15 Secrets To a Fun Wedding Reception

While the wedding ceremony is the most important part of the wedding day, the wedding reception has to be the most fun. The reception is the part that you and your guests are most looking forward to. Seriously, who doesn’t want to eat, drink, dance and socialize? 

When it comes to planning your wedding reception, something everyone thinks about is how their guests and them can have fun and be entertained throughout the entire evening. So today, we’ve put together a list of 15 secrets to incorporate in your wedding reception to make it one of the best, and most fun nights of your life. 

Arrange Your Guests Seating Thoughtfully

A solid seating chart, whether you have assigned seating or just assigned tables is extremely important. Not only will this obviously have things run smoothly when having guests find their seats during the reception, but it’s also a great way for guests to mingle with each other and be entertained during dinner if you seat them with people you think they will get along with. A well-thought-out seating chart leads to great conversation, which leads to a great dance party, which leads to an unforgettable night.

Keep Your Toasts Short and Sweet

Speeches are necessary at any wedding, but it's important to ensure they don't drag on for too long. Tell whoever is giving a speech at your wedding to keep it short and sweet! Too long of speeches can lead to guests feeling antsy, bored or tired!

Hire Awesome Entertainment

Whether you hire a DJ or a band, hire entertainment who really gets you. Music is a major reception fun factor and has a lot to do with how long your guests will stay. The last thing you want to see is your dance floor clear out. So get with your DJ or band and discuss your “do not” playlist and songs that are a must!

Plan Surprise Entertainment

Sometimes the best parts of a reception are what guests don't see coming. Consider planning for a “crazy hour”, dancers, magicians or any other sort of entertainment guests would least expect. 

Have Games for Guests to Play

Sometimes your guests will need a break from dancing. When guests need a break from dancing, what's more fun than an interactive game? We recommend oversize Jenga or cornholes!

Hire a Day-Of Wedding Coordinator

You may have a ton of fun ideas lined up for your reception, but how are you going to execute all of them on the day-of without feeling stressed out. By hiring a day-of coordinator this person can handle all of this for you. 

Pick a Venue With Enough Space

Picking your venue with enough space is extremely important. The layout determines the flow of the event. Also, be sure there’s enough space to dance so guests aren’t on top of each other. 

Serve Your Reception Dinner Differently 

While a sit-down meal is nice, sometimes more fun and interactive ways to get your guests moving instead of sitting the whole hour is to have a dinner buffet or different food stations.  

Make Sure Your Guests Will Be Comfortable

The number one enemy of all the fun for guests is discomfort. Put yourself in your guests’ shoes at your reception: Will they be hot? Eaten by mosquitoes? Will they like your signature cocktail? Think about all of these things!

Keep the Party Moving

Sitting around and waiting is the ultimate buzzkill. We recommend getting with your planner to ensure things happen at the right pace. Guests notice when things drag!

Design a Lounge Area

If your budget allows, we recommend setting up a comfortable lounge area for guests. Much like the games, it gives guests something else to do besides dance. Guests can sit and relax, grab a cocktail and socialize in this lounge area. 

Allow Song Requests

One of the number one things guests like to do at a wedding reception is dance! But they also like to dance to their favorite songs, which your list just may not cover. Get with your DJ or band and allow for song requests from guests!

Hire a Photobooth

A photobooth is a great way to look back on all of the memories from your wedding day. Also, it’s another thing for guests to do and your wedding reception. Provide props and guests will get really into it! 

Serve Late Night Snacks 

The last thing you want is for your guests to get hungry. We recommend incorporating late-night snacks. It’s something guests will not expect but will absolutely LOVE!

Create a Memorable Exit

Last but not least, is to create a memorable exit. Not only will you get awesome photos, but it’s something guests can look forward to at the end of the night. By having wedding sparklers will make for a very memorable exit for your wedding day.