30 Creative Ways to Entertain Your Wedding Guests
What guests will remember most about your wedding isn't how it looked but how it made them feel — the moving ceremony, the final send-off, and all of the fun revelries in between. You already know the importance of delicious food and a rocking band or DJ, but there are lots of out-of-the-box ways to leave your mark on guests, from ceremony musicians to live painters and budget-friendly games to splurge-worthy surprises. Browse some unique entertainment ideas that we've spotted at real weddings!
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You may have heard of couples including their beloved pet into the wedding festivities, but did you know that some even include exotic wildlife like llamas or owls? This bride couldn't believe her eyes when her groom brought out her favorite animal on their big day.
Photo Credit: Danielle Coons Photography
Wedding Crashers
This bride surprised her groom with their college mascot just after they cut the cake — the mascot came up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder — who then got the energy back up for dancing.
Photo Credit: Maggie Stolzberg Photography / Event Design: Kiss the Planner
A Work of Art
Hire a caricaturist, and guests will be talking about this ultra-personalized favor idea for months to come.
Photo Credit: Fairy Tale Photography
A Work of Art
Get guests' creative juices flowing by setting up a community canvas where everyone can paint one quadrant. Afterward, you can keep the backdrop as a memento of your big day.
Photo Credit: Bright Ideas Events
Photo Booth
Photo or video booths are a surefire way to capture hilarious candid moments from the big day. Personalize yours with a bold backdrop and props that fit the theme of your wedding. Have guests use it during the cocktail hour for maximum exposure (if it's one of the first things they see, they'll be more likely to interact with it).
Photo Credit: Smith Squared Photography
Surprise Performance
Warning: The following idea isn't for the faint of heart! The crowd went wild when this groom surprised his bride with a flash mob performance on the dance floor featuring himself and the bridal party.
Photo Credit: Maggie Stolzberg Photography / Event Design: Kiss the Planner
Surprise Performance
A violinist brought down the house with a moving musical performance for her groom.
Photo Credits: Lovesome Photography
A Creative Twist on Tradition
If the thought of a traditional garter toss makes you squeamish (you're not alone!), then consider this hilarious psych-out instead.
Photo Credit: Studio Eleven Photography
A Creative Twist on Tradition
Revamp the traditional wedding dollar dance by donating all of the change to a charity or special cause that is close to your heart.
Photo Credit: Miranda Lynn Photography
Performers
A strolling "human table" kept guests' glasses full at this whimsical wedding.
Photo Credit: Caroline Lima
Performers
A tropical Hawaiian celebration calls for a full-blown luau with fire dancers.
Photo Credits: Karma Hill Photography
Lounge Area
Set up a lounging area where guests can kick back and relax. A fire pit is a perennial favorite; bonus points if you serve s'mores!
Photo Credit: Dan and Melissa Photography
Cultural Entertainment
At an Indian fusion affair, add Bollywood flair with professional dancers.
Photo Credit: Jeff Loftin Photography
Cultural Entertainment
The dragon dance is a Chinese wedding custom, and these mythical creatures are associated with good luck, longevity, and wisdom. Check out more fun cultural traditions to include in your wedding.
Photo Credit: What a Day! Photography
Cultural Entertainment
Incorporate your Irish or Scottish heritage by having a bagpiper lead the processional.
Photo Credit: L. Hewitt Photography
Cultural Entertainment
No Latin-inspired wedding is complete without a romantic mariachi band serenade.
Photo Credit: FineArt Studio Photography
Musicians
Give a shout-out to your college years by hiring a marching band to play during your dance floor debut or escort guests to the cocktail hour.
Photo Credit: William Innes Photography
Musicians
Bring everyone to their feet, clapping and cheering, with a gospel choir performance. A bluegrass band is another (just as lively) alternative for a country-themed wedding.
Photo courtesy of Elegant Occasions / Event Coordination and Design: Elegant Occasions
Musicians
A string quartet creates an enchanting ceremony atmosphere — consider hiring musicians from a local college to cut down on costs. A solo violinist, harpist, or vocalist are also lovely choices for couples with a classic wedding style.
Photo Credit: Pasha Belman Photography
Games & Activities
Lawn games, such as cornhole toss, serve as an easy way for guests to break the ice during the cocktail hour at an outdoor wedding.
Photo Credit: Revival Photography
Games & Activities
Unleash your inner child with oversized versions of classic board games, like Connect Four and Jenga.
Photo Credit: Dan and Melissa Photography
Games & Activities
Collect advice for a happy marriage with this precious "pearls of wisdom" prompt.
Photo Credit: Randy + Ashley
Games & Activities
“The Shoe Game" is a fun way to pass the time between dinner and dancing. Here's how it works: Place two chairs back-to-back on the dance floor, and trade a shoe with your new spouse so that you're both holding one of each. The maid of honor or best man will ask a series of questions about your relationship (e.g. "Who said I love you first?"). You and your husband have to hold up the shoe of the person you think is the best answer to each question.
Photo Credit: Smile Peace Love Photography
Games & Activities
Get the party started with a wheel of fortune containing activities for guests to complete during the reception.
Photo Credit: Studio 29
Games & Activities
Keep your high-rollers happy late into the night by setting up an after-hours lounge with billiards, blackjack, and casino games.
Photo Credit: Renai Photography
Games & Activities
Have your relatives and friends sign in using a non-traditional "guest book," like this pinboard map highlighting where guests call home.
Photo Credit: Perfect Capture Photography
A Creative Twist on Tradition
For another variation on a garter toss, let your youngest guests in on the fun by tossing up teddy bears for the lucky winners to catch. Or, launch (soft) wrapped candy at the kids’ feet so that every little one can grab a prize.
Photo Credit: Jessica Strickland Photography
A Grand Finale
Hosting an indoor reception? A confetti drop or faux indoor snow is such a magical way to close out the wedding celebration — just run it by your venue first.
Photo Credit: Nancy Ray Photography
A Grand Finale
End the night with a spectacular fireworks display or sparkler exit! Other memorable send-offs include releasing illuminated paper lanterns into the sky, throwing pom-poms or paper airplanes, or waving glowsticks.
Photo Credit: Juan Euan
