When planning a wedding, one of the common concerns that couples often share is, "How do we keep our guests entertained?" Whether it's during the drinks reception or that little bit of downtime after the food and speeches before the evening party begins, you might be worried that guests might become bored. Or perhaps you're seeking ways to encourage mingling and bonding among guests who may not know each other well. These icebreakers are a great way to bond over some friendly competition or fun and laughter.
Having photographed hundreds of weddings since 2014, I've seen some fun ways to keep guests entertained! Here are some ideas:
1. Mini Golf
Mini golf adds a touch of competition to your wedding day. Guests can enjoy playing and cheering each other on, with the added excitement of getting a hole-in-one! You can hire mini golf setups like this one from Rustic & Vintage Carts and Props. I have even seen places that do custom-printed golf balls that really personalise the experience and can be kept as a cool keepsake.
2. Garden games
There is something so beautifully British about garden lawn games! Think classics like swing ball, giant Jenga, Connect 4, corn hole, 'beer' pong, limbo, croquet and cornhole. Guests can challenge each other to a game and you'd be surprised how competitive things can get, especially when the stakes are high ("the next round of drinks is on the loser") Garden games can also be a great way of breaking the ice between guests who perhaps don't know each other too!
3. Photo booth
The classic wedding photobooth - while some couples worry it might be a little overdone, guests still love them! Who can resist putting on a silly hat or wig, donning giant glasses, grabbing an inflatable prop, and snapping a fun photo with friends and family? The little printout memento is always a hit! You could even incorporate the prints into your wedding guestbook. This way, guests can leave a personal message alongside their silly snapshots, creating a fun and memorable keepsake for you.
There are lots of photobooth hire companies. You can even get quirky ones - I've seen vintage horseboxes, retro VW camper vans and even an old caravan! Whether you hire a setup or opt for a DIY approach, adding a photo booth to your wedding is sure to add a playful and personalised touch to your celebration. Or maybe you prefer a DIY approach - grab some probs and an Instax Polaroid camera. Guests can take instant photos, which can then be added to your guest book or displayed on a creative photo wall. Whether you hire a setup or opt for a DIY approach, adding a photobooth to your wedding is sure to add a playful and personalised touch to your celebration.
4. Rodeo bull
Something you might not have considered - a rodeo bull! I've only had this at one wedding so far, but my goodness, it was hilarious to photograph! The guests loved it, and even the couple had a go! Many inflatable hire companies offer more than just bouncy castles. Just make sure to check with your venue before you book anything.
5. Ice cream
Ok, so not strictly an activity per se, but a definite way to keep your guests happy is with a delicious treat! (My go-to flavour is mint choc chip!) An ice cream van or cart can be a welcomed treat for your guests at any time during your wedding day! The most common times I see them are during the drinks reception after the ceremony or the evening reception after the meal and speeches. You can also get some fun and creative ring photos too!
6. Piñata
Piñatas at weddings are always a hit. Whether you buy one or get crafty and make your own, a wedding pinata is guaranteed to entertain both kids and adults alike - who can resist the allure of sweet treats raining down? One of my favourites was this wedding cake one (the couple's fun alternative to cutting a cake!) Blindfolded and armed with a bat, the couple took turns trying to burst it open.
7. Dancefloor Inflatable Props
Inflatable props like guitars, microphones, and saxophones are a fantastic addition to your wedding dancefloor. Not only do they encourage guests to unleash their inner rockstars, they also provide excellent photo opportunities. So, if you're looking to elevate your wedding dance floor experience, consider incorporating these fun props into the mix. They're guaranteed to kick-start the party and maintain high energy levels throughout the night!
8. Singing Waiters
The singing waiter idea has been around for a while, but it wasn't until recently that I experienced it at a wedding. They are actually so much fun, and my cheeks always hurt from smiling so much while photographing everyone having such a great time. You can't beat a good sing-along, and this gets your guests well and truly warmed up for the dance floor later in the evening.
9. Bubbles
Don't underestimate the amount of fun and entertainment that can come from something as simple as bubbles! From the little mini bubble pots to full-on bubble guns and bubble machines! And it's not just for keeping the kids happy - I've seen many adults enjoying bubbles on a wedding day too. There's just something oddly satisfying about blowing bubbles and popping them and having a little competition of who can blow the biggest!
10. Caricature artist
Hiring a caricature artist for your wedding is a fun way to add a touch of creativity to your special day. Caricatures capture your guest's unique personalities in a fun and lighthearted manner. As the artist works their magic, it's funny to see the laughter that fills the air as guests watch their friends and family drawn as hilarious and exaggerated cartoon versions of themselves.
The finished caricatures can also double as wedding favours, allowing guests to take home a personalised memento of the day.
So now you have some ideas for entertaining your guests on your wedding day, will you be adding any of these ideas to your wedding plans? I'd love to document all the fun for you! Contact me for more information about my natural and relaxed storytelling wedding photography.
