The best way to have the most fun at your wedding ? Field Games!
It’s that simple. As a documentary photographer, I have to say that I much prefer it when lots of things happen at weddings, rather than people standing around and chatting, I’m not going to lie! However, if people are having A LOT of fun, then isn’t that the perfect way to make the most of those few hours of the reception? Hands down, some of the best weddings I have been to are those which involve games, they bring so much energy, excitement, and above all bring people together.
The beauty of games at weddings is that they don’t have to be structured, or follow rules. It can be as simple as people playing a couple of rounds without keeping score, trying to bowl each other out vs hitting the cricket ball as far as possible, or you can go for a full on game that involves everybody, so no hiding! Even better, they are really cheap to set up, or you can make your own!
You can either leave lots of games out for people to pick and choose from (I’d definitely recommend setting them up as people are far more likely to use them) or go for a full on structured sports day feel, and if you are worried about people getting their clothes dirty you can always do it early in the evening, by which time no-one really cares…
Here’s a run down of some great games to play at your wedding
01.
Cricket (or rounders)
The ultimate team game for a wedding, assuming you have a large field or beach of course! You can go for a full on game with organised teams, or just go for a competitive few rounds of seeing who can get each other out, or hit a home run. Either way, it’s guaranteed to get everyone together and really bring out those competitive characters!
02.
Cornhole
A game that came over from America, which has really gained popularity over the last few years, perhaps because it is the simplest game there is – throw the bean bag through the hole! It doesn’t really matter what the rules are, people can make their own, that’s the beauty of it.
03.
Field games medley
I think this is my favourite option, just as a way of getting everyone involved and having a serious amount of fun – kind of like your own mini sports day! You can of course have more than 3 games, but it’s a sweet number to keep everyone interested. and to keep things moving, and a medley need only take 20 minutes or so, or as long as you want!
Choose from an Egg and Spoon race, Sack race, 3-Legged Race, Hoop pass, and a good old Tug of War, the options are endless.
The great thing about a medley is that it really gets everyone involved, young and old, there is something for everyone, you can even make it compulsory!
04.
Tug Of War
This needs no introduction, and couldn’t be simpler! This definitely needs a referee though, and a proper rope too, which can be easily hired. Just make sure you have equal strength and numbers on each side to try to make it as fair as possible! A great game, that nearly always sees a great big pile of people on the floor.
05.
Egg and Spoon Race
Who would have thought you could have so much fun with something as simple as a spoon and an egg? The game is simple, but surprisingly difficult – run as fast as you can without dropping the egg from your spoon – no thumbs allowed! You can use hard boiled or rubber eggs, or fresh ones for a bit of extra jeopardy!
06.
Sack Race
As simple as getting in a sack, and hopping as fast as you can, which is surprisingly difficult, and usually ends in carnage!
07.
Hula Hoop Pass
A great team game for everyone – two teams, one hoop each, everyone holds hands, and then tries to pass it down the line as quickly as possible, with everyone passing through the hoop. No cheating allowed with this one!
08.
Three legged Race
Two people, 3 legs. All you need is a bit of fabric to tie the middle two legs together, start the race, step back, and watch the fun!
09.
Jenga
This one needs no introduction, but the rules certainly do! No removing blocks form the top 3 rows, and once you’ve touched a block, you have to go with it! No steadying the tower either.
10.
Croquet
Nope, I don’t understand the rules either! But who cares? For a quintessential English game, there’s nothing quite like the sound of the crack of a croquet mallet and the chinking of glasses of Pimms….
Of course, there are many more games you can play, far more than I can list here, whether Limbo, or Kubb, or Connect 4, you get the idea. Games are just the best way to introduce a little (or a lot) of fun at your wedding. If you know your guests will be up for it, then give them a day they’ll never forget!