NOTES ON A WEDDING

Plan a so-you celebration with these top tips from the wedding gurus. This issue, we look at interactive games and activities for guests

McKinley-Rodgers Photography The Prop Factory

Knots & Kisses Clare Kinchin Photography

Clare Kinchin PhotographyThe Prop Factory Sarah Lauren Photography Enchanted Brides

Claire Penn Photography

Clare Kinchin Photography

Andy Gaines Photography The shoe game. Based on the TV show ‘Mr & Mrs’, the newly-weds sit back-toback on chairs each holding one of their shoes and one of their partner’s. They are then asked questions about love and life, and each time they have to raise the shoe that best fits with the question such as ‘Who is the messiest?’. It’s lighthearted fun and everyone will enjoy watching. Jessica

Scavenger hunt. Make the most of your venue’s grounds by hosting a scavenger hunt. Plant the clues or the treasure, making it personal to the couple, then choose between people doing it individually, or perhaps teaming up with others on their table! Jessica

Say cheese. Adding a disposable or Polaroid camera to each table is always a good icebreaker. Guests can take images of themselves and their table – or you can even print out a list of funny ‘try-to-get’ images. Rebecca

Games galore. You can’t go wrong with traditional garden games, or even hire a mini golf set, badminton, a coconut shy or table football. They are a perfect pairing to an afternoon drinks reception. Jessica

DIY drinks. Set up a G&T bar where guests can build their own drinks with a choice of gins and garnishes, such as rosemary, mint, cucumber and fruit. You’ll find the interactive element will see guests congregating around the bar and comparing drink options. Jessica

The race is on. Challenge guests to compete in comedy races and games such as an egg and spoon race, sack race and hook the duck. Create a leaderboard (and ideally get a best man to facilitate!). Rebecca

Start early. If you’re hosting a weekend wedding, start introducing your guests in advance of the big day by hosting a match the afternoon before. You could play a friendly game of cricket or rounders (although probably best to avoid the contact sports!). Jessica

Get quizzical. Print a quiz for your guests, with questions about you as a couple, which will encourage guests to chat and try to find out the answers. You could even add an extra incentive for guests to mingle by adding clues such as “Richard on Table 4 will know the answer to the question about the groom and the three-legged horse!” Jessica

Instant laughter. Create an Instagram challenge where you ask guests to create the best images from your wedding such as the best comedy situation, some group laughter, a lone dancer, or a beautiful floral shot. It will get them thinking creatively and you’ll also end up with some gorgeous images to boot. Rebecca

Picture this. Get creative with a photo booth and make an elaborate backdrop personal to you as a couple and the aesthetic of your wedding, perhaps something colourful with lots of props, a celestial-themed moon and star backdrop, or a picture from your favourite holiday together. Jessica

It’s a hit! Piñatas are a super-fun activity where you can get as many people involved as you want – plus, it’s comical for those who are just watching too! Rebecca

Music to our ears. Nothing creates a great atmosphere quite like live music. Have a charismatic roaming trio during the drinks reception, a sitar player or a brass band playing modern tunes that works the room and entice everyone to join them in a trailing conga line! Jessica

All in this together. Instead of a potentially awkward first dance, get the entire wedding party on the dance floor together via an announcement by your MC or the band’s frontman. Nothing breaks the ice like 100 people twirling around the floor, trying out a new dance at the same time! Jessica

Who dares wins. Create a collection of wedding dares for each table to try to achieve throughout the dinner. Rebecca

Jessica Kearney, Ardour & Bow Weddings & Events

ardourandbow.co.uk

Rebecca Green, Rebel & Anchor

rebelandanchor.co.uk