Style & Trend
10 unique and fun ideas for your wedding reception entertainment
So, you’ve got the groom, the venue and, of course, your dream WED2B dress. All you need now is to make sure everyone has fun on the big day, including you! The reception is probably the part your guests are...
So, you’ve got the groom, the venue and, of course, your dream WED2B dress. All you need now is to make sure everyone has fun on the big day, including you! The reception is probably the part your guests are most looking forward to - who doesn't want to eat, drink and dance? And the best wedding reception entertainment includes plenty of personal, fun and unique touches that will keep guests smiling and talking long after the last dance. To inspire you we’ve put together some of our favourite ideas for wedding activities, from new food trends that won’t blow the budget to entertainment with the wow factor. So read on, the party planning starts here…
Real bride Lauren wearing Genesis1. A divine drinks reception
The first stop after the ceremony is usually some (very) welcome drinks, as guests arrive at the venue. We asked our brides what they’re serving and 15% said cocktails, 17% said Bucks Fizz and 34%* were keeping it traditional with Champagne. Whatever you’re offering, don’t be afraid to mix it up a little. Bespoke wedding cocktails, with flavours inspired by places you’ve visited or food you love, are a big trend. Serve with stylish straws in vintage-style glasses or jars to make them look even more special.
It’s also easy to make champagne extra fabulous with a beautiful garnish or the addition of fresh raspberries or a fruit purée. A simple strawberry on the side of the glass looks great, tastes delicious and is super budget friendly!
Real bride Hollie Fensom enjoying Champagne and strawberries2. Fabulous food
Great food makes for a great celebration and while 68% of our brides are serving a sit down meal, 23% are going for a more relaxed, buffet style. These days there are plenty of alternatives to the traditional three-course wedding breakfast too. Shared dishes, such as a roasted joint that’s carved at the table, or platters of Spanish tapas placed in the middle of each group are becoming more and more popular. For an alfresco, festival-style wedding why not hire a selection of street food vans for guests to take their pick from?
Sarah Smith Real Bride
Credit: Chantel- sweet table3. Fun photography
Keep your guests entertained at the drinks reception and start the conversation flowing with a selection of your own photos, arranged on a table in frames or hung up like bunting. Choose a mix of family shots - make sure to include a similar amount from both families! - alongside well chosen snaps of friends and happy moments from your life with your fiancé. This is also a great way to include pictures of grandparents, relatives and friends who aren't able to be there on the big day.
Real bride Sophie France's stylish photo displayOnce everyone has had a chance to reminisce and giggle, point them towards a photo booth or table where they can take their own pictures. If you include a Polaroid camera alongside your guest book you’ll get some lovely pictures along with the heartfelt messages.
Real bride Katrina Philippou's Polaroid guest bookFor the evening a hired photo booth can be great fun. You can also create your own by hanging up ornate picture frames and supplying a few fun props, such as wigs, hats, glasses and signs. Once the drinks start flowing you’ll have plenty of silly, funny shots that you can chuckle over for years to come!
Real bride Katie Cain's homemade photo booth
Real Bride - photobooth4. Cakes and favours
Cutting the cake is a key moment in the day, and 54% of our brides are having a traditional tiered cake while 9% are having cupcakes. 19% of you like your dessert ‘au naturel' and are serving a naked cake.
Credit: Amy Stanley Leah Bristol - wedding cake
Credit : Real weddings Nottingham - wedding favours5. Keep the kids happy
Give the kids their own wedding reception entertainment with an area of games, crafts, music and movies. Trust us, the parents among your guests will be very thankful! If you can arrange a babysitter to oversee everything it means mums and dads can really relax. If that will blow the budget, help out with party bags full of fun toys, crayons and games instead.
Credit: Veiled Productions-Alyson And Michael)6. Let’s play!
Table games are a brilliant source of wedding reception entertainment and a great ice breaker at dinner. There are plenty of options to buy on the high street or, if you have time, print your own set of Wedding I Spy cards or a set of Guess Who? questions about you and your groom. If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, garden games are a great way to keep your guests occupied too. Keep it traditional with croquet and boules or try giant Jenga, space hoppers and Connect 4. These are all available to hire or buy and will make for some great photographs. You can even hire your very own wedding bouncy castle in wedding colours if you’re feeling super active!
Credit: Real bride Claire Hitchens enjoying the space hoppers at her wedding7. Music to dance to
62% of our brides will be hiring a DJ while 21% are going for a live band. Either way, if you want to keep the dance floor packed, you’ll need a playlist that will please everyone. You may love obscure country tunes, but now isn't the time to show it off. Definitely mix in a few of your favourites but don't leave out the floor-filling hits. When you send out the invites you could ask for a song request too. That way you’re guaranteed to play something for everyone.
Credit: Real bride Rebecca Bowers - dances the night away with her new husband8. A fabulous first dance
The high point of the evening celebrations is a great first dance but don't worry if you have two left feet. There are plenty of companies that offer first dance lessons, covering everything from a few simple steps to teaching you how to recreate that lift from Dirty Dancing. If slow dancing’s not your thing then start with a romantic dance to a classic tune before suddenly switching gears to something more energetic like ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams!
Credit: Real bride Lauren Burns - enjoying her first dance9. Evening extras
When it comes to evening wedding reception entertainment, 24% of you will be having games, 49% will have a photo booth and 10% a magician. Extra evening entertainment isn’t essential but, if your budget will allow, you can also hire roving opera singers, salsa dancers or organise a karaoke session. If you have plenty of space you can even hire your very own fairground carousel!
10. And finally… plan one last surprise
Sometimes the best wedding reception entertainment is unexpected. So why not end of the night with a memorable fireworks display? Or, if that will blow the budget, arrange a sparkler send off instead. Ask everyone to line up with sparklers as you're leaving for a truly magical way to make your exit in style.
Credit: Real bride Siobhan Henney - enjoying her fireworks(*All stats taken from The WED2B Wedding Survey)
Need more planning help? Click here to find dream dresses and accessories for your whole bridal party. Try on your favourites at your nearest WED2B store or for more inspiration and wedding reception entertainment ideas head over to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter
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