How to Plan a Fun Drinks Reception Your Guests Will Remember

When couples think about planning their wedding, most of the focus goes on the ceremony and the evening party. But there's one part of the day that's often overlooked – the drinks reception.

The drinks reception usually takes place after the ceremony while the newlyweds head off for their photographs. It typically lasts between one and two hours, depending on your venue and photography schedule.

Without a little planning, this can become the quietest part of the day. Guests may find themselves standing around, checking their phones or wondering what's happening next.

With the right entertainment, however, your drinks reception can become one of the most enjoyable parts of your wedding – filled with laughter, conversation and memorable moments.

Here's how to make it happen.

What Is a Wedding Drinks Reception?

A drinks reception is the time between your ceremony and wedding breakfast when guests can relax with a drink, enjoy canapés and socialise while you have your official photographs taken.

For many guests, this is their first opportunity to chat with people they may not know. Friends from school meet work colleagues, different sides of the family get to know one another, and everyone begins to settle into the celebrations.

The right atmosphere during this part of the day sets the tone for everything that follows.

Give Guests Something to Do

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is assuming guests will naturally entertain themselves.

While people are usually happy to chat for a while, after thirty or forty minutes the excitement can begin to fade if there's nothing happening.

Interactive entertainment gives guests a reason to stay engaged while waiting for the next part of the day.

It also helps create those natural moments of laughter that make weddings feel relaxed and enjoyable.

Giant Garden Games

Garden games have become one of the most popular choices for wedding drinks receptions.

They're easy to play, don't require any special skills and encourage guests of all ages to get involved.

Popular favourites include:

• Giant Connect Four

• Cornhole

• Giant Jenga

• Croquet

• Giant Chess

• Limbo

• Ball in a Bucket

• Coconut Shy

The beauty of lawn games is that guests can join in whenever they like. There's no schedule to follow, no announcements and no pressure to take part.

Some guests will play several games, while others simply enjoy watching the friendly competition.

Wedding Mini Golf

If there's one activity guaranteed to bring smiles to your drinks reception, it's mini golf.

Wedding mini golf has become increasingly popular because it appeals to almost everyone.

Children love trying to beat the adults.

Grandparents often surprise everyone with their putting skills.

Bridesmaids challenge groomsmen.

Before long, complete strangers are cheering each other on and comparing scores.

It's simple, inclusive and creates a fantastic atmosphere throughout the afternoon.

Create Comfortable Social Spaces

Not every guest wants to be on their feet the whole time.

If your venue has outdoor space, consider creating relaxed seating areas where guests can chat while watching the games.

A few benches, hay bales, outdoor furniture or picnic tables can encourage people to stay outside and enjoy the surroundings.

If you're getting married in a marquee or barn venue, these relaxed spaces work particularly well alongside your entertainment.

Add Sweet Treats

A beautifully presented sweet cart or dessert station always attracts attention.

Guests love helping themselves to retro sweets, doughnuts or chocolates while they catch up with family and friends.

As well as satisfying everyone's sweet tooth, these displays also look fantastic in photographs and complement your wedding décor.

Think About Every Generation

Your guest list will probably include children, teenagers, parents, grandparents and everyone in between.

The best wedding entertainment is something that everyone can enjoy together.

Interactive games help break down barriers between different age groups and encourage conversations that may never have happened otherwise.

Rather than separating into small groups, everyone becomes part of the same celebration.

Make the Most of Your Venue

If you've chosen a venue with beautiful gardens, don't let that space go to waste.

Outdoor entertainment encourages guests to explore the grounds and enjoy the surroundings while you're having your photographs taken.

Many couples later tell us they were surprised by how many lovely candid photos were taken while guests were enjoying the games.

These relaxed moments often become some of their favourite images from the entire day.

Have a Wet Weather Plan

Let's face it – this is Britain!

Although we all hope for sunshine, it's always worth having a backup plan.

Many lawn games can be moved into marquees, barns or covered outdoor areas if the weather changes.

When hiring entertainment, ask whether it can be adapted if rain makes an appearance.

Don't Over-Schedule Everything

One of the biggest trends in modern weddings is creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Guests don't want to feel like they're following a timetable every five minutes.

The best entertainment allows people to dip in and out whenever they choose.

Garden games and mini golf are perfect because guests can play for five minutes or fifty – there's no right or wrong way to enjoy them.

Capture the Memories

Interactive entertainment creates genuine smiles and laughter.

Your photographer will have plenty of opportunities to capture natural moments that simply wouldn't happen if guests were standing in small groups chatting.

These candid photographs often become some of the most treasured memories from your wedding day.

Final Thoughts

Your drinks reception is much more than simply filling time between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast.

It's the moment when your guests begin to relax, friendships are formed and the celebrations really get underway.

By adding interactive entertainment such as giant garden games, wedding mini golf and sweet treats, you'll create an atmosphere that's welcoming, fun and memorable for everyone.

At Clinton's Crafts, we love helping couples turn their drinks receptions into one of the highlights of the day. Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a large wedding, our range of wedding games, mini golf and sweet treat packages are designed to keep guests entertained while you enjoy every moment of your special day.

If you're looking for wedding entertainment across the North West, we'd be delighted to help make your wedding one your guests will be talking about for years to come.