What ‘fun’ wedding activities were actually fun?

I went to a wedding where everyone had a little booklet that was like a sort of puzzle book, there was a mini word search, a multiple choice quiz (about half a dozen questions as I recall) about the bride and groom e.g. "where did Dave and Sue meet? (a) a pub, (b) dance class (c) at work" , "What is Dave's favourite food" type things. There was a little "souvenir" pencil with it, and it was just meant as something to doodle/mess about with while waiting for things to happen.

Do the quiz instead of the speeches

I wanted a quiz at my wedding but was persuaded against it. So I definitely had to have one at my 40th. I just did a table quiz with sheets dotted about for people to join in if they want.

At work Christmas parties I've organised I've had a "Never have I ever" sheet at tables that got everyone chatting and having a laugh. At another event I had a sheet with things like "highest number of instagram followers / facebook friends"; "most number of letters in full name"; most miles travelled to the event" etc, then each table added up their score and there was a daft prize for the winning table. It got the chat going between everyone.

Are they quick board games or will people find themselves involved in a 3 hour game of monopoly?

no organised "fun" - put out some games etc but leave it to people to use them. nobodys wants to be forced to have fun

It sounds fine. The only mistake you made was describing them as ‘board games’, which makes people think of monopoly or Trivial Pursuit.

Having a few sets of Jenga & Connect 4 type games on the tables isn’t going to pressurise anyone. You might want to put them all out on one table tho so people can choose what they want to play. Other suggestions would be Operation or Buckeroo.

The lawn games also sound nice if the weather is good.

Having recently read a thread about things going wrong at weddings - MAKE SURE THERE’S PLENTY OF FOOD - and the guests aren’t hanging around for too long getting hungry while waiting for the photos etc.

Have a lovely day!

One of my friends had table games out for her wedding in the evening and hardly anyone played them. I think by the evening the day guests are a bit weary and evening guests want a bit of a knees up!

I went to a wedding last year that had a bouncy castle. People (not just children) seemed to love it!

I love your idea. We are getting married next year and we to love a quiz, we are putting 10 questions per person on a bit of paper at the place setting for anyone who wants to do it. They can work on ot whenever they want. We have a prize for the winner.

😳😱🤣

My friend's wedding had a couple of hundred guests in a marquee in a field. They had a good number of guests arrive in vintage vehicles, so you could wander about them parked up and admire them, talk to the owners. For the kids there was a treasure hunt - prize a goodie bag including colouring pencils and books, and a bouncy castle, also tractor and trailer rides which were popular with the grown ups too. But it was quite 'field' orientated not sure how it would have worked had it chucked down with rain!

Shagging the groom’s father was the most fun activity at a wedding I attended:

Absolutely wouldn't go.

Same. It's particularly a nightmare if you're a single guest.

I really appreciated things like croquet / sensible table activities (like a quiz) when I was single.
Loud music and alcohol is my idea of hell.

I went to a wedding that was in a sort of manor house and they did a treasure hunt and you could find drinks tokens for the bar which was good fun!

I'm the complete opposite.
Just drinks and dancing on offer and I'd be making my excuses 😂

That's a pity. Magician could be a fun activity, but they need to read the room

I'm afraid activities at a wedding would be enough to say no thanks to actually going
I went to a wedding recently and it was informal and a disco and bar and it was just lovely to be able to relax and have a drink or three!

Pub quiz sounds good just please don't be one of those couples that makes all the questions about themselves as a couple. Even at your own wedding 🤢

The best fun I ever had at a wedding was playing musical bingo. Songs were from the fifties through to the current day so most people were able to join in (if they wanted).

It only lasted twenty minutes or so but it was a good laugh and a bit of an icebreaker.

I know this wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but you did ask...

What about a private croupier/roulette or something? People can wander up with a drink, have a quick go, walk away. Might feel a bit more evening/party than board games etc. and help things flow a bit more than sitting at tables playing a game.

@Blinko no additional suggestions (sorry). But it sounds like you have some good ideas and are trying to give people options! Who doesn’t like options?!

For the pub quiz timing I would talk to your caterers and see if they have any suggestions. There may be a spot that takes a little longer in service that you could use the time that would otherwise be wasted. Otherwise consider replacing some (all) of the speeches with the quiz.

For the room with the games, I’d also set up a playlist with a speaker (maybe more chilled out music at a lower volume) so it becomes an extension of the party and not afterthought room. You could do a little different theme like a lounge/bar. If possible maybe have a ‘signature’ cocktail/mocktail available- depending on your bar situation.

Make sure you announce in some way the other room. You may find that people don’t play games but take advantage of the quieter atmosphere to chat.

When this room is set up, take the games out of their boxes and set them up so they look played already. Example toss some of the chips into the connect 4 game. Generally people don’t want to be the first to do something so if it looks like someone already played they will be more likely to start a game.

For games I’d include L,R,C… it’s a fun one that lends itself to conversation and dipping in and out.

www.amazon.co.uk/George-Company-LLC-Center-Right/dp/B003I64OT6/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1CBE23U7E1ARB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GlGxm2Afczi3Y6flFc1weo_md6-Px4mtNH14hay0vjYfUoWibhg4yONkozcBxV4X2tL3CCq418gwAAQXgg9515l1w31qIQLpN6BV5mPCAKnIFKSVxhBTVQ8J2k3Rs9S1kQPx-_5ZGaaISmKRYA0DUUk-5X1izzjzHInPuriGbn4izE-nFW8BEVv8vNVUehz8hEagLxqdvKvLKdoCkD_SSeqYkUPQgrL9sfpoA4uqpdj9RjWagJeZYw9Oik9IBg2fw0e5xu1qzy-mT0ihAuziRf229xh0OluWqXu5hkkla-7aRr5xvV3fvSkmZjHmXpInipko_CA5IyAU4DiZJcvu2O7eAUEd5nquZz8d_1i-Q6ycGka5ai4kI-M7C3i_AcO_wPb0ttdQIkb_jc7_bpvqVAtxjtrNYbgPX8u4-4Dcd-gtT_9pmRWxpqkzAmMse_CN.feL_1lMl7gnsQfe40A1lu_TM834c6yEWLR3AUGH-89M&dib_tag=se&keywords=left+right+centre+dice+game&qid=1741630926&sprefix=Left%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-6

Went to a wedding with a magician who came around the tables towards the end of the meal. He was really unwelcome as he couldn't gauge the vibe at each table. Lots of friends catching up who didn't want someone breaking up the conversation. Rather than picking up on the body language and a clear lack of interest, he persisted in going through several tricks rather than taking the hint and seeking out a table in need of entertainment.