35 Wedding Reception Games for 2025
Planning the perfect wedding reception involves more than just selecting a beautiful venue and arranging a delicious menu.
One delightful way to ensure everyone has a great time is by incorporating fun and engaging wedding reception games.
In this article, I’ll share 35 wedding reception games that cater to various tastes, ensuring a memorable and joyous occasion for all.
Let’s begin!
Wedding Reception Games
1. The Shoe Game
This game involves the newlyweds sitting back-to-back, each holding one of their shoes and one of their partner’s shoes.
The MC asks a series of questions like “Who said ‘I love you’ first?” or “Who is the better cook?”
The couple raises the shoe of the person they think is the answer to each question. This game is sure to bring lots of laughter and reveal fun insights about the couple.
2. Photo Scavenger Hunt
Equip each table with a list of must-capture moments and disposable cameras or encourage guests to use their phones with a custom wedding hashtag.
The list can include moments like “a group selfie,” “someone proposing a toast,” or “the bride and groom sharing a kiss.”
This game encourages mingling and results in a collection of candid photos from different perspectives.
3. Giant Jenga
An oversized version of this classic block-stacking game can be a hit at any reception, especially outdoors.
Guests take turns removing blocks from the tower and placing them on top without causing it to topple. It’s a fun, interactive way to keep guests entertained and engaged.
4. Mad Libs
You should provide wedding-themed Mad Libs cards at each table and have guests fill in the blanks with their own words.
You can ask them to create funny stories about the couple or write their own versions of wedding vows.
Collect the completed cards to read later for some guaranteed laughs and keepsakes to remember the day by.
5. Newlywed Trivia
Test how well guests know the bride and groom with a trivia game. Place trivia sheets at each table with questions about the couple’s history, likes, and quirks.
The guest or table with the most correct answers can win a prize, such as taking home the table centerpiece.
10 Wedding Reception Games for Bride and Groom
1. Newlywed Pictionary
Newlywed Pictionary is a fun twist on the classic drawing game. Create cards with wedding-related phrases like “first dance,” “honeymoon,” or “wedding cake.”
Divide your guests into teams, and have each team member take turns drawing the phrase while their teammates guess.
It’s a great way to get everyone involved and laughing as they interpret the artistic skills (or lack thereof) of their friends and family.
2. Love Story Bingo
Create Bingo cards with milestones and fun facts from the couple’s relationship. Examples can include “first kiss,” “first date,” or “engagement location.” Distribute these cards to guests at the beginning of the reception.
Throughout the evening, the MC can call out these milestones, and guests can mark them off. The first guest to get five in a row shouts “Bingo!” and wins a prize.
3. Date Night Jar
Set up a station with a jar, blank cards, and pens. Invite guests to write their favorite date night ideas for the newlyweds and place them in the jar.
This interactive activity entertains guests and provides the couple with a plethora of creative and fun date ideas to enjoy throughout their marriage.
4. Silent Disco
You’ll need to provide wireless headphones with multiple music channels for a silent disco. Guests can choose their favorite tunes and dance to their heart’s content.
This unique experience allows everyone to enjoy different genres of music simultaneously without the noise complaints. It’s a hit for those who love dancing and mingling.
5. Karaoke Love Song Duel
Set up a karaoke machine and encourage guests to sing their favorite love songs. You can organize this as a duet competition where guests perform romantic duets, possibly even challenging the bride and groom to a sing-off.
This game brings a personal touch to the reception, creating memorable moments and lots of laughs.
6. Wedding Guest Bingo
Create Bingo cards with activities or characteristics of guests, such as “has been married for over 20 years,” “is wearing blue,” or “has traveled more than 100 miles to be here.”
Guests mingle to find someone who fits each description and mark off their cards. The first to complete a row or column wins a prize, encouraging interaction and conversation among guests.
7. Giant Kerplunk
You should create a life-sized version of the classic Kerplunk game using a large wire mesh frame filled with colorful balls and sticks. Guests take turns removing sticks, trying to avoid letting too many balls fall.
This game adds a playful, competitive element to your reception and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
8. Spin the Wheel
You’ll need to create a custom wheel with fun activities for guests to perform, such as “bride and groom kiss,” “dance off,” or “give a toast.”
Set up the wheel at a prominent location in the reception area, and let guests spin it throughout the evening.
This spontaneous game keeps the energy high and involves everyone in the festivities.
9. Glow-in-the-Dark Lawn Bowling
Set up a nighttime bowling game with glow-in-the-dark pins and balls. Illuminate the lawn with fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere.
This game adds a unique twist to a classic activity, making it perfect for an evening reception and ensuring your guests have a glowing good time.
10. Musical Bouquet Chair
A wedding twist on musical chairs, guests pass a bouquet around while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the bouquet is eliminated. The last person standing wins a prize.
This game brings a nostalgic, fun element to the reception and gets everyone involved in the playful competition.
10 Wedding Reception Games for Couples
1. Ring Toss
You can set up a classic ring toss game with a wedding twist. Use painted bottles or pegs in your wedding colors and provide guests with rings to toss. This game is easy to set up and can be enjoyed throughout the evening.
Couples can compete against each other to see who has the best aim, adding a bit of friendly competition to the celebration.
2. Flip Cup
Flip Cup is a fun and competitive drinking game. Set up a long table with red Solo cups filled with a drink of your choice (beer, water, or a fun wedding-themed cocktail).
Guests compete in teams to drink from their cup and flip it upside down by flicking the rim. The first team to successfully flip all their cups wins, making for lively entertainment.
3. Name That Song
In this game, when the DJ plays short clips of popular songs, guests must guess the song title as quickly as possible. This game can be tailored to feature the couple’s favorite tunes, adding a personal touch.
The fastest guests can win prizes or get the opportunity to dedicate a song to the couple, making it both fun and meaningful.
4. Guess Who
You can customize a “Guess Who” game with photos of the bride, groom, bridal party, and other significant guests.
Guests can play at their tables, trying to guess who is who based on childhood photos or fun facts.
This game encourages mingling and conversations, as guests share stories and memories about those featured in the game.
5. Croquet
This game is ideal for outdoor receptions, set up as a croquet game on the lawn. This classic game involves hitting wooden balls through hoops using mallets.
Couples can form teams and compete in a relaxed, friendly environment. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and adds a touch of vintage charm to your wedding.
6. Find the Guest
You can create a fun questionnaire with interesting facts about various guests. Hand these out at the start of the reception and have guests mingle to find the individuals matching the descriptions.
This game helps break the ice and gets everyone involved in learning more about each other, fostering a sense of community and connection.
7. Wedding Wheel
You will need to set up a spinning wheel with various tasks and dares for couples to perform, such as “kiss the bride,” “show us your best dance moves,” or “give a toast.”
This spontaneous game keeps the energy high and involves everyone in the celebration, ensuring lots of laughs and memorable moments.
8. Table Dance Challenge
Assign a specific song to each table. When their song plays, everyone at that table must head to the dance floor and show off their best moves.
This game not only keeps the dance floor busy but also ensures that all guests participate in the festivities.
It’s a fun way to encourage even the shyest guests to get up and dance.
9. He Said, She Said
In this game you’ll need to distribute cards with statements like “Who is the better cook?” or “Who said ‘I love you’ first?”
Guests guess whether the statement is true for the bride or groom. The couple then reveals the answers, often leading to surprising and hilarious revelations.
This game is a great way to engage guests and share more about the couple’s relationship.
10. Couple’s Crossword or Word Search
You should create a custom crossword or word search puzzle with hints and trivia about the bride and groom. Distribute these at each table for guests to solve during the reception.
This game is perfect for keeping guests entertained during slower moments and adds a personal touch to the evening’s activities.
10 Wedding Reception Games for Kids
1. Wedding Piñata
Kids love piñatas, and a wedding-themed one can be a hit. Choose a design that matches your wedding colors or features the couple’s initials. Fill it with candy and small toys.
Hang it securely and let the kids take turns trying to break it open. This activity burns off energy and provides a fun treat when the piñata bursts open.
2. Hopscotch/Hula Hoops
You should create a play area with classic games like hopscotch and hula hoops. Draw a hopscotch grid on the ground with chalk and provide several hula hoops.
These games are simple to set up and keep kids active without causing a disruption. They can compete or play individually, making it versatile for various ages.
3. Interactive Centerpieces
You should make centerpieces interactive by using items like Legos or craft supplies. Set up tables with these items, allowing kids to build and create while seated.
This keeps them entertained and involved in the celebration, giving them a chance to display their creations later.
4. Children’s Tent
Set up a special tent for kids, complete with blankets, pillows, and a variety of activities like books, puzzles, and toys.
This designated space allows kids to have their own fun area where they can relax and play, making them feel special and included in the festivities.
5. Do-A-Dot Sheets
To set this game up, provide Do-A-Dot sheets with wedding-themed designs along with bingo markers.
This mess-free and colorful activity is ideal for keeping younger children quietly entertained at their table.
Kids can use the bingo markers to create vibrant dot art on the sheets, allowing them to express their creativity without making a mess.
Just download and print the wedding-themed Do-A-Dot sheets in advance, place them at the kids’ table along with the markers.
6. Card Station
Set up a card-making station with a variety of supplies such as blank cards, crayons, markers, stickers, glitter, and decorative paper. Provide examples or templates to spark creativity and guide the kids.
Encourage them to create congratulatory cards for the bride and groom, and even consider adding a table where they can write personal messages or draw pictures.
This engaging craft station keeps them busy, stimulates their artistic skills, and produces lovely keepsakes for the couple.
7. S’mores Bar
A s’mores bar is an engaging and delicious interactive dessert option that both kids and adults will enjoy.
You should arrange a table with all the necessary ingredients, including marshmallows, a variety of chocolates, and graham crackers.
Ensure to provide safe skewers for roasting. For the heat source, you can use a supervised fire pit or flameless heaters to ensure safety.
The game involves guests assembling their own s’mores by skewing a marshmallow, roasting it over the heat source, and then sandwiching it between pieces of chocolate and graham crackers.
8. Chalkboard Games
You can create erasable versions of classic games like tic-tac-toe, hangman, and dots and squares.
To set this up, simply provide each child with a small chalkboard, some colorful chalk, and a cloth for erasing.
Place these at the kids’ table and let the fun begin. Kids can draw the game grids, play with each other, then easily wipe the boards clean and start over.
9. Donut Bobbing
To set it up, you should tie some donuts to strings and hang them from tree branches or a sturdy stand. Ensure the donuts are at a reachable height for the kids.
The goal of the game is for the children to keep their hands behind their backs and try to eat the donuts using only their mouths.
It’s a hilarious sight and offers a combination of a tasty treat and a fun challenge. This game is sure to bring lots of laughter and joy to your celebration.
10. Amateur Photography
You should provide each child with a disposable camera or instant camera, along with a list of photo challenges to complete during the event.
These tasks can include capturing memorable moments such as the bride and groom sharing a kiss, a group of guests dancing, or even candid shots of laughter and fun.
This activity keeps the kids entertained and results in a collection of unique photos from their perspective, adding an extra layer of charm to the wedding memories.
