Wedding Reception Games + Entertainment Ideas
Wedding receptions are, under the right DJ or entertainer, an absolute blast and the celebration of your brand-new marriage! There are so many ways you can celebrate, but everyone knows the traditional things you do. You’re definitely going to have a dinner or at least some type of food. You’ll likely have speeches or toasts, cake, and of course dancing. However, there are other ways you can entertain your guests and celebrate outside of the traditional things that everyone does. Here are a few wedding reception games that can add a ton of fun to your wedding.
Why Wedding Entertainment Matters
Your wedding day is about more than just saying “I do.” It’s about creating lasting memories. Wedding entertainment plays a pivotal role in shaping the experience for you and your guests. It can help break the ice between guests who may not know each other and can keep everyone in high spirits throughout the evening.
When your guests of all ages are engaged and entertained, it sets the stage for unforgettable moments. The laughter during games and the dancing later in the night are what keep your special day alive in your guests’ memories. The right entertainment creates a fun atmosphere where guests feel comfortable, excited, and connected, making your wedding reception one of the most talked-about events in years to come.
Our Favorite Wedding Reception Games
The Group Photo
The group photo is such an awesome way to get everyone on the dance floor right before the open dance starts. The group photo itself isn’t necessarily a wedding game, but it will add a lot for your guests, as it eliminates those awkward 10-15 minutes or so of the open dance when everyone is nervous to get to the dance floor. It allows the guests to get out of their shells immediately and speeds up the process of getting everyone up and having fun! Plus, you get an amazing photo out of it, so everyone wins!
Shoe Game/Newlywed Game
The shoe game is the most commonly known wedding game. It pits the couple against each other (in a fun way) to answer questions about each other! The DJ will get the couple out to the dance floor and will have each of them take their shoes off. One spouse will hand their shoe to the other and vice versa. The DJ will then ask the couple questions like, “Who controls what you watch on TV the most?” The couple will answer these questions by raising either their own shoe or their spouse’s (their own if they think the answer is themselves, and their spouse’s if they think the answer is their spouse). This is a fun way of allowing the crowd to get to know you as a couple, and it provides a few laughs most of the time!
Survivor
Survivor is a bit of a lesser-known game but is one of the most entertaining things you can do at a wedding! During this game, the DJ will bring up the wedding party and will have chairs lined up at the front of the room so everyone can see. The DJ will then ask the group to go out and find an item, like a specific brand of lip balm, and the last member of the wedding party to make it back to the chairs will have theirs removed. This will go on until there’s one member of the wedding party left. This game gets your wedding party involved but still provides entertainment for your guests, who tend to have a laugh watching everyone search the venue for different items.
These three games are just a start. Your DJ can also run crowd favorites like an anniversary dance, where married couples leave the floor as the DJ counts up the years, until the couple married the longest is left dancing.
Planning Games with Your Brainerd Wedding DJ
Games work best when your DJ knows they’re coming. Add each one to your reception timeline, note who should be called up (the wedding party, parents, or every married couple), and list any props, like chairs or shoes, that need to be ready.
Timing matters too. A game right after dinner brings guests back toward the dance floor, and a quick game between dance sets gives everyone a breather without losing energy. Our Brainerd wedding DJs call each game, keep it moving, and cue the next song as soon as it wraps up. See how coverage works on our Brainerd DJ packages page.
Complete Weddings + Events Brainerd
Complete Weddings + Events Brainerd provides photography, videography, photo booth, and uplighting in addition to DJing! We love creating a memorable wedding for you and your guests. Learn more about how we can create a great wedding reception and provide entertainment for your wedding!
