See, this is a difficult one, as there isn’t really one perfect answer.
The best wedding games completely depend on you as a couple, the atmosphere you want to create and the kind of guests coming to your wedding. Some weddings turn into full-blown tournaments with guests becoming wildly competitive. Imagine Tug of War matches, Space Hopper races and Limbo tournaments.
Others are more relaxed, with games creating gentle interaction, conversation and laid-back fun in the background.
That’s the beauty of wedding garden games, they can completely shape the atmosphere of the day depending on the vibe you want.
Wedding Games For the Competitive Couples
Are you a competitive type? Can’t resist a game, but always love to win? Or perhaps you have friends who will absolutely keep score even if nobody asked them to. But will completely deny being competitive about things.
If your wedding crowd loves a bit of competition, then games like Giant Tumble Tower, Four in a Row, Cornhole, Ring Toss, Buzz Wire and Limbo tend to become instant gathering points. You’ll usually find guests cheering each other on, starting unofficial tournaments, demanding rematches and becoming far more invested in winning than they expected.
Games that encourage a bit of friendly (or not so friendly!) competition, naturally draw people in and create energy and atmosphere. And most of our games look harder than they actually are. Which only means it keeps you coming back for more!
Credit: Two Suits and a Wedding and Aden Priest Photography
wedding games For More Relaxed Weddings
Not every couple wants high-energy competition all day long. Some weddings are more about creating a calm, sociable (think chilled out BBQ vibes) atmosphere where guests can mingle naturally throughout the day.
That’s where slightly more laid-back games come into their own.
Games like Croquet, Skittles, Bean Bag Toss, Hoopla, Badminton and Noughts & Crosses work beautifully because they give summer picnic, relaxed vibes and are easy for guests of all ages to join in with. They create interaction without demanding attention and encourage guests to just ‘have a go’.
Sometimes the best games are simply the ones that encourage guests to slow down, chat and enjoy being together.
games For Couples Who Love All the Fun of the Fair
Some weddings are elegant and relaxed. Others? They feel like the best kind of summer party.
If you’re the kind of couple who want laughter, nostalgia and guests fully embracing their inner child (with a cocktail in hand), fairground-style games are an insanely fun choice. Games like Hook a Duck, Coconut Shy, Buzz Wire, Tin Can Alley, Splat the Rat and Space Hoppers instantly create that playful festival atmosphere that gets people smiling the second they see them.
There’s something about traditional funfair games that brings out everyone’s competitive side in the most light-hearted, inner-child sort of way. Suddenly, your normally reserved guests are determined to beat the Buzz Wire, they become fully invested in a Space Hopper race, and get wildly outraged at the Coconut Shy!
So if you want your wedding day to feel personality-filled and more funfair than formal. These may be good game choices for you. I mean, it’s impossible to take yourself too seriously when you are holding a tiny fishing rod trying to Hook a Duck. Which we think may just exactly be the point!
Credit (right) Aden Priest Photography
most weddings usually have a mix of both
The sweet spot for most weddings is having a combination of games and experiences. A few competitive games for the energetic guests. A few more relaxed options for those who prefer something low-pressure. Because every guest is different.
Some people will spend an hour trying to beat their high score on Ring Toss. Others will happily sip a drink while casually joining a game of croquet in the sunshine. Sometimes, the best wedding entertainment creates space for both. But it really depends on you as a couple and your wedding tribe.
At the end of the day, garden games are about creating interaction, helping guests mingle, filling the cocktail hour naturally, and making your wedding feel relaxed and fun from the moment guests arrive.
Credit: Joab Smith Photography
