Fun Guest Entertainment at Outdoor weddings

Hi! Hindsight Bride here again. I have to admit something to you: I sometimes find the standard wedding entertainment formula a bit boring. Don't you? You know, the cocktail hour followed by the reception, followed by some dinner, a little dancing, cake cutting and more dancing. OK, OK, it's true, the dancing *is* fun. But when you're going to wedding after wedding, and they all follow the same formula, they begin to feel like...well...like they're all the same. Sorry.

But what is really, really fun...especially for outdoor weddings...is when the guests have something else to do besides sit at their tables or dance. Something to bond over. Something to help break the ice among strangers. Something like--I'll come to my point here--yard games.

Image from 100 Layer Cake

Speaking in hindsight, yard games were a smashing hit at our outdoor wedding in Cashiers, NC. We practically planned an outdoor wedding just for the bocce factor. And guess what, the guests loved it. The kids were entertained, the men bonded, and I had visible evidence that everyone was having fun.

Image from Anna Kuperberg via the Wedding Photo Journalist Association

There are all sorts of yard games you can incorporate. Bocce and croquette are obvious and easy choices, but what about an old-fashioned Nerf football? We *are* in the South after all! Consider incorporating special games you and your fiancee played as children, or bring back an old-fashioned game that your parents or grandparents played. I know badminton was popular in my household and Californians, like the Hindsight Groom, love their volleyball.

Image from Once Wed

If you're not especially fond of outdoor games, look around your venue for other features to play up. Is there a swing around? Animals? An beautifully landscaped outdoor garden, or a museum exhibit? For example, the Hindsight Groom and I arranged for two historic house tours at the Zachary-Tolbert House, where we held our wedding.

Image from Style Me Pretty

The point is this: I am a firm believer in making every effort to ensure that your guests are comfortable and having a good time. That could mean making sure their are not too hot or cold; that they remain dry; that they have enough to eat and drink; that the band or DJ is awesome. Of course it could mean a number of things depending on the type of wedding you're going for.

Image from Two Ring Studio via Flickr

But if you're an outdoorsy bride going for a fun, laid back feel. Consider incorporating games into you entertainment options.