Fun Wedding Reception Ideas that are Not Dancing

For most weddings, your guests will be with you all day. It can be long and let’s face it boring sometimes! Have you ever been to a wedding where you are convinced your watched stop working?

Surely it’s not only been 5 minutes since I last checked, it can’t be! It had to have been at least 5 hours!!!!!

Well not to worry as we have you covered. No snoozing guests on our watch!

Add to that you are not really much of a dancer, or tired from the long day and all there is to do is dance.

We have you covered, with all the best non dancing fun activities to have at your wedding.

Fun wedding Reception Ideas that are not dancing

vintage camper transport - fun wedding idea

1. Photobooths

These are always a winner and there are so many amazing ones now. From modern stylish ones, full-on props galore, traditional box style ones.

If you have outdoor space a great option is a camper photo booth like Birdie on our directory.

2. Games:

You could go all out with big lawn games or even fairground rides. Or keep simple with some games on the table to entertain guests.

3. Face painting or glitter bar

These are a great option for festival style weddings but work well to add fun to any wedding.

4. Fireworks

These are always a great hit, just check with your venue before booking any.

5. Casino:

These can be lots of fun and a source of hours of entertainment for guests.

6. Make your table plan fun

A shot glass with their name, make it a puzzle, spin a wheel or pick up the phone! The ideas are endless!

Surprise ideas

I love to be surprised! When you have been to lots of weddings they can start to merge together, most are so similar! Adding the element of surprise is a great way to wow your guests and make sure they remember your special day.

The easiest way to surprise your guests is to keep all your plans to yourself, especially if unique. But adding in some out of the ordinary ideas will really get them gasping! Here are some we recommend:

7. Signing waiters:

Done right these can be loads of fun and will elevate your guests meal experience hugely.

8. Flash mob:

Have you seen this one in Spain? Setting this up with your wedding party or a large part of your guest will get the dance floor full I am sure.

9. Surprise entertainer:

Having a famous singer or interpreter come out will get your guest excited

10. Sing with the band

We have had couples do a first song instead of dance, bride or groom sing a song to their other half. Usually, some talent required!

Food and drink ideas for your wedding reception

Everyone comes for the food and drink, right? Just me?

There are so many fun, quirky ways to upgrade your food and drink for your wedding reception. Think about what you like, how you can show your personality and get creative.

11. DIY Bar

This can be a pimp your prosecco, make your own cocktail, gin bar, so many options. Pick your favourite tiple and find a creative way to serve it to your guests.

12. Coffee van

We love this one! These are becoming more popular and a great daytime treat for guests. They look super cute and a great photo opportunity also.

13. Hot chocolate bar

The perfect winter treat, especially if having any outdoor activities and cold.

14. Dessert table

Upgrade your cake area and make it not just insta worthy, delicious too! These are huge right now and we can see why they look amazing and guests love tucking into them!

15. Grazing tables

The big brother of dessert tables! I feel this is just a standard party must now right? We love them, guests love them and they are always a talking point!

16. Food trucks

If you have the space upgrading your evening food to food trucks is always a winner. Pizza, kebab, Viet food, Indian, pretty much anything you like! There are so many fun cool trucks now also they are again a great photo op!

17. Live BBQ

We say live as no one wants cold dry meat! But also it makes a show out of the meal, watching them grill it live and plating it fresh adds to the experience. Or go all out with a whole hog roast to really wow your guests.

unique Entertainment ideas

Entertainment should be more than just a DJ or band at the end of the day. Think through your whole and see where you can add some entertainment.

This doesn’t just have to be music but picking the right music or musician at different stages throughout the day can set the scene of each event.

19. Magician

These are a great option during your meal. Keep guests entertained in-between courses.

20. Caricaturist

A guest favourite! Also doubles as favours as guests can take their drawing home.

21. Painter

This one is similar to a caricaturist but usually paint the room and scenes happening. Fascinating to watch the beautiful painting come to life.

23. Sax player

On our must list! A sax player is a great option as can be slow jazz vibe or they can jump on with the DJ and get your Ibiza night club vibes going!

Small wedding entertainment ideas

If you are eloping, having a small or micro wedding then it might be more important than ever to have entertainment for your guests.

You just need to think about the atmosphere in relation to your numbers. If a micro wedding of 15 then I don’t think a DJ to get the dance floor full is really going to work. Think about your guest and tailor your entertainment to suit them and your planned day.

Head to our micro and small wedding ideas blog for lots more inspiration.

24. A private show

From music, comedy or even play. Having a small group means you have a personal private show.

25. Karaoke

If you guest like a good sign along this a great option. With smaller numbers karaoke is a great way to have a fun-filled night.

26. A personalised menu

With smaller numbers, each guest can have their own menu. Or go all out with a taster 10 course!

Fun Wedding Reception Ideas

Hopefully, you are now full of ideas for your wedding reception. We have shared a huge amount and do not think you have to include all of these or even any!

They are just there to get you thinking and hopefully, you can find a way to put your twist on them. We would love to hear your wedding reception ideas in the comments below.