Summer Wedding Entertainment: Creative Ideas to Keep Your Guests Engaged — The Double Knot | Certified Planners | Weddings and Events

Danielle Armstrong Photography; Pretty Flicks 360

After 17 years of coordinating weddings, the events that we still remember today are the ones that had that little extra flare to keep the guests entertained. Your guests will feel the same way! Think of something unique and fun for your guests to enjoy and they will be talking about it for years to come. Engaging your guests with activities for you Southern California summer wedding is especially easy when the weather is warm so they can enjoy the great outdoors. Read on for some ideas to help you make your day memorable and fun for all!

Interactive Food and Drink Stations

Just like how they say that the way into someone’s heart is through their stomach, weddings are not any different. Your guests will be happy inside and out if they are enjoying a unique food or drink. You can hire a custom drink bar featuring hand selected and refreshing summer cocktails like mojitos, sangrias, mocktails with popsicles, or even a boba station. Or, to keep the party going longer, provide them with some fuel with a midnight snack! Some ideas include comfort foods like pizza, sliders, chicken nuggets, french fries, or a build-your-own ice cream sundae station. Or, if the weather is nice and the venue allows, add a s’mores station for your guests to enjoy late into the evening. If your venue has a drive-up spot, you can even invite a food truck to stop by and pay a visit! In-n-out has a great food truck that is always a hit with your guests! We have seen so many ideas over the years and it never gets old. Smiles are guaranteed at events that include fresh mini donuts, churros, or even cotton candy!

Outdoor Games and Activities

There is nothing more awkward than a bunch of bored people standing around at a party struggling to find things to talk about while waiting for the photos to end at cocktail hour. Help them mingle and strike up some conversations by giving them games or activities to do together! Instant bonding will occur, and memories will be created when you provide cornhole or giant Jenga to play in that gorgeous outdoor space. We once had a golf course set up a tee box nearby to set up glow ball so guests could try out their swing in the dark!

Or, you can create endless silly fun with a white bounce house (you heard me) or a photobooth and props! Bonus: the photo strips from the photobooth can also double as wedding favors that your guests will never throw away AND you will have hundreds of fun photos of your guests enjoying your party to keep forever! Photobooths are where personalities truly shine bright!

Danielle Armstrong Photography; Bounce Couture

Wedding Reception Entertainment

Or, if you want to spice up the entertainment factor of your party, hire a live band, soloist, or other type of performer to wow your guests! We have seen lion dancers, aerialists, and ballerinas perform during receptions and they truly are the cherry on top of an incredible memorable night. One time we even surprised the groom with an attack by Darth Vader and two Storm Troopers! It was the surprise of a lifetime! The guests will never forget that moment (and the groom won’t either).

Montana Dennis Photography; Ellectric Arts

Useful Summertime Wedding Favors

You could even add some summertime fun into your wedding favors! Sunglasses, or personalized fans would be fun, useful favors for your guests to use during your event to keep the cool and they will continue to use them well after the event. Or, grab some flip-flops and put them in a basket for the ladies to grab during the dance party after they kick off their heels. They will be comfortable during the event, stay a little longer and use those flip-flops well after the party is over. In the spirit of summer reusable items, you could make custom tote bags and fill them with beach towels, sunscreen, waterbottles, and snacks. We have seen those make great welcome gifts for your out-of-town guests as well! Because of these little extra touches, your guests will be reminiscing about your event for years to come every time they use those favors.

Conclusion

We hope you liked these fun ideas to help your summertime wedding become more than just dinner and dancing. When the weather is warm, and the sun is shining, the ideas for guest entertainment is unlimited. If budget is a concern, don’t feel like you have to do all the things. Just pick one or two of the areas above to add a little extra. A little goes a long way and your guests will be talking about it for years to come! Happy planning!