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Having a ton of family members and friends coming together for the first time is a slightly frightening — yet wonderful! And if you’re stretching your wedding celebration into a whole weekend, it can be a good idea to have festivities to keep your guests occupied while they meet and mingle. Activities are definitely not required (and not every wedding has them), but if you have a little room in your budget, it’s a generous and sweet gift to your nearest and dearest who may not know the city you’re getting married in too well.
Here are ideas for additional entertainment for your wedding that could fit in nicely with your guest list and wedding theme, from the beginning to the end!
A Welcome Party
Throwing a welcome party is a great way to kick off your wedding weekend, especially since your guests will feel like old friends by the time your wedding reception rolls around. It doesn’t have to be fancy at all — laid-back is the way to go.
If your wedding day will be spent at an upscale resort, you should consider hosting a welcome party with street tacos and infused margaritas made with local ingredients. Also, reserve a space along the ocean or in a private garden and bring out colorful and cozy throws to make it feel like you really want your guests to get comfortable.
The welcome party is also a good place to hand out weekend itineraries (or tuck them into your welcome bags, if you choose to have them) and brief guests on anything they’ll need to know for the next few days.
Hotel Hospitality Suite
If your guest list is large or your wedding is at an unfamiliar destination, consider hosting a hospitality suite at the hotel with a room block (or a centrally-located hotel) where guests can both assemble and relax.
The suite can become a common meeting and hangout point throughout the weekend. It’s a great place to leave snacks, beverages and fun activities for guests of all ages, and of course, reminders and details of weekend happenings.
Keeping your itinerary, local maps, menus to favorite restaurants and taxi information in the suite is helpful for your guests, too!
Cookie and Coffee Reception
Looking for a way for all of your guests to feel included on the night of the rehearsal dinner? Hosting a cookie and coffee reception afterward ends the night with a sweet touch — without breaking the bank.
Guests can feel comfortable, mingle and meet each other in a relaxed setting. Not only is this a fun way for the couple to talk to all of their guests in a more laid-back setting, but it also alleviates the pressure for the couple to feel like they only have the wedding reception to catch up with each guest.
A Floral Workshop
Get guests in the event decor mood by inviting them to a floral workshop, like Fleurish in Brentwood, California, which is the first design-it-yourself flower studio, says Annie Lee, planner and founder of Daughter of Design.
And if there’s already a DIY element to your wedding, you could even display these arrangements for your rehearsal dinner decor! It’s a sweet way to really tie your family and friends into your big day.
A Group Tour
Part of what makes a destination wedding so special is the city it’s in, which is why giving guests a true lay of the land is a great way to spend the day. Whether it’s a boat or trolley trip, a wine tasting or a bicycle tour of your city, treating your guests to a side of town that they usually wouldn’t see is a perfect way to create even more memories.
Also, finishing the excursion up at a local ice cream shop or coffee shop so elderly guests can still be part of the fun is a thoughtful idea.
A Cooking Class
Cooking classes are always a fun idea! Guests of all ages will love learning the regional cuisine of where your wedding is, especially if it’s a foodie spot.
Your hotel or venue may be able to help you plan this best!
A Fitness Professional
Have a favorite fitness instructor or gym in town? Invite them to the guests’ hotel or property for a morning fitness class and treat your guests to a little outdoors yoga or pilates. You should feel free to join in as well — taking a soothing exercise class a few days before the wedding will help reduce any last minute jitters and stress.
Hora Loca
Ready to party hard?! As featured in the NY Times, Mystical Entertainment Group is proud to be the #1 provider of the Hora Loca. Take your event to the next level. It’s a party within the party. Your guests will be talking about it for years to come we promise. Stilt walkers, percussionists, break dancers, you name it, we will custom design an Hora Loca for your special event. Call our office today to learn more.
The Hora Loca is a perfect addition to any event. From Weddings to Sweet 16s, Corporate Events and Quinceañeras, the Hora Loca is something your guests will never forget as it will bring a surge of energy to take your affair to the next level.
Animal For Photo Ops
Can you imagine how surprised your guests would be if they were able to experience an interactive animal experience during cocktail hour or the wedding reception?
You can hire an exotic animal refuge to bring along their furry friends for live demonstrations and endless Instagram photos, or if your wedding has a theme, you can play to that.
Hire a Caricature Artist
If you want to toss in an unexpected surprise during dinner, hire a caricature artist to walk throughout the tables and create memorable drawings as keepsakes for your guests (that could even double as favors!).
A staple at any amusement park, a caricature artist is an affordable yet uncommon added source of entertainment at a wedding. Nothing like being different!
Aerial Bartender
Who says you have to serve drinks from a standard bar and in the typical fashion? Hiring aerial performers will take your bar to new heights — literally! We love seeing this at events!
No matter how big or small your next event is, contact ME and we’ll help you plan your next event!
