42 fun ways to entertain wedding guests

Planning how to entertain your wedding guests is one of the most important aspects of creating a successful party atmosphere. There are endless possibilities when it comes to entertaining wedding guests, and the secret lies in spreading the activities throughout the day.
Make sure your wedding celebration reaches new heights with fun and exciting entertainment. Here you’ll find plenty of ideas on how to make your guests feel truly special on your big day.

Entertainment & experiences to keep wedding guests entertained

• Photo corner. Having a photo corner or photo booth isn’t just a source of plenty of laughter amongst your wedding guests; it provides you and your guests with unforgettable memories to last a lifetime.
• Fortune teller. Who doesn’t want to know more about the future? Let a fortune teller read the lines on your guests’ hands or interpret Tarot cards.
• Stand-up comedian. A stand-up comedian will have the crowd in stitches from start to finish. Choose someone you like and discuss in advance what topics the comedian should focus on.
• Hire an artist. Give your guests a wonderful keepsake. Have an artist sketch your guests, who’ll receive their portrait as a gift afterwards.
• Funfair. It might sound like an impossible dream, but when it comes to weddings, nothing is out of reach. Hire a funfair complete with carousels and a candyfloss stall.
• Sightseeing. Hire a tourist coach with a driver and show off your town or region. Plan stops for lunch and sightseeing.
• Boat trip. Take a boat to the reception or treat your guests to a boat trip. Mingle, enjoy a delicious meal and take in the views.
• Singing waiters. Waiters who suddenly burst into song create an unexpected and memorable experience.

Music & dancing: How to entertain your wedding guests on the dance floor

• DJ. A DJ is a must for getting the dance floor going.
• Live band. Round off the party with a live band playing your favourite songs.
• Solo singer. Book a singer to lift the atmosphere with love songs.
• Karaoke. Perfect for guests who want to let their hair down and show off their talents.
• Saxophonist. A saxophonist alongside the DJ at the party or during the mingling creates an instantly luxurious and exhilarating atmosphere.
• Dance / tango teacher. Hire a dance teacher to teach your guests some new moves on the dance floor.
• Choreographed wedding waltz. Surprise your guests with a carefully planned wedding dance that inspires them to let their hair down too.

Many couples underestimate how much the little details contribute to entertaining wedding guests during the natural breaks in the programme

Games & Activities

• Sports competitions. Perfect for summer weddings. Rounders, frisbee, sack races and egg-and-spoon races are suitable for all ages.
• Couples’ quiz. Find out how well you know each other by answering questions about one another in front of the guests.
• Piñata. A colourful activity filled with sweets and surprises – enjoyed by children and adults alike.
• Photo challenge. Let your guests take photos throughout the day and share their best ones with you.
• Dating suggestions. Ask guests to write down their best tips for future dates for you.
• The whole wedding party bakes. Let guests bring in baked goods and choose a winner during the day.

Creative & Personal Touches

• Painting pictures. Let guests create works of art for you to keep as a memento.
• Wedding poetry. Write or have someone recite a poem during the ceremony or the dinner.
• Guest book. Put out a guest book where guests can write personal messages.
• Your own wedding magazine. Create a magazine featuring stories, photos and fun details about you both.
• Temporary tattoos. Choose tattoos that match the theme and give your guests a playful memento.

Wow moments that will entertain your wedding guests

• Confetti cannons. A simple yet effective way to ramp up the energy and create a party atmosphere straight away.
• Champagne tower. A visual statement and perfect for photos – fill the glasses from the top down.
• The morning-after kit. As the party draws to a close – hand out kits containing water, snacks, headache tablets and small toiletries. A much-appreciated gesture that makes the morning after a little easier.

Food, Drinks & Sweets

• Food truck. Make sure there’s always something tasty to eat – burgers, pizza or street food.
• Late-night snacks. Serve snacks such as sausages, nachos or chocolate as the party draws to a close.
• Afternoon tea. Perfect for a garden party theme with scones, marmalade and tea.
• Homemade ice cream. Refreshing and much appreciated on hot summer’s days.
• Waffles. Freshly baked waffles are perfect at any time of day.
• Popcorn. A simple snack, particularly popular with younger guests.
• Chocolate fountain. A dream for chocolate lovers – dip fruit and treats into it.
• A wall of doughnuts. Decorative and delicious – choose doughnuts in different colours and flavours.
• Sweets buffet. Fill bowls with favourite sweets in different colours and shapes.
• Sparkling wine bar. Serve prosecco, champagne and other sparkling options.
• Hot drinks. Perfect for winter weddings – hot chocolate or Irish coffee.
• Whisky and cigars. A classic and sophisticated touch, ideally outdoors.
• Grilled marshmallows. Gather round the fire and enjoy something simple and cosy.

Whichever of these 42 tips you choose, the most important thing is that you find a way to entertain your wedding guests that reflects your own personality