Interactive Wedding Ideas to Keep Your Guests Engaged All Night Long

Your wedding day is about celebrating love, but it’s also about creating unforgettable memories for both you and your guests. Although quite a bit of the planning evolves around yourself and your partner, most of the planning will impact your guests’ experiences the most. One of the best ways to do this is by keeping everyone engaged and entertained from the moment you walk down the aisle to the last dance. Of course the classic way to get guests up and about it is to turn up the dance floor, but did you know there are plenty of creative, interactive wedding ideas that will keep your guests having fun and involved. Whether you’re hosting a small intimate gathering or a grand celebration, these ideas will help elevate your wedding and ensure your guests leave with big smiles and lasting memories.

#01: Personalized Wedding Favors with a Twist
We’ve seen our fair share of wedding favors. But, instead of the traditional wedding favors, consider creating interactive stations where guests can customize for themselves. We’ve seen trending ideas about DIY candle stations where guests can make decisions about their favorite scents. Or keep it simple, with a personalized cocktail station where your guests can select their favorite airplane “shot” and mixer with garnishes. This is a simple and fun interactive way to get your guests moving about and keep your wedding favors new and fresh! 

EA Pro Tip! Don’t forget the instructions! Print off and display clear, easy to follow instructions that can guide steps through the process. You definitely don’t want guests going crazy or struggling to figure out what to do! Simple is KEY. 

#02: Snap a Pic! 
Photo Booths have been on the wedding scene for over a decade now. And I don’t care how many photo booths you’ve done over the years, but you can’t help but grab a prop and jump in. Think about taking your photo booth to the next level with fun props, backdrops, and instant prints. Some photo booths can even include a digital copy for your guests’ social media, GIF photo booth options, or a slow motion video booth! For added personalization, use a custom backdrop with your names or wedding date, and provide a guestbook where guests can paste their photos and leave messages.

EA Pro Tip! Consider using a photo booth with a live feed, where your guests can watch their pictures appear on a big screen for all to see!

#03: Interactive Guest Book
Traditional guest books are one way to get your guests engaged, but have you thought about an interactive guest book? Toss that traditional guest book aside and create something that is more interactive. Consider a message or video booth option! We LOVE the idea of a telephone guest book, where you can leave the newlyweds a custom message! Or, have your guests record a short video message for you to watch. There are so many interactive ways to get your guests involved and create a guest book that is meaningful to you and your partner. Whether you opt for a marriage advice station, well wishes, or just a quick snapshot of your guests – this will give your guests an additional activity to do throughout the night. 

EA Pro Tip! Be sure to set up a clearly labeled, designated area for your guest book. Ensure to include how to use the interactive experience and keep it open throughout the night. Collaborate with your DJ or MC to announce it throughout the evening to remind your guests! 

#04: Live Wedding Painter
You may have seen this trend on your socials, but we are a huge fan of this next interactive wedding event! Hiring a live wedding planner is fun for all! Your guest can engage with the artist throughout the evening as they capture the beauty of your wedding celebration. Throughout the night, the artist paints and your guest can watch or even contribute ideas (with the artists’ permission of course!) Then, at the end of the night, you’ll have a one of a kind piece of art to remember your wedding by! And guests truly love to see the artist at work!

EA Pro Tip! Collaborate with your artist to ensure that your guests are free to engage and speak with the artist! You want to find an artist that is comfortable with your guests watching on and interacting with them. 

#05: Interactive Games and Events
Wedding games are a classic way to keep your guests entertained and encourage mingling between guests! You can play traditional games like wedding trivia. Or if you're feeling adventurous, have games out for your guests like giant Jenga, cornhole, ax throwing, horse shoes, or ring toss! These are a great option for keeping the kids busy and are perfect for weddings in the great outdoors!

EA Pro Tip!: Offer small prizes for the winners to keep the competitive spirit alive!Interactive wedding ideas not only keep your guests engaged, but they also create unique and memorable moments that everyone will cherish for years to come. Whether it's through fun games, personalized experiences, or creative entertainment, these ideas will ensure your wedding is anything but ordinary. Choose the ones that best reflect your personality as a couple and get ready for an unforgettable celebration with your loved ones. And if any of these ideas catch your eye for your wedding, or you need more suggestions – feel free to ask a member of our team!

---

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

The Perfect Wedding Toast (And No Open Mic Allowed)

Wedding toasts can either be one of the most anticipated moments of a wedding celebration, or one of the most dreaded portions. Whether you're the best man, maid of honor, or a guest asked to raise a glass, delivering a meaningful and heartfelt toast is an incredible way to honor the couple. But, let's face it—public speaking can be intimidating, and the pressure to say the "right" words can feel overwhelming. Don't worry! With a little preparation and some tips, you’ll be able to stand up with confidence and deliver a toast that will be remembered for years to come. So let’s dive into how to give the perfect wedding toast and settle your anxiety.

#01: Know Your Audience and Keep It Appropriate

A wedding toast isn’t just about the couple; it’s also about the guests and the atmosphere of the event. While you want your toast to be personal, keep in mind that you’re speaking in front of a diverse crowd. This means avoiding any inside jokes that might leave people confused or uncomfortable. It’s also a good idea to stay clear of overly personal stories that could embarrass the couple or just be about you and the bride or groom. Stick to light-hearted humor, avoid controversial topics that could sour the mood, and focus on the couple’s relationship. 

#02: Keep It Short and Sweet

While you might have plenty of stories and memories you'd love to share, remember that a wedding toast isn’t the place for a lengthy speech. If we’re being honest, we’ve sat through our fair share of wedding toasts, some that went upwards of 30 minutes. We’ve learned from this and our couples have too. We recommend that you keep your toast between 2-3 minutes. The couple will appreciate a concise toast that gets to the point while still feeling heartfelt. Plus, guests are likely looking forward to the next part of the celebration, whether that’s dinner, dancing, or more drinks.

#03: Start with an Introduction

Whether you're the best man, maid of honor, or a friend of the couple, it’s important to introduce yourself at the beginning of the toast. Simply say something like, “Hi, I’m _______, and I’ve known _________ for _____ years.” Or start with an introduction that includes your relationship, “I’m ________’s sorority sister from her college days!”. This sets the context and gives the audience background knowledge and a better sense of your relationship with the couple.

#04: Share a Personal Story or Memory

We’re not saying don’t share a personal story or a memory with the reception guests. A great toast can include a personal story or two. Think about a short, fun, touching, or meaningful moment you’ve shared with the couple. Maybe it’s a memory from childhood with the groom or a moment that made you realize how much the bride and groom belong together. The key is to make it relatable, about their relationship, NOT you and your friend, and make it sincere, so everyone can connect with the story.

#05: Don’t Forget to Compliment the Couple

Don’t forget to share your admiration for the couple! Talk about what makes them such a great match. Compliment their individual qualities, what they bring out in one another, their love for each other, or the way they make each other better people. This is the HEART of the toast and should reflect your genuine, sincere feelings for the couple.

#06: Keep it Classy

If you’re on the deck to give a toast, be mindful of your speech and how it will be received with the guests. It is OK to incorporate humor in your speech, but keep it classy. Don’t speak on overly embarrassing moments, or past relationships of either party. Incorporate light-hearted jokes or anecdotes about the couple's quirks or how they met are usually well-received. And please avoid humor that could make anyone uncomfortable. Stay away from risque convos, too. The goal is to make everyone smile, not cringe or be uncomfortable. 

#07: End with a Toast

Before the toasts begin, coordinate with your MC or DJ to make an announcement to visit the bar to fill up their glasses. You want to ensure guests are ready, especially if there will be no passed offerings of champagne. And, don’t forget to end by making a toast to the couple. Ask everyone to raise their guests and go with some of the classics like…

• To love, laughter and a lifetime of happiness….please raise your glass!

• Raise your glasses to celebrate _____ and ______!

• For many blessings and adventures to the lovely couples, so raise your glass!

#08: Practice, Practice, Practice

Please, please practice. Even if it’s 1-2 times before the actual toast, give your speech a practice run through with a friend. Write down bullet points if you need to, rehearse in front of the mirror or in the car. But, before you step up to give your toast, you will need to practice it a few times. This will help you decrease anxiety and become confident and comfortable. You don't have to memorize it word for word, but knowing the key points will keep you from rambling. 

#09: Enjoy the Moment 

Public speaking is nerve-wracking, but remember that this moment isn’t about perfection. The guests are there to celebrate the couple, and they’ll appreciate the effort you put into your toast. Take a deep breath, smile, and enjoy the opportunity to be part of such a special day. When in doubt, keep it about the couple. 

Giving a wedding toast is a true honor, and with a little thought and preparation, you can make it a moment that everyone remembers. Focus on sharing your genuine feelings for the couple and celebrating their love, and you’ll do great! After all, it’s the sentiment that counts most, and nothing beats a toast that comes from the heart.

---

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

10 Common Wedding Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Planning a wedding is an exciting, yet challenging task. This is uncharted territory for our couple and with so many decisions to make and details to handle, it's easy to overlook key aspects that can cause unnecessary stress. To help you avoid common wedding planning mistakes, we’ve rounded up the top 10 mistakes couples often make - and how to steer clear of them for a smoother, more enjoyable wedding planning experience.

Mistake: Not Setting a Realistic Budget
This is one of the most common wedding mistakes we see. And, this is often a mistake that many don’t see coming. Sometimes couples don’t realize the expenses a wedding may create, or their vision and funds simply don’t align. You must set a clear, realistic budget right from the start. Without it, it’s too easy to overspend and you will end up facing financial stress down the road. Sit down with your partner at the very start. Determine a budget that is reasonable for BOTH of you. Ensure that you allocate funds to all areas of your wedding to include: venue, catering, photographer, dessert, videographer, DJ etc. And don’t forget to include a buffer for any unexpected expenses. 

Mistake: Ignoring the Guest List Early On
A common misconception is that you don’t have to create your guests list at the beginning of planning. But, ignoring the guest list early on can lead to problems down the road. Most of your wedding planning decisions are based on the number of guests. And this includes our first mistake, your budget. Waiting too long to decide on the guest list can lead to venue and vendor complications, or worse, an overbooked event. It can also bust your budget if you don’t have the funds for all your desired guests. We recommend that you start working on the guest list early, as it directly impacts your choice of venue and other vendors. Establish who must be at your wedding and who can be left out to make the guest list manageable. Be realistic about who you can invite and set limits. 

Mistake: Overloading your Day of Timeline
Your wedding day will go by quickly. Try not to leave last minute items on your to-do list for your wedding day. If you absolutely have to, task it out to someone who can complete the job for you. Limit the tasks you assign to yourself, your partner, and your wedding party. A common mistake is trying to fit too many activities or events into one day can make everything feel rushed and stressful. Sit down and plan the schedule carefully. Create spaces of time that allow enough time between events for guests to enjoy themselves and for you to have moments to relax. Always prioritize what’s important to you and be willing to cut down on non-essential elements

Mistake: Not Reading Contracts 
Before you sign, read the fine print. We cannot stress this enough! You should never feel pressured to sign a contract without having an opportunity to review the contract thoroughly. Contracts outline all of the essential details including emergency situations, payments, and non-negotiables. And, if you think you can just change it later – think again! Many contracts include fees if dates are changed. In order to avoid any future misunderstandings or additional charges later, always read vendor contracts thoroughly before signing. Pay close attention to the terms, cancellation policies, date changes, Act of God clause, extra fees, and service duration. If any portion of the contract is unclear, ask for clarification. Remember – this is a legally binding contract! 

Mistake: Neglecting to Take Into Account Seasonal Factors
The weather plays a huge factor into your wedding experience. It can have an effect on your guests. I’ll never forget the weddings as a guest where I have sweat dripping down my dress because it is hot, hot, hot. So don’t make the mistake and forget to consider the weather or season when choosing the venue or attire can create uncomfortable situations. Create a backup plan and communicate to your guests so they can dress appropriately. If you’re going for a summer wedding that is outdoor, create plans to keep your guests cool and hydrated. If your wedding is in the winter, communicate the need to bundle up, or consider making sure your location is adequately heated. 

Mistake: Overlooking Vendor Research
There are SO many vendors to choose from it can be daunting. One of our biggest recommendations is to do your research to find the right vendor for you. Opting for vendors based on price alone can lead to subpar services or a mismatch with your wedding style. Take the take to research your vendors carefully. Read reviews and check their portfolio to ensure they align with your vision. And when in doubt, it’s better to pay a bit more for quality than to risk disappointment on your big day.

Mistake: Underestimating the Importance of Timing
Timing is huge on your wedding day and throughout the wedding planning process. As you sit down and plan your timeline, think about how much time each task will take to accomplish. Don’t overestimate how much can actually be accomplished in a short amount of time. You don’t want to create any unnecessary stress as the wedding date approaches. Plan ahead and plan ALL of the details out. Start planning well in advance, and break down tasks by month or week to avoid rushing. Pay attention to timing for booking vendors, sending invitations, and getting attire alterations done.

Mistake: Forgetting to Enjoy the Process
Don’t let the “scaries” or stress of wedding planning stop you from enjoying the process. This is a process, it won’t be perfect and there will be plenty of ups and downs. It’s easy to lose sight of the joy and excitement of the process. So, take breaks, celebrate small milestones, and remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love. Stay grounded and enjoy the journey with your partner—after all, the day will go by quickly!

Mistake: Not Communicating your Vision Clearly 
Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in everyones’ suggestions you forget your vision and dream for the day. Throughout the process it is vital to remember you have a vision for your wedding day. This is YOUR wedding day, to celebrate your love with your partner. By not articulating your vision for the wedding to your vendors, family members, or wedding party can result in confusion, arguments, and unmet expectations. Throughout the planning process, be clear about your expectations with everyone involved. Create a vision board or mood board and share it frequently with those who need to know. Communicate your theme, color scheme and inspo to your vendors. Create a line of communication for regular check-ins to ensure everyone is in the “know” and stays on track. 

Mistake: Not Hiring a Wedding Planner
We may be biased, but hiring a wedding planner should always be considered. Some couples may try to handle all of the wedding details themself. Often, this can lead to stress, missed opportunities for saving money, and hiring a planner late down the wedding planning road. As you begin the process, consider hiring a planner right from the get go. And if you want to do the planning solo, think about hiring someone just for the day of. A wedding planner, or even day of coordinator, can alleviate stress, handle logistics before, during, and after the wedding, and ensure that everything runs smoothly. At the end of the day, their goal is to ensure your wedding goes smoothly and you enjoy your big day. 

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, but avoiding these common mistakes will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Stay organized, communicate clearly with your partner and vendors, and remember to savor every moment leading up to your special day. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create the wedding of your dreams without the stress!

---

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.