While the ceremony and reception are undoubtedly the heart of the day, the gap between these two sections of the day, sometimes referred to as the ‘cocktail hour’ can drag and we, at Encore, are often asked how do you entertain wedding guests between the ceremony and reception?
In this guide, we explore creative and charming ways to keep the celebration alive during this transitional period. From photobooths to jazz trios to caricature artists, we will delve into a variety of wedding entertainment ideas available to inspire you.
How much time should be between the wedding ceremony and reception?
The ideal amount of time between your wedding ceremony and reception depends on a few factors, but generally, 60 to 90 minutes is a good rule of thumb. This gives your guests enough time to:
- Relax and mingle: After the emotional rollercoaster of the ceremony, guests will appreciate a chance to unwind and chat with each other.
- Enjoy refreshments: A cocktail hour with drinks and snacks is a great way to keep guests happy and occupied while you’re taking photos or having portraits done.
- Travel to the reception venue: If your ceremony and reception are being held at different locations, you’ll need to factor in travel time.
Here are some additional things to consider:
- The length of your ceremony: If your ceremony is on the shorter side, you may want to have a longer gap between the two events. Conversely, if your ceremony is longer, you may want to shorten the gap.
- The time of day: If your wedding starts early in the day, you may want to have a shorter gap so guests don’t get too hungry. If your wedding is starting later in the day, you may want to have a longer gap so guests have time to freshen up before the reception.
- The formality of your wedding: If your wedding day is formal, you may want to have a longer gap to allow for more traditional elements, such as receiving lines and speeches. If your wedding is more casual, you may want to have a shorter gap.
Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance that allows for a comfortable transition while keeping the momentum of the celebration. If you’re not sure how much time to allow, talk to your wedding planner or other vendors for advice.
Ideas to Keep Guests Entertained Between the Ceremony and Reception
- Garden Games: A wedding scavenger hunt through the venue, with clues hidden in floral arrangements and under the vicar’s dog-eared hymnal, is a giggle-inducing way to break the ice. Or, put together a “Guess the Lovebird” quiz on the happy couple, with embarrassing childhood photos and ridiculous dating app bios as ammo.
- Photobooths: Set up a photo booth with silly props and backdrops – oversized sunglasses shaped like flamingos, cardboard cutouts of the Queen, you name it. Guests can be their own paparazzi, creating memories that’ll make even Uncle Cyril crack a smile. Bonus points for instant-print cameras so they can take their silliness home.
- Caricaturist: Get arty with it! Hire a caricaturist to capture guests’ hilarious likenesses, set up a “guest book mural” for everyone to add their artistic flourish, or have a potter’s wheel going for impromptu clay creations. Think of it as therapy with bonus souvenirs.
- Jazz trio: A trio of vintage-clad jazz singers belting out Gershwin and Ella Fitzgerald tunes will transport your guests to a bygone era of glitz and glamour. Think flapper dresses, dapper suits, and toes tapping to the Charleston.
- Guided Venue Tours: If your wedding venue has picturesque surroundings or historical significance, offer guided tours to showcase its beauty. This is a fantastic way to keep guests engaged while providing them with interesting insights into the venue’s charm. A knowledgeable guide can share anecdotes, making the experience both informative and entertaining.
- String Quartet: Elevate the sophistication of the interlude with a string quartet. The timeless elegance of classical music adds a refined touch to the atmosphere that is hard to recreate with other musicians. You can select classical pieces or contemporary songs arranged in a classical style to suit your taste.
- “Find the Guest Bingo”: Design bingo cards with quirky descriptions of your guests (“Has danced on a table” or “Knows all the words to Bohemian Rhapsody”). This can be a great conversation starter for guests who may not know each other as well and you can offer prizes to keep people motivated.
- Folk Band: If your big day has a rustic or countryside theme, consider incorporating a folk band into the entertainment mix. The upbeat and lively tunes of a folk ensemble can infuse the gathering with a sense of joy and celebration, creating a charming and memorable experience for your guests.
- Polaroid Guestbook: Encourage guests to take Polaroid photos and leave messages in a creative guestbook. This can be a fun way to kill time and help guests meet each other as they can ask to take pics of one another.
- Mixology Station: Let guests create their own signature cocktails under the guidance of a skilled mixologist.
- Acoustic Duo: If your wedding venue boasts picturesque gardens or outdoor spaces, enhance the natural beauty with an acoustic performance. An acoustic duo can create an intimate and relaxed ambience, allowing guests to unwind and appreciate the surroundings.
Final thoughts
Hopefully this guide has given you enough ideas on how to entertain your guests between ceremony and reception but remember, the key is to cater to your guests and the vibe of your special day. Whether it’s a garden fete with lawn games or a swanky soiree with a fortune teller, make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And relax! Your guests are there to celebrate with you, so let the laughter flow like the bubbly, and enjoy the pre-wedding reception lull – it’s all part of the magical day.
Inspired? Check out our collection of professional wedding entertainers who are ready to keep the wedding buzz alive during the gap between the ceremony and reception.