Weddings are all about love, celebration, and creating lasting memories—and what better way to bring everyone together than with some entertaining games? Sure, the ceremony is the heart of the day, but the reception is where the fun really begins! You want your guests to remember not only the heartfelt vows and first dance but also the good times that made them smile, laugh, and maybe even compete just a little.
Keeping your guests engaged after dinner can be a challenge, especially with people of all ages and energy levels. That’s why wedding reception games can be an absolute game-changer (pun intended). Whether it’s getting Great Aunt Susan on the dance floor or giving your shy friends a chance to mingle, these games can make sure everyone has a blast.
Let’s dive into 31 exciting wedding reception games that will bring out the smiles, laughter, and maybe even a bit of friendly rivalry. These activities will keep the energy high, the mood light, and ensure no one wants the party to end!
1. Shoe Game
The Shoe Game is a wedding classic, and for good reason! It’s a delightful way to let guests learn a bit more about the newlyweds in a fun, lighthearted way. The couple sits back-to-back, each holding one of their own shoes and one of their partner’s. The host asks questions like, “Who is the better cook?” or “Who said ‘I love you’ first?” and the couple raises the shoe of the person who fits the description.
This game is an easy crowd-pleaser that gets everyone laughing without any pressure on the participants. Plus, it’s a fun way for your guests to discover those small quirks about your relationship that make you unique! It allows everyone to feel connected to the couple’s journey in an entertaining and relaxed manner.
2. Wedding Bingo
Who doesn’t love a good game of Bingo? Wedding Bingo adds a personalized twist to a well-loved favorite. Create bingo cards with various wedding-related scenarios, such as “bride and groom kiss,” “someone makes a toast,” or “a guest is caught dancing wildly.” Hand them out at the beginning of the reception, and watch as guests eagerly mark off the boxes throughout the night.
This game encourages guests to pay attention to all the little moments that make the reception special. It’s also a great conversation starter, giving people an excuse to connect with those sitting nearby. A small prize for the winner always keeps the excitement high and gives everyone something to aim for.
3. The Nearly-Wed Game
Think of this as a spin on “The Newlywed Game,” but for your guests! The idea is to quiz some of your guests about how well they know you as a couple. Ask fun questions like, “Where did the couple go on their first date?” or “What is the bride’s favorite dessert?” This game will keep your guests on their toes and give them a chance to show how much they know about your journey together.
Pick a mix of close friends and family for this, and you’ll end up with funny, heartwarming moments that will have everyone laughing. It’s a playful way to share stories and anecdotes from your relationship, letting guests feel like they’re part of your love story. This game also helps foster a sense of closeness among guests.
4. Photo Scavenger Hunt
This one’s perfect for getting guests involved in capturing memories from all around the reception. Provide a list of photo challenges, like “a picture of someone laughing,” “a group selfie,” or “someone dancing with the bride.” Guests can then use their phones to complete the list throughout the evening.
Not only does this add a layer of fun to the evening, but it also ensures you end up with a ton of unique, candid photos that capture moments your photographer might miss. Offering a prize for the guest or group who completes the list first adds an extra level of excitement. It’s also a great way to keep the guests entertained and engaged all night long.
5. Giant Jenga
If you’re looking for a game that’s both simple and loads of fun, a giant version of Jenga can do the trick. Set it up in an open area and let your guests play throughout the night. Watching people nervously remove blocks while the tower wobbles can be hilariously nerve-wracking for everyone.
To add a wedding twist, write fun dares or questions on each block. When someone pulls a block, they have to complete whatever’s written on it—like “give the bride a compliment” or “show your best dance move.” This adds an element of surprise and ensures there are plenty of laughs throughout the game.
6. Dance-Off
Who doesn’t love a good dance-off? This game is all about getting everyone moving and keeping the dance floor packed. Choose a few willing participants, or let everyone join in as the DJ plays different songs—each round could have a different dance style, like disco, salsa, or even silly freestyle.
The crowd can cheer for their favorites, and you can even crown a “dance king” or “dance queen” for the night. It’s an incredible way to loosen up the atmosphere and make sure everyone, from kids to grandparents, gets in on the fun. It’s also a great way to highlight different personalities and bring everyone together in a carefree way.
7. Mad Libs – Wedding Edition
Everyone loves a good laugh, and wedding-themed Mad Libs are an easy way to get those giggles going. Create Mad Libs with stories about the couple’s journey, leaving blanks for adjectives, nouns, and verbs. Pass them around to tables during dinner and let your guests fill them out.
Later in the evening, the funniest ones can be read out loud for everyone to enjoy. It’s a low-pressure game that can be hilarious, especially with a crowd that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The stories also serve as an icebreaker for guests who might not know each other well.
8. Ring Toss
Want to add a carnival-like atmosphere to your wedding? A ring toss game can be a great way to do that! Set it up outdoors (or even indoors if space allows) and let your guests try their luck. You can personalize it by using champagne bottles or bottles with your initials on them.
This is especially fun during cocktail hour, giving guests something lighthearted to do while waiting for dinner to be served. It adds a playful touch to the evening, making sure everyone has something fun to do besides just sitting around.
9. The Kissing Menu
Forget clinking glasses! Set up a “kissing menu” instead. Each table has a menu of tasks they must complete if they want the bride and groom to kiss. It could be “sing a love song,” “do a group dance,” or “tell a funny story about the couple.”
This gets everyone involved, ensuring lots of laughs and adorable moments while letting guests feel like they’re part of the romance. It makes the act of getting the couple to kiss more creative and fun, creating memories that will last long after the night is over.
10. Guess the Love Story
Guests love to hear about how a couple came to be. Create a cute game where you write down milestones of your relationship—like “first date,” “first trip together,” or “the proposal.” Then, ask guests to try and put them in the right order.
You could even include some funny fake milestones to make it more entertaining! It’s a fantastic way for everyone to learn more about your relationship and reminisce about the journey that brought you to your wedding day. It’s an interactive activity that gets everyone involved in your story.
11. Hula Hoop Contest
This game is perfect for breaking the ice and getting people of all ages to join in. Set aside a space and start a hula hoop contest—whoever can keep their hoop spinning the longest wins a prize. You’d be surprised how competitive this can get, and it’s always fun watching people’s determination to keep that hoop going.
It’s also a great game to keep the kids busy while the adults enjoy mingling or hitting the dance floor. The hula hoop contest adds a touch of nostalgia and ensures everyone is entertained.
12. Table Trivia
Want to encourage guests to interact with the people at their table? Table Trivia can do just that. Create trivia cards about the couple, and place them on each table. The questions could be anything from “Where did the couple meet?” to “What is their favorite movie to watch together?”
Have the tables work together to answer all the questions. It’s a fun way for guests to bond and learn a bit more about the happy couple. This game also helps break the ice for guests who might not know each other well, making it easier for everyone to mingle.
13. Cornhole
If you’re hosting an outdoor reception, cornhole is an excellent choice. It’s laid-back and easy for guests of all ages to join in. You can customize the boards with your names, wedding date, or even your favorite colors to make it more personal.
Cornhole is a great game that doesn’t require a ton of attention, so guests can chat, sip on cocktails, and still have a little competition. It’s also great for keeping the energy lively without taking over the entire reception.
14. Musical Chairs with a Twist
Why not bring a childhood favorite into the mix with a grown-up twist? Musical chairs is simple and always entertaining. Play some great tunes, and have everyone rush to find a seat when the music stops—just make sure the chairs are sturdy enough for some competitive fun!
To add a wedding-themed element, make each round different by having participants do a little spin, dance, or funny walk while they move around the chairs. It’s a great way to keep things light-hearted and fun.
15. Best Advice for the Couple
Set up a station with notecards and pens, and ask guests to write down their best (or funniest) advice for the couple. This can be anything from relationship advice to tips on how to handle in-laws. Later in the night, the couple can read some of these aloud, making for heartfelt or hilarious moments.
This isn’t exactly a “game” in the traditional sense, but it’s a wonderful way to get guests involved while also creating keepsakes to look back on. The advice cards also provide moments of humor and genuine affection, creating a unique memento.
16. Limbo
Limbo is always a crowd-pleaser! Set up a limbo bar and see how low guests can go. This game is great for all ages and provides a lot of laughs. Have the DJ play some island-style music to make it feel extra festive.
This is one of those games that works wonders at getting everyone—even those who don’t typically dance—up and moving. It brings a carefree vibe to the event and adds a playful element to the reception.
17. Flip Cup Team Challenge
For those with a fun-loving crowd who don’t mind a little competition, a Flip Cup challenge could be the perfect fit. Set up a long table, divide guests into teams, and see who can complete the line first. It’s energetic, exciting, and sure to get everyone cheering.
It’s also a great icebreaker for blending different friend groups, especially if people haven’t met before. The high energy of the game brings people together and keeps the atmosphere lively.
18. Guess Who, Bride or Groom?
This game tests how well your guests know the newlyweds! Prepare a list of fun facts and quirky habits about the bride and groom, then have guests guess who each fact applies to. Statements could be things like “This person loves to sing in the shower” or “This person is terrified of heights.”
Guests can hold up signs or write their guesses down. It’s always funny to see the guesses, especially when they’re wrong! This game is sure to lead to lots of laughs and can even reveal a few surprises.
19. Beer Pong (Classy Edition)
Who says beer pong can’t make an appearance at a wedding? Give this college favorite a classy twist by using champagne or sparkling water. Set up a couple of tables, and watch as guests compete in pairs. It’s perfect for an outdoor or laid-back reception, and the winner can be awarded a special prize.
It’s a great way to get your friends from college feeling nostalgic and in the party mood. It brings a light-hearted sense of fun and competition that will keep the reception buzzing.
20. Wedding Word Search
Create custom word search puzzles that feature wedding-themed words or even the names of the bride, groom, and bridal party members. This game works well for guests who prefer a quieter activity or for children who need some entertainment during dinner.
You can leave the puzzles at each table, and they’ll make for a cute keepsake for guests as well. It’s a simple way to keep guests entertained while adding a personalized touch.
21. Karaoke Corner
If your guests love to sing, setting up a karaoke station could be a game-changer. Create a small stage area, and let guests choose from a list of their favorite songs. You can even throw in some classic love ballads to make it more fitting for the occasion.
It’s bound to bring out some hidden talent (or some not-so-hidden enthusiasm), and everyone will enjoy the spectacle. Karaoke also gives guests an opportunity to let loose and express themselves in a unique way.
22. Paper Airplane Toss
Set up a paper airplane toss game where guests fold paper airplanes and try to fly them through hoops or into designated targets. To add a personal touch, provide decorated paper that matches your wedding theme.
It’s fun, it’s simple, and it’s surprisingly entertaining to see whose plane flies the furthest or with the most style. This game offers a playful distraction and gets everyone’s creative side involved.
23. He Said, She Said
In this game, the couple provides funny or cute statements that one of them has said, and guests have to guess whether it was the bride or groom who said it. Statements can be anything from “I’m the one who always forgets to do the laundry” to “I’m the better cook.”
You can provide paddles with “He Said” and “She Said” on them, or simply ask guests to point to who they think it was. This game adds a personal touch and lets guests in on the couple’s dynamic. It’s a sweet and funny way to highlight the personalities of both partners.
24. Wheel of Dares
Set up a spinning wheel with different dares and challenges for guests. Examples might include “take a selfie with the bride,” “do a funny dance move,” or “share your best marriage advice.” Place the wheel somewhere guests can easily access, and watch them get creative and silly.
It’s a great way to keep everyone laughing and engaged throughout the night. The dares can be customized to fit the crowd, making sure everyone feels comfortable participating.
25. Who Has the Ring?
This game involves passing around a fake ring (or any small object) while everyone sits in a circle. One person stands in the middle of the circle, and when the music stops, they have to guess who has the ring. It’s a simple yet suspenseful game that works for all ages.
The guessing adds an element of mystery, and it’s a fun way to get everyone—even those not on the dance floor—involved. It brings a sense of light-hearted tension and gets everyone participating.
26. Memory Lane Quiz
Prepare a quiz that features questions about your relationship milestones. Include questions like “What year did we first meet?” or “Where did we go on our first vacation?” Give your guests answer sheets and see who knows the most about your journey as a couple.
It’s both nostalgic and interactive, letting guests reminisce about some of the highlights of your story together. This quiz helps guests feel more connected to your journey, making them even more invested in celebrating your love.
27. Mini Golf Challenge
If your venue allows for it, set up a mini-golf challenge area. You can have a few holes set up for guests to try their luck. Make it competitive by keeping a scorecard and offering a prize to the guest with the lowest score at the end of the night.
This game keeps everyone entertained, and even those who are less athletically inclined will enjoy giving it a shot—pun intended! It’s a relaxed and enjoyable activity that doesn’t demand too much from guests.
28. Bride vs. Groom Dance Battle
If the couple is up for it, organize a bride vs. groom dance battle. Pick your own team from the guests, and have a showdown on the dance floor. Each side can have a couple of rounds, and the DJ or MC can pick fun songs to dance to.
The best part? The guests get to decide the winner based on their cheers. It’s a surefire way to get everyone excited and rallying for their favorite team. It adds an element of fun competition that gets everyone involved and cheering.
29. Piñata Fun
Why not add a playful twist with a wedding piñata? Fill it with candy, small toys, or even mini bottles of alcohol, and let guests take turns trying to break it open. This game is best suited for outdoor weddings where there’s plenty of space.
A piñata brings out everyone’s inner child and creates an element of surprise that’s entertaining for both participants and spectators. It’s a fantastic way to add an unexpected twist to your reception and ensure there are plenty of laughs.
30. Lawn Games Galore
Sometimes, the best wedding reception games are the classics. Think along the lines of lawn bowling, croquet, or even sack races. These games are easy to set up, fun for all ages, and give guests something interactive to do when they want a break from dancing.
The beauty of lawn games is that they’re casual—people can join in and leave whenever they want, making it a perfect option for an ongoing reception activity. They help create a relaxed, social atmosphere that encourages guests to interact.
31. Wedding Couple Pictionary
Divide your guests into teams and play a few rounds of wedding-themed Pictionary. Include prompts like “wedding cake,” “honeymoon,” or “first dance.” It’s a great icebreaker that will have everyone laughing as they try to guess their teammates’ artistic attempts.
The best part? Watching people try to draw complex phrases under pressure always leads to some funny moments. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to ensure that everyone, regardless of their drawing skills, can join in the fun.
Conclusion
A wedding is more than just a ceremony—it’s a day full of shared laughter, heartfelt moments, and cherished memories. Adding games to your reception can make sure that everyone, from the youngest flower girl to the eldest grandparent, is part of the joy and celebration. Whether it’s a classic like the Shoe Game or something as quirky as giant Jenga, these activities will help keep the party lively, relaxed, and absolutely unforgettable.
So, as you plan your wedding day, don’t forget to sprinkle in a little friendly competition and laughter. The right mix of games can create connections between your guests, fill the room with laughter, and ensure that your big day is talked about for years to come!
Which of these games are you most excited to include at your wedding? Feel free to share your favorites, or let us know if you have your own entertaining ideas that have made a wedding day extra special!