12 Ways to Entertain Guests at Your Wedding That Aren’t Dancing

Photograph by Asaya Photography.

One of the many, many things a couple has to plan for on their wedding day is how to entertain their guests during the reception. Sure, there will likely be dancing and drinking, but what about the folks who don’t like to dance? Or drink? That’s where this handy list comes in—consider it your guide to fun add-ons to your wedding reception. From lawn games to living topiaries to karaoke battles, you’re bound to find something here to please the your crew. Booking one (or a few!) of these fun rentals will leave your guests thinking: “Now that was a fun party.”

Read on to see 12 unique ways to entertain your guests, then head to our wedding vendor directory to explore even more awesome local wedding vendors to help you plan your Big Day.

GIF Booth

Step up your photo booth game with a GIF booth, which are more fun to share on Instagram, anyways. Book Bella Vista’s Cut and Paste Photo Booth to come set up shop at your reception, and they’ll bring fun add-ons like props and confetti.

Karaoke

Having your after party in the same spot as your wedding? Transition the party by setting up a karaoke machine from Shoemaker Jukebox Rentals. Serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Shoebox boasts professional-grade machine rentals with touch-screen machines and wireless microphones so you and your friends can kill every note of “I will Always Love You.”

The Mummers

A band? Expected. A surprise performance by the Mummers? Unforgettable. Book these musical men to not only add a touch of Philly flair to your union, but a little goofy excitement, too. Some couples book the Fralinger String Band to be exact to lead their guests from ceremony to the reception, but we can foresee Fralinger being a hit during the reception as well.

Live Illustrations

Illustrator Denise Fike is not only a supremely stylish addition to your reception, but she’s also got some top-notch artistic skills to boot. Book her for your reception and she’ll come, fabulously dressed, to create the ultimate party favor for your guests: ultra-flattering watercolor sketches done in under five minutes flat.

Tarot Card Readings 

For a more low-key activity that horoscope-minded guests may enjoy, book a tarot card reader. Queen of Wands Tarot has over 20 years of tarot reading event experience. 

Silhouette Artist

The timeless, hand-cut silhouettes of Shadow Cuts are a great way to add an old time-y or vintage vibe to your wedding. 

Lawn Games

Serving the Greater Philadelphia Area, including Lancaster, Northern Delaware, and Western New Jersey, Love Fun Rentals  creates handcrafted wooden lawn games to add some fun and a rustic feel to your Big Day. Select your games — like jumbo Connect Four, oversized Jenga, cornhole and more — a la carte, or opt for one of their three game packages. EBE Entertainment also offers a whole slew of fun lawn games like giant chess, Chinese checkers, Shoots & Ladders and more. 

Ping Pong

Give your guests the chance to show off their skills — or at least have a good laugh — while playing ping pong. Circus Time Amusements can get you all set up for a table tennis pop-up at your reception. (It’s worth noting that the table is nine feet long by five feet wide.) J-Dogs Catering and Amusements, based in West Berlin, also offers ping pong table rentals.

Casino Games

A Blackjack or Craps table will surely liven up your celebration for those who aren’t particularly interested in the “normal” wedding activities. Philly Casino Parties has 30 years of parties under their belts and are ready to set up shop at your celebration with all of the equipment, paperwork and personnel needed. The best part? You don’t have to feel guilty about your guests spending (or more importantly, losing) money — there’s no actual wagering at the shindig. View their eight packages here, or create your own. 

Mascots

Sports play a huge role in people’s lives here in Philadelphia — why not book the mascot of your favorite team for a surprise appearance?  We’ve got two guides to help you do that: one for  Philadelphia pro sport mascots and another for Pennsylvania college sport mascots. Go team!

Impersonators

While Elvis impersonators are a staple in many Las Vegas weddings, here in Philly, we like to keep it a little more historical. Invite  Ben Franklin or George Washington to keep your guests informed on history during your event. More interested in modern history? Book Snoop Dog.

Whimsical Performers

Jewelz Entertainment checks nearly every box in this category — they’re got aerial performers, body painted models and dancers, showgirls and event dancers, and what they call “variety acts” which are the likes of body sushi, human disco balls, living topiaries, and more. Oh, and we can’t forget the stilt walkers, strolling table people, fire performers and living statues. Book any of these talents for an ahhh-inducing reception.

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