Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so you want to make sure everything is perfect. From the venue to the caterer, you have a lot of big decisions to make. But don’t forget about the smaller details, like what activities you’ll do on your big day!
Wedding activities are a great way to keep your guests entertained and add some extra fun to your wedding day. There are a lot of different options to choose from, but if you’re looking for something traditional, we’ve got you covered. Here are must-do traditional wedding activities:
Traditional Wedding Activities Ideas
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so you want to make sure everything is perfect. From the venue to the caterer, you have a lot of big decisions to make. But don’t forget about the smaller details, like what activities you’ll do on your big day.
1. The First Dance
The first dance is a classic wedding tradition that is sure to get your guests’ attention. You can choose any song that has meaning to you as a couple, or go with a popular choice like “Love Story” by Taylor Swift.
Not only is the first dance a beautiful moment for you and your spouse, but it’s also a great opportunity for guests to get up and move around after dinner.
2. The Father-Daughter Dance
The father-daughter dance is another sweet moment that is sure to tug at your guests’ heartstrings. This is a chance for fathers and daughters to share a special dance together before the father gives his daughter away.
It’s also a good opportunity for guests to snap some pictures! Popular songs for this dance include “My Girl” by The Temptations and “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle.
3. The Mother-Son Dance
Similar to the father-daughter dance, the mother-son dance is a touching moment between mothers and sons. This tradition allows mothers and sons to share one last dance before the son heads off with his new wife.
Songs that are popular for this dance include “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men and “I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders.
4. Cake Cutting
Cake cutting is one of the most popular wedding traditions, and for good reason! It’s always fun to watch the bride and groom feed each other cake, especially when they end up getting it all over their faces. Be sure to have someone on hand to take pictures (or even better, set up a photo booth so guests can snap their own photos).
5. Bouquet Toss
The bouquet toss is a fun way to involve all of your single guests in your wedding festivities. All of the single ladies will gather in one spot while the bride throws her bouquet over her shoulder into the crowd. The lucky lady who catches the bouquet will be next in line to tie the knot.
6. Garter Toss
The garter toss works just like the bouquet toss, but with one key difference: only married men are allowed to participate! This tradition actually started as a way for guests to remove the bride’s garter as a good luck charm—but we think it’s much more fun to let everyone get in on the action.
7. Dollar Dance
The dollar dance is a great way to get everyone out on the dance floor—especially if there are some shy guests at your wedding. This tradition involves having guests line up so they can take turns dancing with the bride or groom for one song each (while also slipping some cash into their pockets!). Once everyone has had their turn, feel free to open up the floor so everyone can enjoy themselves.
8. Toasts
Toasts are another must-do at any traditional wedding reception. These speeches are typically given by close family members or friends of the couple, and they’re always full of love and well-wishes for the happy newlyweds. Be sure to have someone ready with a microphone so everyone can hear what’s being said!
9. Plan an outdoor ceremony complete with a handfasting ceremony
For a truly unique and memorable wedding ceremony, consider planning an outdoor ceremony complete with a handfasting ceremony. This ancient tradition involves the bride and groom tying their hands together with a cord or ribbon, symbolizing their commitment to each other. Plus, it makes for some gorgeous photos!
10. Have your guests sign a guest book alternative
Another fun way to involve your guests in your wedding is to have them sign a guest book alternative, like a globe or a jigsaw puzzle. Not only will this give you something unique to display in your home, but it’s also a great way for guests to leave their good wishes for you.
11. Adorn the tables with thistles and heather
For a truly Scottish-inspired wedding, adorn the tables with thistles and heather. This classic Scottish decoration is sure to add a touch of whimsy to your reception!
12. Serve shortbread as your wedding favors
Shortbread is a Scottish classic, so it only makes sense to serve it as your wedding favors. These delicious cookies are sure to be a hit with your guests, and they’ll definitely appreciate the thoughtfulness.
13. Send your guests home with tartan ribbons
Another great way to add a unique touch to your wedding is to send your guests home with tartan ribbons. These can be used to decorate invitations or thank-you cards, or even worn as a fun accessory on the big day.
14. Royal Wedding Procession
After the ceremony, the bride and groom will take part in a traditional Royal Wedding procession. This is usually done in a horse-drawn carriage, but if you’re not up for that, you can always opt for a more modern mode of transportation. Just be sure to wave to all of your adoring fans.
15. Mad Libs, the Wedding Edition
This is a fun way to get your guests involved in your wedding festivities! Simply create a Mad Libs-style sheet with blanks for guests to fill in with adjectives, nouns, and verbs. Then, read the finished story aloud at the reception for some laughs.
Unique and Fun Games for wedding
The entrance of the bride and groom into the hall is a very important moment that all eyes will be on. Therefore, you want to make sure that your guests are entertained while they wait for this special moment.
One way to do this is by having some fun and interactive games for them to play. Some classic wedding games that are always a hit include:
1. Piñata
This is a great game for both kids and adults alike. You can have a piñata in the shape of a bride and groom or any other fun design. Fill it with goodies like candy, confetti, and small toys. Then let your guests take turns hitting it until all the goodies fall out
2. Balloon
Pop – Another great game for all ages. Hang up some balloons around the room. Each balloon has a small piece of paper inside with a prize written on it. Guests take turns popping the balloons and claiming their prize.
3. Photo Booth
Set up a photo booth with props and let your guests take fun photos to commemorate the day. You can even have a contest for the best photo.
4. Wedding Trivia
Test your guests’ knowledge of weddings with this fun trivia game. You can ask questions about traditions, famous weddings, or anything else you can think of.
5. Guess the Dress
This is a fun game for a bridal shower or bachelorette party. Show your guests a picture of the bride’s dress and have them guess how many yards of fabric it took to make it, what the designer is, etc.
6. Hula Hoop Contest
This is a great game to get everyone up and moving. See who can hula hoop the longest or do the most creative tricks.
7. limbo
A classic party game that is always a hit. Set up a limbo pole and see how low your guests can go without falling over.
8. Dance Off
Divide your guests into teams and have a dance-off competition. You can play music from different genres or decades and let the teams show off their best moves.
9. Karaoke
Another great way to get everyone up and moving. Set up a karaoke machine and let your guests take turns singing their favorite songs.
10. scavenger hunt
This is a great game to get everyone interacting and moving around. Hide items around the room or venue and have your guests search for them. You can make it as easy or difficult as you want.
These are just a few fun games that you can play at your wedding reception to keep your guests entertained. For more ideas, consult with a wedding planner or event coordinator. They will be able to help you come up with the perfect games and activities for your big day.
conclusion:
Entertaining your guests doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes sticking with tradition is the best way to go. These classic wedding activities are sure to please all of your guests, young and old alike.
Got weddings on your brain? We don’t blame you! Check out our blog for more tips and tricks on how to throw the perfect party.