Entertaining your Guests?

Question

I'm trying to find a way of entertaining my guests during the break you have between your Wedding Breakfast and your Evening Reception.

Does anyone have any ideas?

I thought about maybe Showing a Film or Putting out Board games! What do you think?

I'm in England

Answer 1

How about hiring a comedian? Drinking and laughing are surely the key to a successful day!!

Answer 2

Gather you are from US and those answering you are too. Thank goodness we don't have to think about these things in Scotland, even think some parts of England may do things a bit like that??? Years ago here, in some churches as for example RC they ceremony was very early in the morning. Then the absolute immediate family either went to a restaurant but more likely the bride's parents house for a wedding breakfast. The reception would be in the evening so majority of guests would come then. Now the usual here is for weddings in the afternoon, usually about 2pm, photos taken around the church (sometimes the actual wedding party also go to a venue like a castle or place of interest for further photos). The guests go straight to the reception, normally coaches are laid on in order if drinking people do not require to take cars. There is some just socialising time on arrival at the venue. Most people would put on a 'welcome drink' on arrival and sometimes a little food as in something like canapies. During this time about 80% of those organising the wedding would just expect their guests to chat or walk in grounds if they were nice but others if perhaps a bit better off could have something like a piper playing, string quartet or jazz band. The wedding meal (normally 4 or 5 course dinner with wine and and toast drinks for speeches) usually would be served around 5 - 5.30pm When the cake is cut is optional but most couples do this just before they eat with usually another glass of bubby for this toast. Speeches normally come after the meal but in recent years some couples have decided to have these before meal as hopefully the speakers are over their nerves and can enjoy their meal. After meal there is another lull but not for very long (sometimes not at all). Evening guests are usually asked to arrive for 7.30 - 8.00pm and the first dance scheduled for around 8pm. It would be unusual not to have at least a 4 or 5 piece band playing. The reception goes on until at least midnight with approx 30 min break from the band and a buffet served. Optional whether you wish a disco playing at this break. Nothing is set in stone and naturally there are some variations to this but thought you people across the pond and everywhere else just may like to know what others do? Very best wishes for your wedding and your future happiness.

Answer 3

If there aren't too many guests, what about renting a few vans, and plan a sightseeing tour or a trip to a museum? A break between breakfast and dinner is a long one for your guests to find something to do on their own, especially out of towners, and with a planned activity, everyone will have a chance to get to know each other before dinner.

Answer 4

Hi do whatever you want to do, but most of the people would probably want to just talk and drink to eveyone, Or some people might go home and get changed and then come back. Unless you know what they are going to to saty of go it might not be worth putting any games on as no one might play them. I know where my wedding is at there is a pool table so i think most of the people will probably be playing pool or something. Just make sure there is music playing and that you get a chance to talk to everyone that it there. There is no harming you doing it for you if you or your hubby want to watch a film then stick one on. Other people will probably end up watching it anyway

Answer 5

If the break between our breakfast and the evening had been longer we were going to hire a "close up" magician who does tricks right in front of you.
Good ones are very good, would pass the time between drinks and they'd spot the quieter groups to go and play for them.
Also like the casino idea, but you;d need to keep it running all night.

Answer 6

who wants to watch a film or play board games at a weddin, most people enjoy the art on conversation with the other guests whilst having a nice drink, the wedding breakfast wctually lasts longer than you think, just enjoy the day and stop thinking about everybody else, its your day

Answer 7

How about a casino with fake money (you could get some printed with the bride and grooms faces?) Otherwise, depending on how long the gap is, just provide background music and drinks and most guests will chat amongst themselves.

Answer 8

between breakfast and evening reception, there's always lunch. People love eating (and drinking!), the french have wedding based round food, so do the spanish, just draw out breakfast til it's suddenly evening and you can get people dancing.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Those are both really lovely ideas. What about giant Jenga, or giant chess? I think usually people like to mingle during this time so it's good to allow guest to just drift. Perhaps you could hire mime artists and caricature artists, too.

Answer 10

Board games are great. Try to find some of the old classics like Chutes and Ladders and Mousetrap, etc. gives folks a chuckle... and put around some fo those paper cameras so people can takes pictures of themselves actin' a-fool.