Reasons and Methods for a Thriving Participation in the After-Party Game (Raffle) that Ensures High Guest Satisfaction

2017.08.05 published

What kind of games are popular for wedding after-parties?

Wedding after-parties with close friends.

One of the biggest concerns for newlyweds or the organizers preparing the after-party is the content of the games that will be played. To create a lively and exciting party, fun games are essential, but…

If only a few people can participate in the after-party games, it can lack excitement. Conversely, if everyone participates, it may take too long or be difficult to manage.

☑ Everyone can participate

☑ Can be completed in a short time with a clear progression

☑ Guests enjoy and are satisfied

Such games are ideal, but it seems that many newlyweds and organizers are struggling to come up with ideas!

We recommend a 【Lottery Draw】!

Don't worry! There is a perfect game that meets all these ideal conditions for the after-party.

That is a 【Lottery Draw】 where everyone can participate!

Prepare some prizes, have the guests vote for the prizes they want, and present them to the lucky draw winners.

It's a very simple game, but the rules are easy to understand, everyone can join, and it ensures that everyone can have fun until the end without any lag in between＊

I have actually attended two wedding after-parties where a lottery draw was conducted, and it was very exciting♡

I will explain in detail how the 【Lottery Draw】 is conducted at wedding after-parties, along with the necessary preparations.

【Lottery Draw】 Required Items List

The items needed for preparing a lottery draw at a wedding after-party are as follows. Aside from the prizes, most items can be found at 100 yen shops＊

☑ Prizes (the ideal number is about one prize for every ten guests)

☑ Voting slips (one for each guest)

☑ Voting box (one for each prize)

☑ Panels with photos of the prizes (one for each prize)

☑ (Slides for rule explanations and prize announcements)

Slides are not mandatory, but having them can make the flow smoother in larger parties♩

【Lottery Draw】 How to do it① Distribute Voting Slips

At the reception, distribute the voting slips to the guests, asking them to write their names on them.

Voting slips shaped like lottery tickets can be purchased at 100 yen shops (Daiso)＊

If you want to make it more elaborate, using instant photos or cards as voting slips is recommended♡

After the lottery draw, collecting the instant photos or cards to compile into an album will serve as a guest book with messages♩

When using postcards as voting slips, you can tape them to the wall of the welcome space with masking tape like this, creating a decorative effect as well◎

Guests who arrive can choose their favorite postcard and write a message to the newlyweds along with their names.

Make sure to inform guests at the reception to keep their voting slips safe until the lottery draw begins＊

【Lottery Draw】 How to do it② Rule Explanation / Prize Announcement

Once the after-party starts and it's time for the lottery draw, the host will explain the rules.

A simple phrase like, “Please choose from the prizes being announced and place your voting slip in the box,” is enough.

It’s best to also specify the deadline for voting (e.g., "Please complete your voting by xx:xx during mingling time").

If there's a projector at the venue, creating a PowerPoint for the rules and displaying it can make it even easier to understand♡

After the rule explanation, the prize announcement follows.

You can announce the prizes while projecting a slideshow of the prize photos, or present them while showing panels with the prize photos.

Adding a "Secret" prize that is revealed after the draw is also recommended! Make the secret prize either the most extravagant or something humorous to create excitement when announcing it♩

【Lottery Draw】 How to do it③ Voting

Once the rules and prize announcements are complete, ask the guests to come to the voting space to cast their votes. Be sure to have a voting box and prize panels set up in the voting area.

When you purchase prizes from online shops specializing in after-party prizes, many of them provide free voting panels, making it convenient＊

For the voting box, you can use a basket or any type of box. Daiso even sells specific voting boxes for lottery draws.

If guests can easily see how many votes each prize received, they can enjoy discussing things like, "This one is popular! Is it going to be hard to win?" or "Only a few voted for this one, it might be a good target!"

If you decide to make the prize panels, use boards from the 100 yen shop and attach A4 printed prize photos to them.

If there are many guests, the voting space might get crowded, so allocate enough time for voting and let them vote at their convenience. Guests who finish voting can freely chat afterward♡

【Lottery Draw】 How to do it④ Drawing / Winner Announcement

Once all votes are cast, it’s time for the drawing and winner announcement!

The couple will take a slip from the voting box and read out the name on it＊

The couple will alternate in drawing slips, and when a groom's guest wins, the groom will call out the guest's name; if a bride's guest wins, the bride should do the same♡

When a guest's name is called, they should come up to the couple to receive their prize and share a brief introduction and a comment＊

Some guests will share memorable episodes with the newlyweds♡

Once all the prizes have been announced, the lottery draw concludes♡ It’s also nice to take a commemorative photo with all the winners and the couple.

Guests can enjoy mingling without getting bored as everyone participates, preventing only a portion from being excited.

The scenes of announcing prizes and winners are filled with cheers and laughter, making it a perfect game for after-parties♡

【Lottery Draw】 Highly Recommended!

I introduced the game and methods for the 【Lottery Draw】 at wedding after-parties. While there are costs involved for the prizes, the preparations and process are not too burdensome, so it should be less stressful for the organizers compared to other games.

If you're looking for games for your after-party, definitely consider the lottery draw! It’s sure to create a wonderful and exciting party experience＊