Wedding Blog

I attended a wedding last summer where I was the honorary “Games Mistress.” (The bride also had bodyguards, not bridesmaids) As Games Mistress my job was to host a series of organized games on a schedule so that there was something going on in an organized fashion. Without someone coordinating it could be hard to get people going with things like croquet or bocci. If you announce that a game of bocci is starting in ten minutes, and then in five and you get someone enthusiastic to go around and recruit people then the game actually happens and it can continue to happen (it’s like breaking the ice).

Other games that we played:
-Three legged races
-Twister (it rained all day, so it turned into mud twister, if there are kids around it might be best to have two games - the kids game and the adults game, the men got brutal)
-water balloon toss
-obstacle course race

Have fun!

Oh and drinking badminton was a bit hit too, although I’m sure it was fun without the drinking…

MK - as for things to do during a sitdown ballroom reception without dancing I’d suggest games that were at the table (depending on how formal you’re going) or scheduled events that are “different”
- Boardgames
- Cards
- Those DJ games that are sometimes fun about who gets the centerpiece or who has the most credit cards in their wallet
- Bingo
- Slide show
- Live Entertainment (mariachi band, professional dance ensemble, acrobats, fire eaters, etc)
- The usual suspects of events - garter toss, bouquet toss, cake cutting, first dance, etc.

okay, while i’d probably never would have thought of this myself, i love the idea! i’m excited and it’s not even my wedding. haha, i do like the above suggestions and i wish i could add one. i can’t wait to see how this turns out.

Agree with irene — provide folding chairs for the elderly, pregnant, bad backs, etc.

I’d say focus on a few main broad-appeal “attractions” (suitable to what people will be wearing, maximizing the outdoor environment) and skip the rest. People entertain themselves by socializing.

Also, back-up plan in case of rain?

This is really awesome. I love different stuff - hmmm - not even engaged yet - but always fantasizing:)

I love it! It’s so different and creative. Taking something that’s trendy to a bit more unique. I love your sense of humor miss gummybear!

love the idea! you could rent a projector and screen and show movies on it. that might encourage people to stay later. if you didn’t want to do a long movie though, you could always do either all wedding related episodes of different sitcoms, or whole seasons of classic tv shows.

for the baskets, what about playing cards, coloring books and crayons (grown ups like to color too!), and random props/accesories to take pictures with/in.

This is quite an interesting idea.
*I also am wondering how I am going to live without my Macbook for THE WHOLE DAY!*
One thing that I just thought of, depending what time you are talking…getting a projector and watching a movie…or slideshow! and then you could break out the wii…or ps3…or even a ps2 (old skool!), even though no one dances, it would be super awesome to rent ddr pads (the metal ones) and play that on a huge projector…who doesn’t love ddr, honestly!
oh, and I LURVE the ice cream truck idea!
keep us informed of what you decide to do!!

i forsee pillow fights…will def be a photo op!

Very Cool. Can’t wait to see the completed set-up!!

How about setting up a Wii Sports station? Your guests can duke it out with boxing or golf (for all your Korean relatives).

Miss Gummie Bear, you are my hero.

thanks for all the suggestions! I’m trying to get badminton put up - we’re working on that one.

the venue is not charging extra for the picnic on the lawn… thank god. hidden fees! hidden feeeees!

we’re having fans, parasols, large lawn umbrellas, sunscreen, a soda bar + refresher bar, and the popsicle stand. So hopefully that is enough - but the sunglasses and bug spray may be something to think about!

for elderly, well, my family is the only side with elderly people, and my parents have already decided they want nothing to do with anything other than sitting and talking with friends. (i know, terrible isn’t it?) so they will probably continue to sit in the cocktail lounge or the seated meal area. The lounge is for people who REALLY love us. haha!

love the blanket for skirts idea, thanks! never thought of that! I was going to get some shrugs, not that it will get cold really, but just in case. Double usage!

Hi,

That picnic picture was taken by me on a job a worked on. I don’t mind if you borrow pictures from my blog but please give it proper credit or else take it down.

thanks,

Jordan

I AM SO JEALOUS!!! We are so not dancers, and neither are our friends… like on purpose, we do not dance (It seems to be a difficult concept for most people to comprehend)

the Moms are requiring dancing, and are even trying to squeeze in bad music that I am so not entertaining. I am putting together play lists for the entire wedding/reception, and it will definitely be mood setting and awesome… My friends are super excited, but the families don’t understand. I love that your family would prefer no dancing!!!

-still jealous

the only thing missing is a HUGE tv (ok a screen will do) and a wii!!! now that would be hillarious in photos! great idea, cannot wait to see your photos!

miss gummy bear… i think i love you! haha!

Awesome ideas!!!!! You should consider decks of cards and maybe some board games as well. Playdough could be cool, and I would look through the kids aisles all sorts of cool things have come out in recent years. Your wedding is going to be awesome. I wish i could pull off something like that, our families would kill us though.