"Engaging Your Guests: A Collection of Hospitality Ideas to Keep Them Entertained During the Wait for the Reception"

What to Do? The Time Between the Ceremony and Reception.

The length of time between the ceremony and reception is usually about 30 minutes.

During this time, the bride and groom will finish their preparations and have their final discussions, while the guests must wait in the waiting room.

While it would be great if guests could enjoy chatting, if they end up just waiting idly, it could ruin the mood before the reception even begins.

How can we ensure guests have a fun waiting experience?＊

Here are some entertainment ideas that the bride and groom can prepare for their guests.

@ru.023411

Idea for a Fun Waiting Time ① Welcome Drinks

Welcome drinks to quench the guests’ thirst are not just nice to have... they're almost essential!＊

Since male guests often come empty-handed and female guests typically bring small party bags, very few will bring bottled drinks.

After the ceremony, when they are thirsty, welcome drinks are greatly appreciated. A little alcohol or soft drinks will suffice, but having non-alcoholic cocktails or champagne can significantly boost their satisfaction.◎

A wonderful idea is to prepare craft beer!

Another popular choice among brides is to prepare “Welcome Turmeric” as a special drink.♡

@locomai_wd1008

Idea for a Fun Waiting Time ② Cheki Messages

Cheki messages involve having each guest take a cheki (instant photo) and write a comment for the bride and groom.

Simply having fun taking photos and writing comments will make the waiting time fly by!♡

Have multiple cheki cameras and pens ready to avoid long queues.

Additionally, it might be helpful to assign a few friends to encourage guests to participate, as they may not notice the setup at first.◎

@min_no_arukikata

Collected chekis can be displayed on a corkboard or arranged in a way that allows everyone to see and enjoy them, which makes it even more exciting!♡

Looking back at these chekis will also be a joy after the wedding.＊＊

Idea for a Fun Waiting Time ③ Group Messages

Instead of using chekis, another idea is to have guests write messages on other items.♡ Guests will likely enjoy writing together.

While regular paper or boards can work, using items related to the bride and groom or some unique items (like a surfboard, stuffed animals, large photos, etc.) will create a livelier atmosphere.◎

Preparing a wedding tree or wedding Jenga could also be fun!♡

The key is to create elements that elevate the wedding spirit for the guests.＊

@piiipochan_

Idea for a Fun Waiting Time ④ Dress Color Guessing Game

The dress color guessing game is another entertainment option that guests can enjoy during the waiting time between the ceremony and reception.

Comments like “Since XX loves pink, it must be pink!” or “Let’s go for the unexpected and guess blue!” will spark conversations among friends.♡

Even brides who won’t change their dress can include quizzes related to the couple, which might also be appreciated.＊

@alice1123_wedding

Idea for a Fun Waiting Time ⑤ Photo Display

The waiting time between the ceremony and reception is also an opportunity for guests to take a good look at the bride's carefully arranged welcome space.＊

Instead of just displaying stylish items, have plenty of photos of the couple that guests can take their time enjoying.

@yuih_wd

Especially for brides who typically don’t post on social media, photos in the welcome space could be the only way for guests to get a glimpse of the couple’s everyday life.

Of course, include pre-wedding photos and many memories that the couple has shared.

Some brides have even created albums to showcase.◎

For tips on stylish photo displays, check out this article.♡

➡ Eight Stylish Ways to Display Photos in Your Welcome Space♡

@_ra_wedding_

Idea for a Fun Waiting Time ⑥ Photo Booth and Photo Props

Once the reception starts, guests won’t have much time to take photos with each other. Therefore, plan something fun to encourage guests to take photos during the waiting time.

Set up a cute photo booth and provide props that enhance the wedding atmosphere!♡

When guests send you the photos taken with the props, it will surely make you happy — you’ll definitely feel it was worth preparing!

@mochan_40

Idea for a Fun Waiting Time ⑦ Happy Touch Display

A popular recent item is the "Happy Touch Display."

It allows everyone to take photos together, doodle like in a purikura (photo booth), and print immediately, offering lots of fun elements.♡

You can also display greeting videos or the couple’s profiles, so having one will certainly make the waiting time enjoyable!

Since it can't be individually arranged, be sure to inquire with the venue if you’d like to incorporate it.＊

➡ Next-Gen Welcome Board?! Photo Booth at Wedding Venues?! The Happy Touch Display is Amazing!

Idea for a Fun Waiting Time ⑧ Wall Letters and Letter Trees

The wall letter idea involves displaying letters with messages directed to each guest. By taking the time to read them during the waiting period, guests' feelings will be elevated.♡

Since there isn’t always time to talk with each guest individually, expressing gratitude through letters is a great idea.

@smileorsmile1008

An original idea is to have a letter tree where guests can hang their letters!♡

Guests were able to write their replies during the waiting time and then put them back in envelopes.

How wonderful it is to exchange letters during the wedding waiting time!

This way, whether it’s 20 minutes or 30 minutes waiting, there’s no chance of getting bored!♡

@yuki_txs

Attention to Guests During Waiting Time ＊

We’ve shared some wonderful ideas to ensure that guests have fun during the waiting period between the ceremony and reception.

Waiting time is also part of the wedding. Let’s make sure that we don’t forget to be considerate of the guests, so that the reception can start on a happy note!＊

@xoxo._.ayaka