might not know each other that well.

3. Cocktail Bar or Coffee Bar

Give your guests something to sip on while they wait for the reception to start. A cocktail bar is always a crowd-pleaser. You can even offer a signature drink or two that represents you as a couple! For guests who prefer a non-alcoholic option, or for daytime weddings, a trendy coffee bar is a perfect pick.

Having a few ideas like this will create the perfect segue-way and can also open the door to some extra activities during the reception!

I’ve seen couples really kick up the reception with fun games like The Shoe Game: it’s a hilarious way for guests to get to know you and your partner a bit more. You and your spouse sit back-to-back, each holding one of your shoes and one of your partner’s shoes. The DJ or a trusted friend asks fun questions like, “Who’s the better cook?” or “Who said ‘I love you’ first?” You each raise the shoe of the person you think best fits the answer!

Another fun reception idea I have seen is doing a group table picture with the Bride and Groom. But here’s a fun twist: Have your emcee announce a group table picture challenge. Each table gets a chance to take a group photo with the bride and groom either before or after the reception. Make it fun and reward the table with the most creative pose, or the funniest photo. It’s a great way to engage guests, and everyone gets that sought-after photo with the happy couple!

Final Thoughts

Keeping your guests entertained during any in-between time or during the occasional downtime periods of the reception doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re going for fun and games or creating opportunities for guests to make memories of their own, the goal is to just go with any activity or twist that represents you as a couple and feels the most authentic.