Planning your dream wedding isn't easy. Not only do you have to coordinate all of the moving parts, you also have to find a way to prevent it from becoming the same, tired wedding you've been to a million times. (After all, isn't that why you have a Pinterest board to keep track of those cute wedding decor ideas?) There have to be some unique wedding reception ideas out there, right?
Yep!
Weddings should be special. That's why we've rounded up 15 of our favorite unique wedding reception ideas that are practically guaranteed to raise the roof on your event.
1. Snack Bar
Brides and grooms have been setting these up for years because they're super fun!
Whether you prefer sweets or something a little more savory, a snack bar is a cute wedding reception add-on that your guests will keep coming back to throughout the night.
Some of our favorite snack bar station suggestions?
- Candy
- Popcorn
- Ice cream sundaes
- Hot chocolate
- Popsicles
- S'mores
- Cookies & milk
- Nachos
- Waffles
2. Food Trucks
If setting up a DIY snack bar station sounds like too much work, consider hiring a food truck for the evening.
The concept is the same as an open bar, but instead of cocktails and beer your guests can get tacos, ice cream, lobster rolls, or whatever else you decide!
3. Midnight Snacks
After all that dancing, it's normal to start feeling a little peckish. Some midnight snacks are sure to hit the spot!
When you're making your meal selections with the caterer, don't forget to choose a few "after-tizers" to bring out in the late evening. Nothing is a more welcome sight after two hours of dancing than seeing the chicken and waffle sliders come out!
4. Photo Booth
We're in the business, so you can trust us: no one can resist a photo booth!
The props make it a fun activity, unlimited visits make it the perfect wedding favor, and a professional Photobooth Rocks attendant makes it a stress-free experience that everyone will love.
And if you're looking for something a little different, photo booths can deliver! Some of our most popular booths come with video messaging or GIF capabilities and, for a never-before-seen twist on an old favorite, our mirror booth can't be beat.
5. Phone Charging Station
We know you want people to snap, tweet, and share the heck out of your wedding (especially if you have a custom wedding hashtag)! Make sure they have enough juice with a cell phone charging station.
You can go the DIY route or rent a professional charging station to keep everyone's devices safe and secure.
So when Grandma gets up to dance the macarena after three glasses of wine, you'll be glad you're at 100%.
6. Games
Believe it or not, some people don't enjoy dancing. (Shocking, I know!) So how do you prevent those freaks people from getting bored?
Games!
Whether you go with tried and true favorites or think way outside the box, games will be a fun break for young and old alike.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Board games
- Corn hole
- Bocce ball
- Giant Jenga
- Casino gaming tables
- The Wedding Shoe Game
7. Artist
Artists are the perfect addition to your wedding reception; they're family-friendly, creative, and won't compete with the DJ's playlist.
You can hire an artist to do caricatures, henna, face painting, or even tattoos (if you're guests are the inked type). Or, to get your new home off to a cute start, commission a local artist to pain the ceremony or reception as it's happening for the most romantic (and unique) piece of art ever!
8. Babysitting
Let's face it, kids don't always have fun at weddings. They're stuffed into uncomfortable clothing, forced to sit still and keep quiet, and then there's no grilled cheese on the buffet? Booooriiiiing!
Turn those frowns upside down by hiring a babysitting service to keep the kids entertained while the adults are dancing and playing Cards Against Humanity. A company like the Orlando-based Tootles Event Sitters can provide safe, thoroughly vetted childcare providers as well as snacks and activities so the youngsters can (finally!) have as much fun as the adults.
9. Performers
Wedding entertainment isn't something you see every day but, when you do, it's simply unforgettable.
Take some time out of your reception to highlight a live performance by a local dancer or another type of entertainer. Acrobats, hula dancers, fire breathers, belly dancers, flash mobs...the sky's the limit!
10. Magician
What better way to add some magic to your evening than with a real magician?
Kids and adults are mesmerized by slight-of-hand and card tricks and you don't even have to set aside time for a whole show. A wandering magician can do a few tricks at each table to keep your wedding guests from getting antsy while they're waiting to be called up to the buffet.
11. Balloon Artist
You say you're hiring them for the kids but, face it, you're gonna ask for a balloon sword before the night is out.
(Bonus: Balloon animals and sculptures make killer photo booth props!)
12. Bounce House
Want the ultimate wedding reception activity? Two words: bounce house!
Bounce houses are a staple at kid's birthday parties for a reason. They're fun for all ages and they're a great way to burn off some of that extra excitement.
What's that? The primary colors and cartoon characters will clash with your color scheme, you say? Wedding Bounce House Rentals makes all-white bounce houses to coordinate with any venue, bridesmaid's dress, bouquet, or tuxedo you can throw in it.
And be honest...wouldn't this make for the cutest wedding photos EVER?!
13. Flower Station
Why should the brides be the only ones with flowers?
With a DIY flower station, your guests can create a bouquet, corsage, or boutonniere of their very own to take home. Have your florist drop off some loose blooms and arrange them in vases. Include simple instructions (as well as a vase or bag to put them in) and watch the creativity fly!
14. Trivia
Trivia games are great for those nights at the bar with your friends, so why not bring the show to you?
Most trivia night hosts aren't employed by bars or restaurants; they're business owners who float from venue to venue, building trivia questions that get people through the door.
Theme nights are popular (F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Star Wars, Disney, etc.) but this is your wedding, so why not make the theme...YOU! Ask a local trivia company if they would consider writing trivia questions centered around you and your spouse-to-be and host a trivia night at your wedding reception.
15. Fireworks
Sparklers = good. Full fireworks show = GREAT!
Fireworks—we're talking full-on, 4th-of-July-type fireworks—will cap off your night like nothing else. And yes...you CAN have them at your wedding! Contact a local pyrotechnics or special effects company to take care of the planning and lighting for you, so the entire operation stays safe.
Best. Wedding. Ever.
Each wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate your love story. So why go with the same, standard celebration as everyone else?
These 15 wedding reception ideas will not only put a fresh, new twist to your big day, they're practically guaranteed to show your guests a great time.
And when it comes to wedding reception ideas, it doesn't get much easier than a photo booth. At Photobooth Rocks, your experience is our #1 priority. That's why we include things like props, professional attendants, and customized logos with all of our photo booth rentals.
Contact us today to reserve your booth and see what other ways we can make your wedding pop!
Max Beck
April 28, 2020I love the idea of replacing the open bar idea with something like a food truck at the reception venue. My brother is getting married in a few months and still needs to do a lot of planning. I'll share your article with him so that he can use your advice to have a unique and memorable day.