The 13 activities to do on the big day: original ideas for an unforgettable wedding
Your wedding day is much more than just a ceremony; it is a celebration of your love, a unique and precious moment that you share with your loved ones. It's an opportunity to bring together families and friends for a day filled with joy, laughter, and memorable moments. To make this day even more special, it is essential to think of activities that reflect your personality and create a festive and friendly atmosphere. Incorporating original and modern entertainment into your wedding can not only surprise and delight your guests, but also add a personal and innovative touch to your celebration.
Here are some ideas that will transform your wedding into an exceptional experience, etched in the memories of all those who attend
1. Personalized Cocktail Bar
A cocktail bar is an idea that will delight your guests and add a touch of glamor to your reception. The concept can be developed in several ways. For example, you could offer a selection of classic cocktails with a personal touch or local ingredients.
Another charming idea is to offer a signature wedding cocktail . This cocktail can be inspired by your favorite flavors, the history of your relationship, or even a place that is dear to you. You could even give this cocktail a symbolic name that tells part of your love story.
Also think about the presentation : elegant glasses, drink decorations like edible flowers, artistically cut lemon zest, or ice cubes infused with fresh fruits and herbs, with or without alcohol. All these details will help create an exceptional visual and taste experience for your guests.
A custom cocktail bar is not only an entertaining entertainment, but also a way to show your attention to detail and desire to pamper your guests. They will long remember this unique and delicious experience, which will have added an extra touch of magic to your special day.
2. Donut creation workshop
For lovers of sweets and delicacies, a donut workshop is a delicious and fun activity that will delight all your guests. This interactive activity allows everyone to create their own personalized donut , adding a touch of creativity and fun to your reception.
Set up a station where your guests can choose from a variety of plain donuts, ready to be topped and decorated . Offer a wide selection of colored icings : chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, caramel, and many more. Also offer a range of ingredients and toppings so everyone can create their perfect donut. Think about toppings like chocolate chips, pieces of fresh fruit, chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles, candies, and even more original options like bacon bits or edible flowers.
A donut workshop also offers an excellent opportunity for family activities. Children will love participating in decorating their own donuts, and adults will appreciate the nostalgic and friendly aspect of this activity. Plus, donuts can serve as delicious souvenirs for your guests to take home.
In short, a donut workshop is a delicious and entertaining way to delight your guests' taste buds while offering them a fun and memorable activity. This sweet animation fits perfectly into a modern wedding reception, creating moments of sharing and creativity that will remain engraved in the memory.
3. PhotoBooth with its accessories
The photobooth has become a staple of modern weddings, offering your guests a fun and interactive way to capture memories of your special day. To make this event even more memorable and entertaining, enrich your photobooth with a variety of fun and themed accessories . This encourages your guests to unleash their creativity and have fun taking photos.
Start by choosing a background or backdrop that complements your wedding theme. Whether it's an elegant floral backdrop, a romantic landscape, or even a personalized backdrop with your names and wedding date, the photobooth setting should reflect the mood of your event.
Extravagant hats, glasses of all shapes and sizes, mustaches and lips on sticks, feather boas, and carnival masks are some examples of options. You can also include giant frames, cardboard speech bubbles where your guests can write messages, and humorous signs with personalized quotes or hashtags.
To add a personal touch, consider themed accessories related to your story or passions. For example, if you are passionate about travel, offer accessories like pilot hats, world maps and vintage suitcases. If you have a specific wedding theme , like a retro or bohemian wedding, tailor accessories accordingly to reinforce the overall aesthetic.
Another way to make the photobooth even more special is to include interactive elements. For example, you can install an instant printer so that your guests leave immediately with their photos. You could also offer a photo album where guests can paste their photos and write personal messages. It will become a precious memory for you after the wedding.
Also think about technology: a modern and practical option is to use a digital photo terminal. These kiosks allow your guests to take photos, GIFs or videos, and share them instantly on social networks. You can even customize filters and digital frames to match your wedding theme.
Finally, to ensure the success of your photobooth, designate a clearly visible and easily accessible space , preferably near the dance floor or main reception area. Add beautiful signage to attract attention and invite your guests to participate.
4. The charm bar
A charm bar is a charming and interactive activity that will delight your guests, especially those who like manual and creative activities . This idea is perfect for adding a personal and memorable touch to your wedding, allowing everyone to leave with a unique souvenir that they have made themselves.
To organize a charm bar, start by selecting a variety of pendants. Offer different shapes, sizes and colors, various charms (such as hearts, initials, flowers, and other symbolic designs), as well as necklace or bracelet chains already ready to be worn with a clasp. Don't forget to include pliers and other tools needed to assemble the charms on the chain.
You can also offer varied creation options to suit all tastes and skill levels. Provide examples or templates to inspire your guests, but also leave room for their creativity.
A charm bar can also be a relaxing activity between dancing or during reception downtime. It provides a great opportunity for your guests to socialize, share ideas and help each other. Set up the station in a quiet, comfortable corner, with well-lit tables and comfortable seating so guests can work at their ease.
An additional idea to make this activity even more interactive is to allow your guests to exchange bracelets with each other . This will add a unique social dimension to your event, encouraging guests to interact more and create shared memories. For example, each guest could make a bracelet that they can then offer or exchange with another guest, thus symbolizing the bonds of friendship and family strengthened during the day. This practice of exchange can also spark conversations and moments of complicity between guests.
To add a touch of personalization, you can offer charms or beads engraved with your wedding date or your initials . This will turn the jewelry into even more precious keepsakes of your special day. You can also offer personalized pouches or boxes so that guests can take their creations safely with them!
5. Vintage Games Area
There's nothing like a vintage play area to entertain your guests in an original and creative way . By installing wooden games, table footballs, and giant board games like Jenga or chess, you can add a touch of nostalgia and conviviality to your wedding reception. This animation will appeal to all generations, providing fun and engaging entertainment for everyone.
To create an attractive vintage play area, choose a strategic location within your reception venue , ideally in a shaded area outside or in a spacious room inside. Make sure the space is clearly defined and comfortably furnished with tables, chairs and cushions so that guests can sit and play at their ease.
Wooden games are a great choice for a vintage play space. Opt for timeless classics like dominoes, checkers, or backgammon. You can also include skill games like ring toss, croquet, or mölkky, which are perfect for an outdoor ambiance and allow guests to move around and socialize at the same time.
To make the experience even more immersive, consider renting vintage games such as foosball, Molkky, duck fishing, or even shake things up. These games will bring a festive and playful dimension to your play space , reviving your guests' childhood memories and adding a dose of fun and excitement to your day.
Finally, don't forget to add a musical touch to complete the vintage ambiance. A playlist of retro music, vinyls from the 50s and 60s can enhance the nostalgic atmosphere and make the space even more charming and welcoming.
6. Wine tasting workshop
For wine lovers, nothing is more exquisite than a tasting workshop , an event that is both educational and friendly. Offer your guests a sensory experience that will guide them through a taste journey rich in flavors and discoveries.
Start by setting up a nicely decorated table with wine glasses, carafes of water, spittoons (for those who prefer not to drink), and tasting sheets for taking notes.
To make the experience even more immersive, consider including local or artisanal wines that reflect the terroir and tradition of your region. You can also personalize the wine selection based on your guests' preferences or in harmony with your reception menu.
The tasting workshop can be organized around a specific theme , such as organic wines, Bordeaux wines, or sparkling wines. This will deepen guests’ understanding and appreciation of wine, while adding a fun dimension to the entertainment.
To accompany the tasting, offer subtle and tasty food and wine pairings. Cheese and charcuterie platters, elaborate petit fours, or even gourmet bites specially designed for each wine can enhance the taste experience and create delicious harmonies.
Remember to allow enough time for guests to enjoy each wine at their own pace, ask questions and share impressions. The goal is to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable expressing their preferences and discoveries.
7. Temporary tattoo bar
For a touch of fun and modernity to your wedding, offer your guests a temporary tattoo bar. This original animation will add an artistic dimension to your reception, allowing everyone to leave with a unique and personalized memory of your special day.
Set up a beautifully decorated table with a variety of temporary tattoo designs, sponges, water, and simple instructions for applying the tattoos.
Next, select elegant, fun, or themed designs that complement the style and aesthetic of your wedding. You can opt for delicate floral designs, romantic symbols like hearts or wedding rings, or even designs inspired by your wedding theme.
Give your guests the freedom to choose the tattoos they like and encourage them to express their creativity by combining and layering them according to their preferences.
To make the experience even more festive, consider adding glitter, rhinestones or colored markers to embellish the temporary tattoos. This will add a touch of glamor and whimsy, perfect for a joyous and festive wedding evening.
Don't forget to take photos of the guests with their tattoos, or provide an instant camera to immortalize this fun and creative moment. You can even create a photo wall where guests can hang their photos as memories of your wedding.
Finally, be sure to provide clear instructions on how to remove tattoos, using warm water and soap. This will allow your guests to fully enjoy their tattoos while avoiding any skin problems.
8. Polaroid Station and Guest Book
Transform your guestbook into an interactive and memorable work by setting up a Polaroid station at your wedding. This fun and creative animation will allow your guests to capture special moments and leave their personal mark in a tangible memory of your special day.
Start by choosing a strategic location to install the Polaroid station, preferably in a lively, well-lit corner of your reception venue. Set out a table decorated with a Polaroid camera, instant film, and an assortment of fun accessories like hats, glasses, and picture frames.
Next to the Polaroid station, place a blank guest book with white or lightly decorated pages, ready for your guests' instant photos. Make sure you have enough colorful pens, markers, and stickers so everyone can leave a personalized message next to their photo.
Instant photos capture spontaneous and authentic moments, creating a treasured and joyful memory of your wedding.
Once the photo has been taken, invite your guests to stick their Polaroid in the guest book and write a short message next to it. It can be a wish for happiness, a funny anecdote, or simply a word of love and congratulations addressed to the bride and groom. Allow everyone the freedom to express their feelings and emotions in a personal and sincere way.
Once the evening is over, the guest book filled with instant photos and personalized messages will become a treasured treasure that you will cherish for years to come. It is a tangible token of the love and support of your loved ones, as well as a joyful reminder of the happy times shared during your wedding.
9. Outdoor Karaoke
For a memorable and entertaining wedding night, organize an outdoor karaoke party that will put your guests in a festive and relaxed mood. This interactive animation will allow everyone to let loose and show off their vocal talent , creating joyful and unforgettable memories of your special day.
Prepare a varied playlist with a wide choice of songs, covering different musical genres and eras, to satisfy all tastes and all generations. You can include timeless classics, current hits, and popular songs that will make everyone agree.
To create an even more festive atmosphere, consider adding themed props and costumes to get attendees in the mood. Hats, glasses, wigs, and fun costumes will add a touch of madness.
Don't forget to provide refreshments and snacks so that participants can recharge their batteries between performances. Refreshing drinks, creative cocktails, and small sweet and savory bites will be welcome to maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout the evening.
Finally, capture the most memorable moments of outdoor karaoke by taking photos and videos to capture guest performances. You can also plan prizes or awards for the most talented singers or the most hilarious performances, adding a touch of competition and excitement to the event.
10. Video Confessions Booth
Add a personal and emotional touch to your wedding by installing a video confession booth. This animation allows your guests to record messages, anecdotes, or advice for the bride and groom, creating a souvenir film that is both fun and moving. It's an intimate and authentic way to capture the wishes and memories of your loved ones.
Choose a discreet and comfortable location for the booth, decorated in accordance with the theme of your wedding. Equip it with a camera, a microphone, and good lighting. Provide props and signs with questions to inspire your guests.
Encourage participation by announcing the booth during speeches and displaying directional signs. A dedicated person can help manage registrations and encourage those who are more shy. Invite your guests to come into the booth in small groups or individually to record candid, spontaneous messages.
After the wedding, compile the recordings to create a unique souvenir film!
11. Gourmet Food Trucks
For a touch of conviviality and culinary diversity, invite food trucks to your wedding reception. This casual and trendy entertainment will offer your guests a variety of culinary choices, transforming your event into a gastronomic experience.
Choose from a range of food trucks offering tacos, gourmet burgers, crepes, vegetarian dishes and indulgent desserts. Set them up in a spacious outdoor space decorated with fairy lights, tables and comfortable chairs.
12. Surprise dance show
Whether it's a flash mob, a choreographed couple dance, or a performance by professional dancers, a dance show will add a spectacular and memorable touch to your reception.
If you choose a flash mob, involve your friends and family by organizing secret rehearsals before the wedding. Select a catchy song and coordinate a simple choreography . On the big day, give a discreet signal so that all participants start dancing at the same time, creating an effect of surprise and excitement.
For a choreographed couples dance, work with a professional choreographer to create a routine that reflects your personality and love story. Practice together so the performance feels smooth and natural. You can start in a traditional way before surprising your guests with dynamic movements.
If you prefer a professional performance, hire dancers and choose a style that complements your wedding theme, such as ballet, salsa or contemporary dance. Integrate their performance into the evening program to surprise and entertain your guests.
For an even more special touch, consider a collaborative performance involving your friends and family. Hold rehearsals before the wedding and create inclusive choreography, adding emotional dimension and shared memories.
13. Find your duo
The “ Find your duo ” event is an activity that promises to energize the atmosphere of your wedding. The concept is simple: Each guest is assigned one half of a famous duo, whether they be pop culture couples, historical duos, or iconic pairs. The invitation cards or badges distributed at the start of the evening indicate the character or half of the duo that each participant represents.
To set up this entertainment, start by selecting a variety of popular duets that will be recognizable and fun for your guests. You can choose romantic couples like Romeo and Juliet, pairs of friends like Sherlock Holmes and Watson, or even food duos like bread and cheese. Make sure to mix genres and eras to appeal to all tastes and generations.
When guests arrive, give them badges or invitation cards indicating their half of the duo. The goal of the game is for each guest to find the person who completes their duo. This research encourages meetings and exchanges between guests, often from different backgrounds, and quickly breaks the ice. To add an extra touch, you can organize this activity in the form of a treasure hunt, with clues scattered around the reception location.
Once the pairs are formed, you can organize mini-games or challenges to reinforce bonding and fun . For example, you can offer quizzes themed around famous duos, duo dance events, or creative challenges where pairs must complete a task together. These activities will not only serve to entertain your guests, but they will also create opportunities for new friendships and shared moments of laughter.
Entertainment for your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to create special moments and strengthen bonds between your guests . By choosing original and modern activities, you ensure that everyone has an unforgettable time, while reflecting your personality and tastes.
Feel free to personalize these ideas so they fit perfectly into your theme and the mood of your day.
Congratulations on your wedding and may your day be filled with joy and unforgettable memories!
The Lilac team 🌸