In this final post of our four part series, you will learn how to entertain guests and keep them at the reception all the way until send off.
It is one thing to keep guests at the reception, but it is another to keep them there until the reception send off. Send offs are when the bride and groom exit the wedding and head off to the hotel. And, for most weddings, this is the time when there are only a handful of people left.
That is because there is often too much lag time between ceremony, reception and send off. While you may think there is no way to entertain guests until the send off, you may be surprised at how simple it is – you just have to be a little creative.
Make a Schedule and Stick To It
Create a wedding schedule and put it with your centerpieces or hand it out to the guests. That way your guests know what is coming and how long they will be waiting in between events. You can customize the schedule as much as you want, but once it is published, make sure you follow it.
Keep the Guests Fed
There are reasons guests stay at weddings and reasons they leave. One of the best ways to keep your guests there until send off is just to feed them. By offer extra snacks or even a dessert buffet at the end of the night, you can encourage guests to stick around until send off.
Look Around for Other Forms of Entertainment
Depending on your venue, there may be amenities that can entertain guests. For example, couples getting married at a zoo can have their guests take the tram ride in between events to keep them occupied.
Make Culture a Big Part of Your Wedding
If you and your fiance are attached to a particular aspect of your culture, include it in the wedding. Hire performers, have special events or even cuisine that celebrates it. For example, if you have Middle Eastern heritage, hire some belly dancers to perform.
Have a Guest Talent Show
Entertain guests by making them part of the talent. By hosting your own talent show you may encourage guests to stick around and not only see everyone else perform, but hopefully get up and show off their talent too.
Have a Grand Send Off
You can stick with the traditional rice, but if you want to encourage guests to stay for the send off, you may want to make it a little more grand. Hire a company to shoot off fireworks for the grand affair or ditch the limo and go by horse (or even better, helicopter).
Let All Guests Come
Are you and your fiance dog lovers? If so, include your pets and perhaps allow other dog lovers to bring man’s best friend. Have a dog play area – and perhaps, encourage your guests to stay a little longer since they don’t have to go home and check on their furry friends.
Have Plenty of Games
You must entertain your guests if you want them to stay until the end. Include some fun wedding games or even rent arcade games for the reception.
Go Crazy with Photos
Have a photo booth, encourage guests to take their own photos and upload them to a photo party, and more. The more photograph opportunities you have, the more your guests will want to stay and enjoy.
Hire a Mascot
You can have a mascot at a wedding. Use them to keep the mood up, entertain the guests and even for a little fun. If you and your spouse are sports lovers, hire a mascot for your favorite sports team.