reception entertainment ideas
As much as we love a good dance party, we also recognize that not every crowd enjoys spending the entire evening on the dance floor. With that being said, forgoing the dance floor doesn’t have to mean your wedding reception will be boring! To ensure everyone has a good time, it is important to plan in advance a few entertainment options to keep the party alive. In today’s post, our team has spent some time brainstorming some ideas to inspire you.
Here are the activities we see most frequently:
Photography credit: The First Second
Lawn Games
There are so many different lawn games that you can include at your cocktail hour and reception for some friendly competition! You could rent a classic bean bag toss, connect four or a giant jenga set. Many rental companies have them in their inventory or if you prefer the more hands-on approach, you can easily DIY them to incorporate your own personalized touch.
Our go-to rental company for lawn game rentals is Aloha Artisans.
Photo Booths
Photo Booths are a classic option and there are so many different types to choose from. Whether you opt for a traditional booth that prints out photo strips, a cute VW Bus or a cutting-edge 360º setup, the possibilities are endless! You can even personalize your photo booth with custom props and themed backgrounds that represent you as a couple.
One of our favorite companies to work with is Flashlab. They have several classic backdrops to choose from and our favorite part is that they hand make their props and set them up like a dress up station with an attendant.
Photography credit: Ashley Goodwin
Kids Activity Station
To ensure the little ones have a blast at your wedding, consider setting up a kids activity station. It could be a dedicated tent or play area or simply a basket full of fun kid stuff. Coloring books, play dough, glow sticks, bubbles and games are all good things to keep them entertained throughout the event.
Out of the box ideas:
Live Painting
Did you know you could have someone paint your wedding in real-time? Hiring a live painter adds a personal and delightful element to your event. Typically, they will work on a painting for 3-5 hours during your wedding, captivating guests with their artistic process. Not only is it mesmerizing for attendees to watch the painting unfold, but you also get to take home a beautiful painting capturing the essence of your special day.
Laura Jane Fine Art specializes in live traditional oil on canvas paintings. She has (3) different package offers, ranging from couple-focused paintings (starting at $3,200) to paintings with limited guest portrays included (ranges from $4,800-$5,600+).
Caricature Artist
Another engaging option is hiring a caricature artist. Guests can have their cartoon sketches done on the spot, providing them with a personalized souvenir to take home. Some artists even offer digital displays, allowing guests to watch the sketches come to life in real-time. Each sketches usually takes about 5-10 minutes per person, which means most guests will be able enjoy this experience during the reception.
Photography credits: Jason Deng
Digitoons is a company we love working with that creates quick digital caricature sketches on an iPad in color or black & white. They also provide 4x6” color prints with a protective film cover. We love how the live drawing is shown on a table top monitor display, which allows multiple people to watching the drawing come together in real time. Their prices are outlined here and if you are interested or have any questions and special requests, they can be reached at Tiki@DigiTons.com.
Henna Artist
Embrace the rich tradition of henna by hiring an artist to provide intricate henna tattoos for your guests. Henna is associated with positive spirits and good luck, making it a meaningful addition to your celebration. Offer guests the choice of white, black, or traditional brown henna, extending wishes of good fortune as they commemorate your wedding day.
Henna Happens owner Karissa is a professionally and internationally trained henna artist that has over 10 years of professional experience in the industry. She specializes in bridal, Indo-Arabic, Moroccan and contemporary designs and each design is uniquely freehanded and tailored for you, so the possibilities are definitely endless. You can view her portfolio here if you are interested!
Flower Station
For a creative and interactive experience, set up a flower crown, lei making or bouquet making station where guests can craft their own floral arrangements. Provide an assortment of flowers, greenery, ribbons, and decorative elements, along with guidance from a professional florist if desired. This activity not only adds a fun and memorable touch to your wedding but it allows guests to participate in creating the ambiance of the event. It’s also great for each guest to have their own personal flower arrangement to wear or take home at the end of the night!
The Happy Haku is a company we’ve worked with for years and their flower station allows guests to create fresh flower crowns, wristlets or hair flowers.
If you are interested or have any questions, you may email thehappyhaku@gmail.com. Their package typically includes all the necessary flowers, supplies, along with a design instructor to help guide the process.
Represent your style with these unique and unconventional ideas:
Cigar Bar
For a sophisticated twist, consider having a cigar bar at your wedding. Premium hand-rolled cigars can be offered to guests during the cocktail hour or reception, adding a touch of luxury to the celebration. If guests are unfamiliar with cigars, hiring a knowledgeable cigar host can enhance the experience by providing guidance and answering questions. Ensure to check with your venue regarding smoking areas and regulations.
If you opt to include this idea into your wedding, a great vendor is Brix and Stones. They offer (2) different packages, one with (50) of their house premium hand-rolled cigars from Nicaragua, one without any cigars but requires a minimum order of 2 boxes (box of 20).
To get an idea on what premium cigars they carry, you can browse their website here.
Photography credits: Kinsey Wilder
Flash Tattoo
If you want to make sure your guests remember your wedding for years to come, this activity will definitely do the trick! Inked by Lauren is a tattoo artist who will collaborate with you to create a custom flash tattoo sheet to be available for your guests to choose from and get tattooed.
She does get booked out months in advance, so she recommends booking at least 2 to 3 months in advance. For more information, you can message Lauren via her Instagram account linked above.
Petting Zoo
For animal lovers, a petting zoo can be a delightful addition to your wedding festivities. Allow guests to interact with friendly animals and provide snacks for feeding. Ensure your venue has space and doesn’t have any regulations regarding animals on the premises.
Photography credits: Aria Studios
By incorporating these unique entertainment options into your wedding reception, you can create an unforgettable experience that caters to every guest's interests and preferences. Each of these ideas adds a personal touch and ensures that your wedding is a true reflection of your unique style and vision. Whether it's lawn games, artistic activities, or unconventional ideas, the possibilities for entertainment are endless.
We hope we have given you some wonderful ideas on some dancing alternatives to fill your reception! We can’t wait to hear what route you decide to take.
Happy Planning!
