Want to entertain wedding guests in ways other than dancing? I’ve got tips for you!
The thing is, dancing is fun. Many, many people love it. However, not everyone wants to dance all night. Many wedding guests like to do things that don’t involve dancing, for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they love dancing, but are tired that night. The music may not be on point. Or, they want to dance, but need a break. This is why every wedding should have ways to entertain wedding guests, other than just dancing.
The great news is that the options for other ways to entertain wedding guests don’t have to be complicated. Yes, in some cases, more money may be spent to make certain things happen. However, there are ways to entertain wedding guests that won’t break the bank. Simple, effective ways that will be memorable for guests, and can even help your wedding be extra special. It is all possible.
13 Ways To Entertain Wedding Guests (Other Than Dancing)
This post will go over thirteen ways to entertain wedding guests, other than dancing. Not every way is for everyone. Pick and choose the ways that work for you. Whether you are not having dancing at all at your wedding, or just want to give your guests options, something is likely going to appeal to you on this list. Remember, it is possible to entertain wedding guests without spending a lot or doing a lot, so pick what feels right. Your wedding, your way.
Let’s get into it!
1. SET UP SOME TABLE GAMES FOR GUESTS
I feel like table games are having a moment right now.
These are simple, interactive ways for guests to entertain themselves right at their tables. From trivia questions about themselves, conversation starters to help them meet the others at their table, to mad libs and other throw backs, most table games are fairly straightforward. You leave them at the table, and then let guests do their thing.
Need help with the specifics? This post is entirely about wedding table games for guests!
2. PLAY THE SHOE GAME
Okay, this way to entertain wedding guests is all about the couple getting married. For some couples, it’s a no brainer to do. For others, it’s absolutely horrendous to think about.
To play the shoe game, the couple sits back to back on chairs in front of their wedding guests. They each hold two shoes, one representing each of them. An MC or game leader will then ask them a variety of questions, and the couple will raise the shoe that represents their answer. The questions can range from asking who is the messiest, or who eats more, to who is more likely to miss a flight. That sort of thing.
The shoe game costs almost nothing to arrange, and can be a fun way to kill time, entertain wedding guests, and help everyone get to know the couple more.
3. PROVIDE A BOUQUET OR FLOWER STATION FOR FAVORS
Some ways to entertain wedding guests can kind of take care of two things at once. For example, make your favors interactive.
In this example, you can set up a table filled with flowers. Guests can then arrange those flowers into vases, flower crowns, corsages, or boutonnieres. Their arrangements then become their wedding favor, as they are free to take it with them when they go. Is this an inexpensive way to entertain guests? Maybe, and maybe not. But I promise guests will be into it.
4. HAVE LAWN GAMES AVAILABLE
Just like with table games, lawn games are very popular right now.
Most lawn games are simple, and most venues will allow them as long as they aren’t impactful to any landscape. Games like corn hole, large Jenga, ring tosses, and simple “axe” throwing all come to mind. These games are fairly inexpensive to purchase, and can even be sold second hand if you want, after your wedding.
Plus, you don’t need a lawn at your wedding to set them up. Even an indoor set up is fine if you have the space.
5. HIRE AN ENTERTAINING BAND
The right band requires no dancing at all.
For this tip, hire a band that entertains. One that guests can simply sit and watch. Some guests may be inspired to dance, but they don’t have to. Bands that have good tunes, are energetic, and are skilled at connecting with their audiences are the ones to look at.
6. GO WITH THE PHOTO BOOTH
Photo booths may not take up a lot of time, but they are still a good time.
I once wrote a whole post about photo booths. If you should have them, if they are worth it. At the end of the day, they are an optional add on to your wedding. Photo booths are not required entertainment for your wedding guests. However, they are fun, and if you have it in your budget to hire a professional to set one up, or can DIY it yourself, you might as well go for it. Plus, the photos can double as favors.
7. CREATE A SLIDE SHOW
Slide shows may not be the most exciting part of any event, but they are still a cool thing for people to look at.
To create a slide show, you need a mechanism to display photos on a screen. This can likely be done through a computer, and then cast onto a screen or wall. Guests can then go over to the slide show and watch it, or maybe it’s big enough to watch from afar.
This isn’t the kind of thing that you need to call attention to, making guests look at photos for a set amount of time. Just have it going in the background.
8. LEAVE LOTS AND LOTS OF PHOTOS AROUND
Not into slide shows? How about just plain photos.
Many couples opt to leave photos of themselves on the tables at their wedding. This allows guests to walk around, at some point, and look at the photos. You can also have a photo display at a certain table to the side. Or, you can leave photos everywhere for guests to examine. It’s simple, but gives guests something to do.
9. HAVE A LATE NIGHT SNACK OPTION
Sometimes we just need a late night snack.
Late night snacks serve a lot of purposes. First, they are a good excuse for guests who need a break from dancing to take that break. Second, they help guests who have been drinking pause to nourish their bodies and perhaps sober up a little. Third, they give guests something to do. Late night snacks are fun, functional, and a win-win-win in my opinion.
Need help with late night snacks? Check out this older post on them.
10. PROVIDE LOTS OF DESSERTS
Just as with late night snacks, desserts can be a great way to entertain wedding guests. Especially a dessert bar.
I don’t know what it is about dessert bars, but they are just awesome. Perhaps it’s that they give guests the ability to try lots of different items. Guests can grab some goodies, sit and eat, and go back for more if they want. They can even share with others and have fun with it. I promise a good dessert bar won’t disappoint anyone.
11. HAVE A RAFFLE
Okay, okay, I know your wedding isn’t a fundraiser. But you can still have fun with a raffle.
To do this, all you need is prizes and some raffle tickets. Leave the tickets out for your guests at their place settings, or hand them out them during cocktail hour. Be creative with prizes. Maybe you’re raffling off time with you and your honey. Or, you put together some baskets of goodies. Display your prizes on a table and have guests put their raffle tickets in little boxes near the goodies they want to “bid” on. And then announce the winners at some point.
12. CREATE QUIET SPACES FOR GUESTS WHO JUST WANT TO TALK
Sharp left turn here, but it’s a good one.
Some guests don’t want to dance, they don’t want to eat, they just want to talk. And, if your wedding has a loud band or DJ, they may find it difficult to hear each other. So create a quiet space for guests who just want to chill out. Maybe it involves some couches and a sound wall. Perhaps it’s in a separate room or space altogether. Just make it comfortable, and quiet (enough).
13. HAVE SOMETHING INTERACTIVE FOR GUESTS TO SIGN OR LEAVE A PRINT
Okay, last way to entertain wedding guests who don’t want to dance. Something for them to sign.
Of course, this can be a guest book. Or a thumb print tree. Or even a surf board that is available to them. You can get creative with this, or you can keep it really simple. If you need help figuring out what guests can sign, check out this post. It’s filled with guest book ideas that will appeal to you.
THOUGHTS ON WAYS TO ENTERTAIN WEDDING GUESTS, OTHER THAN DANCING
Friends, there are tons of ways to entertain wedding guests other than dancing. In some cases, the ways are very simple. For example, leave photos around for guests. In other cases, they may be more involved or include food. You can also just create spaces for guests who want to chill out and talk. Do what feels right, and enjoy the process. Happy wedding planning!
More On Wedding Guests From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
15 Things I Wish I Knew About Wedding Guests Before My Wedding
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The Eight Best Ways To Communicate With Wedding Guests
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