Entertaining Your Wedding Guests Between the Ceremony and the Reception

Have you ever arrived at a wedding reception only to wait an extended period of time for the bride and groom because they are taking wedding photos? This transition time between ceremony and reception can be awkward for your guests if you have not planned ahead. There are several things you can do to make this transition go more smoothly for you and your wedding guests.

• Assign a couple of friends or family members to act as reception greeters. Your greeters can point guests in the direction of refreshments, where to place wedding gifts, where to place coats, signing of the guest book, and seating arrangements. Your wedding guests will be thankful to have such knowledgeable assistance when they arrive at your reception.

• Plan to have refreshments for your wedding guests, this can be anything as simple as cookies or candy, to appetizers or vegetable trays. What better way to keep your guests happy and busy than to feed them!

• Prior to your reception, place disposable cameras on the reception tables. Your wedding guests can begin taking photos of each other before the bride and groom arrive and steal the show. You will look back and cherish these fun photos as your guests play around with the cameras.

• Show an ongoing slide show or video of the bride and groom when they were children. Your guests are sure to get a kick out of all your goofy kid pictures!

• Ask a friend or relative who owns a video camera to interview your wedding guests. You will definitely receive some fun and heart-felt comments you will cherish for years to come.

• Provide a coloring table or simple craft table for your younger guests. The adults will be happy the children have something to occupy their time.

• Create a small art gallery from photos you have taken together as a couple. Place your photos along one of the walls in the reception hall and your guests can attend your very own art gallery opening!

Your wedding guests are just that, guests. Don't make them wait around without any direction. Plan ahead and fill the transition time between the ceremony and the reception with entertaining things for your wedding guests to do. Your guests will be pleased and grateful you thought about them!