Most people expect to dance the night away at a wedding, but busting a move isn’t for everyone. Hosting a brunch or lunch wedding is one way to lower guests’ dancing expectations, but you’ll definitely still want to find other ways to keep your friends entertained. If you want your big day to be full of fun, dance-free wedding reception activities, we have some ideas for you. Read on!
1. Lawn games.
These outdoor activities are a popular choice at rustic weddings. They’re great for farm weddings, backyard fetes and any other outdoor “I Dos.” Pick a guaranteed sunny day for your nuptials and round up equipment for bowling, badminton, cornhole, croquet or even Twister! Your guests will have a blast. See our Top 1o Wedding Lawn Games List.
2. Photo scavenger hunt.
Draw up a list of “moments” for your guests to capture — such as a kiss between grandparents or the flower girl sneaking a second piece of cake — then ask guests to use a hashtag and upload their photos to Instagram. You’ll end the night with a collection of great snaps from many perspectives!
3. Interactive video games.
Rent or borrow some interactive game consoles — such as Xbox Kinect or Wii — and round up a variety of racing, sports, dance and other games and get your guests playing!
4. Board games.
Do you play host to a regular game night? Gather your favorite board games — Scrabble, Monopoly and other fun, yet competitive, games — and set them up around your reception. You can place games on different reception tables or set up the activities in another part of the room.
5. Vegas-themed wedding.
Everyone loves to gamble — when there’s no money at stake! Host a Vegas-themed wedding and set up Black Jack, Roulette and other casino games around your reception. Give each guest a stack of chips and send them on their way.
6. Karaoke.
What’s more fun than a night of karaoke with your nearest and dearest? Rent a few mics, some screens and a book full of great tunes and create some wonderful memories. Add a photo booth or slow-motion video booth to a karaoke reception for even more crazy antics.
7. Hire an entertainer.
This is a great option for couples working with sizable budgets. Instead of having a band play danceable tunes all night long, hire a psychic, a dance group, a face painter or a caricature artist to entertain your wedding guests.
8. Play a massive group game.
This reception idea is for the truly young at heart. Remember when you spent every summer playing games like manhunt, capture the flag, sardines and red rover? Harken back to those days at your wedding! Divide your guests by association (“bride’s side” or “groom’s side”) and settle into a super-memorable outdoor group game.
Just remember: If you’re having a nontraditional wedding, be sure you spread the word to your guests — either on the invitation, your wedding website or by word of mouth — so that everyone can dress appropriately.
Photo one from this real wedding by Studio Laguna Photography / Photo two from this real wedding by PS Davis Photography / Photo three from this real wedding by Bugeya Photography
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