The wedding day celebrates you and your love story, and it is also an event made complete by the guests you love. From the weddings I have photographed, a wedding is a success when the guests are cheerful and the fun is in full swing. Besides good music and delicious food, add a few informal entertainment moments, such as games or artistic acts, that entertain everyone from the youngest to the oldest. Here are ideas I have seen at real weddings, the ones that added the most fun.
1. Fireworks in the sky
If your invitation promises fireworks at the end, guests will stay late into the night. It fascinates everyone, from children to grandparents. If the party is outdoors, make the most of it: the light show closes an evening full of joy, and the photographs of that moment are worth a thousand words. A team I recommend in Romania is Pyromagia.
2. Professional dancers
The floor vibrates with Latin rhythms, applause breaks out and guests are tempted onto the dance floor. That is the power of a pair of professional dancers. You can hire them for an hour or two to win over the guests and the dance floor with a Viennese waltz, an Argentine tango or a quickstep. They will lift guests from the tables, and the most skilled will go home with a few extra dance steps.
3. A guest book
On the big day you may not manage to talk with every guest. A guest book placed in a popular spot lets everyone leave a signature or a few thoughts about you, the event and what they wish for your life together.
Photo booth: memories for a lifetime
The surest way to make your party unforgettable is a photo booth, which becomes a magnet for guests. One press on the touchscreen starts a cycle of several poses printed on paper in seconds. Guests let their personalities out and appear in the funniest poses. Booths come with props: giant bow ties, moustache glasses, funny hats and message cards. The photographs print on the spot, ready to take home.
5. Lantern release
As night falls, fill the sky with golden lights. If the weather and the venue allow, lanterns are a perfect substitute for fireworks and give the event a magical air. They rise up to about 1,200 metres. Good to know:
- The lantern needs 30 seconds to 1 minute to fill with warm air before it rises.
- Ask guests to stand with their backs to the direction the wind blows from.
- Make sure the venue is more than 10 km from an airport.
- Release lanterns only in wide open spaces, away from trees and high-voltage lines.
6. Helium balloons
A stolen kiss looks different through the camera. A rain of helium balloons creates unusual frames: ask guests to release them during a group photograph, and then let them float into the sky. Children also love taking them home.
7. Mexican piñata
A fiesta without a piñata is like spring without flowers. Colourful and beautifully decorated, it becomes an entertaining activity for all guests. The bravest are blindfolded and try to break it to find what is inside.
8. A fire show
Offer guests a fascinating artistic moment with a fire show. In harmony with the music, performers handle torches, fans, swords and fire breath in choreographies. They wear special costumes and use special props, so it is as safe as it is spectacular.
9. Croquet
If the venue has a large green garden, try croquet. Similar to golf, it can be played at any age. Guests get wooden mallets and coloured balls and hit them through the hoops with a little precision. It is a challenge and brings many smiles.
10. The wheel of fortune
To relax the atmosphere and encourage guests to mix, add a wheel of fortune. You think of the funniest challenges, and guests take turns trying their luck: from “best couple dance” to “kiss the groom” or “drink one shot”. It is a good way to break the ice and bring laughter and applause.
Make it yours
Your wedding day should be exactly as you dreamed it. Be bold with any idea: an unusual menu, special artistic moments or non-conformist fun. These ideas are meant to help you personalise the event to your personality. More planning help is in my wedding planning guide, and you can read about outdoor weddings in Romania. I photograph weddings in Romania and abroad, so tell me about your plans.
FAQ
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A photo booth, fireworks and professional dancers are the ones guests talk about the most, because everyone can take part.
Short acts of an hour or two, such as dancers or a fire show, work well between courses or after the first dance.
They are, if the venue is more than 10 km from an airport and you launch in a wide open space, away from trees and high-voltage lines.
Any other questions? Write to me and I will reply within 2 hours.Let’s talk