Photo: Erin McGinn
While weddings usually bring out a party-all-night kind of vibe and have an atmosphere of continuous fun, they can start to feel, well, a bit boring after a few hours, especially if your wedding is the seventh one your guests have attended that season. Looking for ways to ensure your wedding will be yawn-free? We’ve got your covered.
1. Have Other Activities
Your guests will want an alternative to spending all night dancing or waiting in line to step behind the camera in the photo booth. Pull in fun lawn games or life-size board games, like Jenga or even cornhole.
2. Do Right With a Late-Night Snack
Since guests usually stick around even longer at weddings and party into the wee hours of the morning at the official wedding after party, provide them with a late-night snack to keep them satiated. Space out serving the snack — whether it be burgers, pizza or little finger foods — so it’s available a couple of hours after dinner and wedding cake.
3. Have More Than One Open Bar
If you have a passion for whiskey or whipping up homemade margaritas, include a second or third bar that specializes in your favorite drink. You can even up the personalization of your wedding by including a bar that serves your signature wedding cocktail.
4. Skip the Traditions
Include the traditions and values that mean the most to you and your fiancé, and skip the formalities “just because.” Think about it this way: If you find the traditions meaningless and a little dull, then your wedding guests definitely will. Don’t do something just because you think you have to — it’s your wedding! And your guests want to see your personalities and spirits shine through.
5. Rethink the Sit Down Dinner
Not married to the idea of a three-course meal? Skip it. Instead, go for one of the other awesome alternatives to a sit down feast, whether it be a buffet, food stations, family style or something in between.
6. Say “Yes” to Social Media
In addition to giving your wedding a hashtag, encourage guests to pull out their phones and Snapchat, Instagram and post about your wedding in real-time to whatever other social media site they might prefer.
7. Get Visual With the Speeches
When your maid of honor and best man prepare their speeches, give them the option of creating video or using a photo element to complement their words — giving guests something to look at while they listen will help keep them engaged.
See More: Should We Set Up Activities for Kids Who Will be at Our Reception?
Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.