14 things to do for fun during your drinks reception!

Published by Claire Gould on

by Emma Jane Weddings & Events, Staffordshire

Gorgeous country wedding styling in Lancashire, images by Rachel Joyce Photography (26)

Image credit: Rachel Joyce Photography. Full feature here

Let’s face it, a wedding day is a LOOONG day – for both members of the bridal party and the guests too! Whilst you’re enjoying having pictures together, don’t forget your friends and family who’ll be waiting for you – keep them occupied with one (or a few) of these ideas!

1. Space Hoppers

Bring out your inner child with some bouncing fun – I can guarantee it won’t just be the children having a go!

Fabulous florals, bright coloured everything for an amazing wedding at Pennard House. Image credit Mark Leonard Photography (30)

Image credit Mark Leonard Photography. Full feature here

2. Garden Games

If the weather is on your side and you’ve a gorgeous space around your venue, ask to have some garden games set up. Giant Jenga, Giant Twister or Giant Connect Four are all great ideas to entertain the masses!

3. Magician

Even if your wedding is a strictly all-adult affair, don’t rule out the idea of a magician. These guys and girls are born entertainers and they’re also great ice breakers. When friends and family come together, use a magician to dispel (ha!) any awkwardness between guests that don’t know each other that well.

4. Face Painting / Balloon Modelling

The perfect option if you do have a number of younger guests attending! Set them up in a quiet corner of the drinks reception and away you go – these suppliers require very little space and organisation but they’ll keep the little ones occupied for a good couple of hours!

5. Silhouette artist

A silhouette artist creates a masterpiece right in front of your very eyes and is a great talking point!

6. Saxophonist or Guitarist

Entertainment during the drinks reception is often better being slightly understated – it’s better to keep the full band until the evening reception. That said, there are some incredible artists at the moment creating a real ‘buzz’ during drinks receptions.

Greenery and statement blooms for an English garden wedding photographed by Bowtie and Belle (13)

Image credit Bowtie & Belle Photography; full feature here

7. Food!

OK, so perhaps not fun but certainly important! Remember, you may have some guests that have travelled from afar to get to you, so keeping them fed and watered is important. If canapes aren’t really your thing, mix things up with a couple of street food vans. Dinky doughnuts, waffles or an ice cream van are great ideas for this time of day. Guests won’t have long to wait so it’s not a huge meal, just something to keep those hunger pangs at bay!

8. Caricaturist

Everyone loves the old school portraits a caricaturist can create in a matter of minutes! And it’ll leave your guests with a great momento of the day! You can always bring the idea to the modern day and have a digital caricaturist – the artist will create the caricature on an iPad meaning you’re instantly able to share to social media!

9. Unique Guestbook

Set up a polaroid camera, some string and pegs. Write out tags for each individual guest (or couples) and then have them replace their name tag with a polaroid pic! Peg it to the string to make a very visual and unique guestbook!

Thistles and kilts for a Scottish themed wedding in Penrith, with Jessica Lang Photography (13)

Image credit: Jessica Lang Photography – full feature here

10. Mini Sports Day!

Perhaps you’re a slightly competitive couple or both really into your sports?! Set up a mini sports day to keep guests of every age entertained! The egg & spoon race, sack race and rounders are all classic suggestions! Keep the competitiveness going by having girls v boys.

11. Date Night Suggestions for the new Mr & Mrs

Shed some love and light for the Bride & Groom on married life with your helpful ideas for date nights! Have some cute paper heart cutouts and a couple of sharpies – guests will love sharing their tips for marital love with you!

12. Selfie Station

A very modern wedding wouldn’t be right without your very own selfie station! Purchase (or make) some props and set them up on a table at the drinks reception. You could even make your own backdrop – flowers, crates, pallets, streamers, bunting…use your imagination and go for it!

 

13. Bring in a Mixologist

If you’re looking to get the party started early and entertain guests at the same time, a flair mixologist may just be your thing! These guys and girls know a thing or two about creating the perfect cocktail and what’s more, they deliver it in style! Watch them throw and juggle the utensils and drinks in front of your very eyes without spilling a drop!

14. Fire Performers

Turn the heat up with a performance from fire eaters during your drinks reception – perfect entertainment for those couples looking to be put on a real show for their guests!

So, there you have it, 14 things to do for fun during your drinks reception! Keep in mind though who the real stars of the show are – it’s you two! Chat with your photographer prior to the day about how many photographs and how long you should be spending on getting those group shots – your family and friends want to see you both, so don’t keep them waiting too long!

 

A romantic teepee wedding in Yorkshire with portraits at Bolton Abbey (25)

Image credit Suzy Mitchell Photography; full feature here


www.emma-jane-weddings.co.uk
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Facebook.com/EmmaJaneWeddings

Emma Jane is an independent wedding planner based in Stone, Staffordshire. She works with couples throughout the UK to plan wedding days full of love, laughter and sentiment. Specialising in rural marquee, tipi and country house weddings for fun-loving couples, Emma works with some of the best people in the business to create a fitting celebration of the life you share. Her discreet, calm approach offers a personal and highly regarded service to all of her clients. Noted for her incredible attention to detail and meticulous planning skills, you can rely on Emma to deliver a countryside occasion designed to your individual tastes and organised to ensure a seamless and spectacular delivery. ~ Emma Jane Christopher – Emma Jane Weddings & Events


Claire Gould

Claire spends her days writing - either in beautiful calligraphy or online. She lives on the edge of the English Lake District only minutes away from the beach, where she loves to escape and unwind. Claire's calligraphy can be found at www.byMoonandTide.com. Claire launched the English Wedding Blog in November 2009 - it's been a top 10 UK wedding blog ever since, with a regional focus we hope you LOVE.

1 Comment

Alive Network · July 20, 2017 at 11:50 am

We LOVE these ideas!!!! Really great, fun suggestions. (pssst… you can find most of the entertainment mentioned here on our website!) Have ALIVE-ly wedding! -Alex, Alive Network Entertainment Agency

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