How do you keep wedding guests entertained?

Short answer

Keep wedding guests entertained by mixing a few simple, low-cost activities with good music and comfortable spaces. Think lawn games, a photo booth, a guest book with prompts, and a well-timed evening quiz or speech.

You do not need to spend a fortune to keep guests happy. The most important thing is a good flow: people enjoy themselves when there is no long gap where they are left waiting. Plan the day so that something is always happening, from the ceremony to the last dance.

During the drinks reception, put out simple lawn games like giant Jenga, cornhole, or croquet. Have a polaroid camera and a scrapbook for guests to leave messages. A selfie station with props is cheap and always popular. For quieter guests, provide a few board games or a crossword about your relationship.

At the meal, keep speeches short and mix them with courses so there is no dead time. After dinner, a photo booth or a caricature artist can fill the gap while the band or DJ sets up. In the evening, you could run a quick quiz about how you met, or have a 'first dance' lesson for anyone who wants to join in. Remember to think about older guests and families: comfortable seating, a quiet room, and a few toys for children can make all the difference.