Looking for ways to entertain guests at a small wedding? This post has them for you!
Small weddings, or weddings that don’t have that many people, can be amazing in their own way. They allow for more conversation, quality time with the couple getting married, and an elevated experience. The downside of small weddings, though, is that they aren’t usually raging celebrations at the end of the night. Small weddings are more subdued, and it may seem awkward to entertain guests at a small wedding with “traditional” dance party options.
The good news is that there are lots of ways to entertain guests at a small wedding. Some of the ways are free of charge, or very affordable. Others can cost some money, so you’ll have to pick and choose what works for you. The key is to think about your guests, the vibe you want at your wedding, and then choose the methods of entertainment. If you think your guests will be happy just hanging out and talking all night, go with that. Otherwise, keep scrolling for alternative entertainment.
13 Ways To Entertain Guests At A Small Wedding
This post is going to share thirteen ways to entertain guests at a small wedding. Some small weddings will turn into parties, so if you really want a DJ and think your guests will dance, go for it. Other small weddings will be more about the ambiance and conversation. Choose what will support that if you think your wedding will be more chill. Most guests will appreciate an activity or two at a wedding, so it’s important to think about your guests, their interests, and what appeals to you and your partner. As always, do what feels right.
Let’s get into it!
1. ALLOW GUEST TO MAKE (SHORT) SPEECHES
Okay, let’s get the least exciting of the ways to entertain guests at a small wedding out of the way.
Yes, I’m talking about speeches.
Here’s the thing with speeches. Sometimes they can get boring, especially if they are very long. However, short speeches, among friends and family who all know each other, can be sweet. At large weddings certain guests may not have the opportunity to speak, but smaller weddings are more forgiving. It’s okay to let a few extra people say some words, if they want to. So let them.
2. HIRE SOMEONE TO PLAY LIVE MUSIC
Are you and your partner fans of live music? Most people are.
Live music at a wedding can be a wonderful way to entertain guests. Of course, larger weddings may have a lively band that gets everyone up and dancing. Smaller weddings may have something a bit quieter, in the background, and not like a performance. Or, they may have a performer who is fun to watch but may not promote dancing.
Think about what appeals to you and your partner and start doing some research. There may be some local musicians who play at weddings and are just perfect to promote the vibe you want at yours.
3. ALLOW GUESTS TO MAKE THEIR OWN COCKTAILS
Allowing guests to make their own cocktails is such a fun way to entertain guests at a small wedding.
With this method, all you need is to put out the supplies and perhaps a recipe or two. Small weddings, at relaxed venues, mean that guests may have the option to be their own mixologists. Not only will this give them something to do, but you’ll save money on a bartender. Plus, one or two guests may start to have fun with it and start making drinks for others. Win, win.
4. TAKE LOTS AND LOTS OF PHOTOS
One of the most beautiful things about having a small wedding is that you can spend more time with your wedding guests.
So, do that. And capture the heck out of it.
These photos can be taken by you, or your guests. You can hire a photographer or two to take posed or candid shots, too. This allows you to be in the moment with your guests, to chat, to enjoy yourselves, but also be able to look back at it all.
5. CREATE A PHOTO BACKDROP
Love the idea of taking lots of photos? Why not lean way into it with a photo backdrop.
Photo backdrops do not have to be a daunting task for you and your partner. Yes, you can hire professionals to set it up for you, but you can also do it yourself. Just spend some time thinking about a space or setting that you can create at your venue that will be perfect for photos. Maybe you’re able to bring in some lighting, draping, or some sort of large item that will be perfect in photos. If you don’t want guests to rely on their cell phones, provide the right equipment to capture the photos and save them afterwards. And then have fun with it.
6. LEAVE OUT CARDS FOR GUESTS TO WRITE YOU MESSAGES
Having guests leave you a message is such a simple way to entertain guests at a small wedding. Or a wedding of any size, really.
To do this, all you need are pens and something to write on. Yes, of course, cards are fine. You can also provide mad libs, or an item for guests to sign. If you need ideas for items that are unusual, check out this post on alternative guest books. We had guests sign Jenga pieces at our wedding and we still look back at them sometimes.
7. ARRANGE FOR FIREWORKS
Sometimes less guests means more budget. And that may mean fireworks.
Of course, fireworks are not an easy thing to arrange. You may not even be allowed to set them off, depending on where you are located. However, if you can do it, and the idea appeals to you, look into it. Fireworks, even small ones, can be super fun for guests. Just be safe about it, will you? No one wants their wedding ruined by some drunk dumb-dumb setting off fireworks in unsafe ways.
8. MAKE KARAOKE AVAILABLE
What is it about karaoke? People just love it!
I’ve got to say, karaoke can be a super fun way to entertain guests at a small wedding. All you need is a computer and a microphone. There may even be apps that guests can use to allow them to karaoke right from their cell phones. Create a sort of stage, and allow guests to entertain each other.
9. CONSIDER A MULTI-COURSE DINNER
Small weddings may mean quality over quantity. Or, they may mean both.
If you aren’t having that many people at your wedding, consider dinner to be the main event. Perhaps it’s an experience that you’re about to create for your guests. Talk to your caterer about creating many small plates for your guests that can be served over a long period of time. Perhaps guests even get up between courses to chat, take photos, or do something else, and then come back for more. Create your vision for this and make it happen.
10. HAVE A DESSERT BAR
Dessert bars can be so much fun, even at small weddings.
The great thing about dessert bars is that you can source them out, or you can make them yourselves. If your wedding will be close to your guest’s homes, you can even have them bring something for dessert. This can be a very sweet thing at a wedding because your closest friends and family get to share their specialties with each other. Yum!
Alternatively, you can create a sundae bar, where guests can spend time curating their favorite sundaes with toppings you provide.
Need help with creating your own dessert bar? Check out this post.
11. MAKE SURE THERE ARE COMFORTABLE SEATING AREAS
Okay, seating areas aren’t really a way to entertain guests at a small wedding, but they are an important concept.
Sitting, and talking, is entertaining. Especially when you are among friends and family who are already close. So why not make it comfortable? Inviting? Cozy? Maybe you create an outdoor lounge area with blankets and pillows. Or, something is set up indoors that is just so irresistible guests can’t wait to relax in it at some point. It may not provide entertainment, but it will make it more comfortable for guests to entertain themselves.
12. HAVE A BONFIRE
There’s something so fun about a bonfire, especially among a smaller group of people. If you’re allowed to have one, end your wedding with it.
As long as your venue is cool with a bonfire, and you can safely create and maintain it, why not allow it to be entertainment for your guests? You can even have a s’mores bar nearby for a late night snack. Just be careful of the clothes you wear around the fire, as sparks may gravitate towards your precious wedding outfit, and have fun with it. Surprise guests with it, or give them a heads up so they can plan accordingly, too.
13. LEAVE LOTS OF OLD PHOTOS, OR PHOTO ALBUMS, AROUND
For whatever reason, weddings make people very nostalgic. They love to see where a couple has come from, and looking at old pictures can bring out very sweet memories and thoughts.
So, entertain guests at a small wedding with just that.
It’s so easy to do, too. Simply find some old photo albums, or photos, or make copies of photos, and put them around your wedding. Leave them on a table, or place them strategically in places where you think guests will see them. If you want to go a little further, leave notes about what people are looking at, or take the time to tell stories about the photos. It will be sweet, and such a great way for guests look back at the past.
THOUGHTS ON WAYS TO ENTERTAIN GUESTS AT A SMALL WEDDING
Friends, there are lots of ways to entertain guests at a small wedding. All you need to do is think about your wedding, venue, and guests, and decide what will work best for you and them. Just because you have a smaller wedding does not mean that guests will miss out on an experience. Rather, smaller weddings can allow for more connection, intimacy, and uniqueness, so embrace it. Have fun with it! And happy wedding planning!
Want More Advice On Wedding Entertainment From Hummingbird Wedding Advice? Check Out The Posts Below!
12 Unique Wedding Reception Entertainment Ideas
Virtual Bridal Showers: Ideas For Games, Activities, and Entertainment
Five Ways Guests Can Request A Song At Your Wedding
Did you find this post helpful, inspiring? PIN it to your Wedding Planning Board on Pinterest!
Leave a Reply