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How To have a non-traditional wedding reception - 5 simple ideas

Bride and bridesmaids hold disco balls in front of their faces in Peachtree Towers Atlanta, GA

When you think of someone's wedding, you often think of the typical order of events, especially during the reception. You've got your cutesy introductions, first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, toasts, tosses and open dance floor. It can be good to have predictable elements for guests, but if you're tired of the same old cookie-cutter events from the weddings you've seen, here are a few non-traditional wedding reception ideas to mix things up.


  • Photo table challenge: Have your DJ announce that you and your new spouse will be moving quickly from guest table to table for a quick group photo. The challenge is to capture a photo at each table before the song you select ends. This not only provides a fun break during the reception for all guests to participate in, but it also knocks out the pressure of taking photos with every guest. [We chose the F.U.N. song from Sponge Bob Squarepants which was super challenging because it was barely over a minute long!]

Group of wedding guests pose with bride and groom at New Holland Parlor in Gainesville, GA
  • Dance competition: Create a drawing of some sort that would cause guests to enter the competition unknowingly. You could place numbers or cards under the guest seats. At some point in the night, announce the contestants and the particular dance they're to perform in front of everyone. Consider including a prize to pump up the participation!

  • Photo opportunities: More often than not the wedding day is hectic and sometimes you don't get a photo with every guest. One solution is to create a unique photo opportunity of your entire guest list in one shot. At our wedding, we had all our guests throw paper airplanes at us. It's just one way to include everyone in a photo that they have a blast participating in. It also makes for an awesome photo that is wall-worthy.

Bride and groom pose with guests throwing paper airplanes at them in New Holland Parlor in Gainesville, GA
  • Theatrical performance: Hire a team of actors or include your guests to perform at your reception. This could be either a known performance presented to your guests or an act that your guests may think is real. The ideas are limitless and could include a flash mob, murder mystery, or drama that leads to fake cops arresting one of the newlyweds.

  • Games: We're not talking corn hole here. Think of games that would cause guest interaction, especially those that choose not to dance. One example would be a scavenger hunt that gets your guests out of their seats and causes them to meet people they normally would not. And at the end throw in a fun keep sake prize that represents you both!

Bride and groom exit wedding reception on tandem bicycle at the New Holland Parlor in Gainesville, GA

BONUS: Have a tandem bicycle send-off!


Don't be a normie!


Love,

Pheather

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