5 Ways To Keep Your Wedding Guests Entertained

Besides tying the knot, the ultimate wedding goal is making sure everyone has a blast.

Bride and groom have a laugh with their wedding officiant

Texas Wedding Ministers

But between saying "I do" and cutting the cake, there's a lot of time to fill! Sitting at a table all night is no one's idea of a good time, so you'll definitely want to keep the event flowing—especially during those breaks in formalities.

To help you out, we've listed 5 ways to avoid awkward gaps and entertain your guests all wedding long:


1 } Photo and Video Fun

The photo booth trend is still going strong, but oftentimes with a twist! For a retro take on the traditional booth, consider renting a repurposed VW bus, Airstream, or trailer photo booth. Gather unique props for guests to pose with and you'll have a source of entertainment that's also a great way to capture memories.

Video Booths and GIF Booths are a modern version of the classic photo booth, and super shareable on social media! Instead of strips of still photos, wouldn't it be neat to see your wedding guests deliver a heartfelt message—or a champagne-fueled performance of off-key karaoke and killer dance moves? They'll have about as much fun recording these moments as you have watching them. GIF Booths also have that boomerang functionality we all love seeing on Instagram.

Vintage bus wedding photo booth from The Booth Bus

The Booth Bus | TréCreative Film&Photo

Wedding guests use photo booth props | Snapfiesta

SnapFiesta Photobooth, Flipbooks & Slow Motion Studio

2 } Snack and Dessert Stations

Snack and dessert stations offer a "build-your-own" component, which provides a deliciously interactive experience for guests. Witness their delight as they customize treats to their heart's content—anything from an ice cream sundae bar with sprinkles, whipped cream, and all the fixings, to more savory (and healthier!) options like a self-serve popcorn bar with different seasonings and mix-ins.

But never fear: dessert stations don't have to replace the cake! These yummy treats can simply tide guests over after a few hours of dancing. (Because calories don't count at weddings, right?)

Wedding ice cream sundae station

Paige Jones | Simply Charming Socials

Cute DIY self-serve wedding popcorn bar

Mint Event Design | Texas Soul Lettering

3 } Live Entertainment

If you've ever been to a wedding with a live band, you know how the "live" element can electrify the atmosphere and energize the entire room. Nowadays, there are so many options for creative wedding performances!

The sky's the limit here: dueling pianos, Cirque du Soleil-style performers, ethnic dance groups, caricature artists, and even flash mobs will WOW your guests and keep them talking about your big day for years to come.

Flash mob at a wedding reception

True Photography

4 } Lawn Games

Lawn games are the perfect addition to any wedding with an outdoor space. From cornhole and bocce ball to giant jenga and tic-tac-toe, there are so many ways to encourage play at your party!

Bonus: You can have your games customized with your wedding date or monogram to keep for future get-togethers. It's a win-win! (Literally.)

Wedding guest plays giant Jenga

Shelly Anderson Photography

Custom cornhole board for a wedding lawn game

Beth Waterman Photography

5 } Kid-Friendly Activities

If your wedding reception is kid-friendly, busy parents will appreciate age-appropriate activities. For a just few dollars, you can pick up coloring books, crayons, and small toys like yo-yos and bubbles that can also double as wedding favors for the little ones.

For older children, why not kick things up a notch? Put together a scavenger hunt, blow up a bounce house, or snag some clearance walkie-talkies and task the kids with being your personal "wedding security"!

Activities ideas for kids at a wedding reception

The Stable at Bluemont Vineyard

Kids as "Wedding security" with sunglasses and walkie-talkies

The Ingenhuett on High | Nikk Nguyen Photography


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