What is the best idea you ever heard for making your reception FUN?

StephBow

Yes, there are the normal things that happen at a reception - dancing to the YMCA, feeding each other the cake, toasts, Aunt Carla getting drunk and asking out the best man (maybe that is just my family).  However, what are some innovative, fun, and memorable things you have witnessed or hosted at a wedding reception. 

For instance, we both have large families, so there will be many children at the wedding.  We are having a special kids area of the reception where we will serve special kids food, have some games, etc.  I just want people to have FUN. 

MyNameIsNot

Not exactly innovative, but I'm pretty sure the open bar and good DJ had a lot to do with making our wedding a blast.

ErinC85

Something we considered and I'm undecided about, is bringing in a professional or whoever and teaching everyone a dance. I've been to big parties where this was done and its actually a lot more fun than you expect. My future in-laws are from overseas so we thought of everyone learning a traditional fun dance from their culture as a way to welcome and include them in spite of a language barrier. 

Lasairiona

Since you're haivng kids, they love to dance. Let them dance right along side the adults and they'll have a blast. They'll enjoy that much more than being chained to a tv or a table with coloring books.

As for the adults, if they don't dance, they will mingle. No need to do anything out of the ordinary to force them to have a good time because adults know how to entertain themselves.

aerinpegadrak

We might have Rock Band set up off to one side.  Haven't decided yet.  But I think with good music, food, and booze, people will enjoy the party.

Gordonsgal

A fun thing that we're thinking of doing (if we have room in our budget)... is a photobooth. I think they look like a lot of fun and you would get a lot of great memories out of it!

secour

I was thinking of having an artist come in to draw cartoon-like pictures of the guests.  It only takes less than 5 minutes per person and only the people who wants them would go over to have a portrait drawn.  I was thinking of paying him $5 per portrait done plus dinner.  But due to budget reasons, I decided against it.  I also thought about face painting for the kids.  And even a comedian friend to come in and "roast" us (the bride and groom) - but not roast us too bad, just enough to get a good laugh.

sarah0725

My idea of a good time is to booze up and dance.

StephBow

Thanks everyone!  I don't want to bombard everyone with planned activities but have some things to do in case someone wanted something.  I will for sure let the kiddos dance along!  Great idea.  We are having Rock Band in the area where the groomsmen are getting ready.  I will see if they think we should move it over. 

Thank you all a ton. 

lyndausvi

good food, lots of free booze, good music all equal a fun reception in my book.

Jabby2010

We are planning to have our favoirte things as table "numbers" Dumbledore Table
Power Rangers Table
Frodo Table
and so on...

mbcdefg

As long as there's good food and free drinks, and if the DJ doesn't play so loud that I can't hear myself think, I consider it to be a nice wedding.

I love cocktail hour stations ... pasta made-to-order, carving stations, wok stations, etc. Plus fun or unusual passed hors d'oeuvres. Dessert buffets are also big in my area ... it's nice to get little samples of a bunch of different treats.
 
I attended one wedding that had a photobooth and really enjoyed that.

kjkummer

Like a few people said, we are having a photobooth.  I tried one out at a tasting and was hooked!  The company even prints out a second print and puts it in a memory book that our guest sign.  I'm so excited about it!  I booked it before I booked my photographer haha!

Some people are happy with just food, booze and dancing, but I don't really like dancing (I feel like an idiot) so it's a fun way to get people excited and let loose.  then they'll all end up on the dance floor!

karenzstuff

how can I find a Photo Booth Rental for my Son's upcoming Wedding?

bbyckes

Good company, good food, good music and good booze = a fun reception.  I think those are the basic foundations.  You can't force fun.

gailpete

***karenzstuff***

Google "photo booth rental texas" and some options will pop up.

sweetviolet

Sarah - just read your bio, and I think your plan to get married in the elephant ROCKS!!! I would totally get married there too if I could - I'm SOOO jealous!!!