Wedding Styles

How Do We Keep Guests Occupied?

We have a few hours between the end of our ceremony and the start of our cocktail hour. What should we plan for our guests to do?


The first thing you should consider is what kind of activities make sense for people all dressed up with nowhere to go. Most guests will be up for a little adventure just so long as it doesn’t involve a change of clothes and another shower. If you're getting married in a town full of interesting sites, why not organize a bus or boat tour so guests can take it all in? Or, if there’s an interesting exhibit scheduled at a local museum, arrange a visit for your guests to check it out. Getting married at a vineyard? That’s an easy one—set up a tour of the winery for any interested oenophiles. Guests can take this opportunity to sample the wines before the reception.

If you think your guests might just be looking for a place to take a load off between events, here are some other options: If there’s a cozy country inn or B&B nearby, why not arrange for guests to head there for an afternoon tea? Or if it’s later in the day, maybe a local friend or relative can host a pre-cocktail hour at her home. Up the fun factor by having some old photo albums of you and your fiancé on hand for guests to flip through. If numerous guests are staying at the same hotel, inquire if the hotel has a party room that can be rented out for a few hours. Arrange for some beer and soft drinks to be chilling, add a cheese or fruit plate and you’ve got a party.

One final note: Include a sign-up sheet for activities when you mail your invitations, and request that guests return it with their RSVP cards. Once you have a final head count for an activity, be sure to make a group reservation if one is necessary.