When dinner is done and the lights go down, it’s time to party—and a few well-timed games can take your wedding from lovely to legendary. Whether you’re hosting a full-on dance floor showdown or just want a bit of playful chaos during your after-party, these games bring the fun, the photos, and the memories.

Photography by Joel Boily
Photography by Joel Boily

Why Include Party Games at Your Reception?

  • They get people moving. Great for breaking the ice after dinner and before the dance floor gets packed.
  • They create unforgettable memories. Especially when your wedding photographer is ready to capture the chaos.
  • They keep energy high. Ideal for transitions between speeches, dinner, and dancing.
  • They give non-dancers something to do. Not everyone wants to hit the floor, but everyone wants to feel included.

Need ideas for earlier in the day too? Explore our Ultimate Guide to Wedding Games for activities that span ceremony to after-party.

Best Party Games for Weddings

1. Beer Pong

A classic that always gets a crowd.

  • Customize your table with wedding colours or monograms.
  • Add glow-in-the-dark cups for a late-night vibe.

2. Flip Cup

Perfect for bridal party showdowns or family-versus-family challenges.

  • Easy to set up near the bar or lounge area.

3. Limbo

All you need is a stick and a speaker.

  • Add glow sticks or neon accessories for extra fun.
  • Works well on the dance floor or lawn.

4. Twister (Oversized or Glow-in-the-Dark)

Silly, physical, and unexpectedly hilarious.

  • Great for smaller weddings or late-night after-parties.
  • Add custom touches with your wedding theme colours.

5. Dance-Off

Challenge your guests to show off their best moves.

  • Let your DJ or MC kick things off.
  • Offer small prizes (drink tickets, novelty awards).
    Wedding photographers love capturing these spontaneous, high-energy moments.

6. Lip Sync Battle

Let guests perform iconic love songs or early 2000s bangers.

  • Plan in advance or leave it open for spontaneous fun.
  • Great for extroverted friend groups and music lovers.

7. Wheel of Dares

A spin-to-play challenge with harmless dares like:

  • “Take a selfie with the couple”
  • “Lead a conga line”
  • “Tell a dad joke into the mic”

Want something more structured for the meal? Try Wedding Table Games for fun ways to fill dinner downtime.

Wedding Photography by Bobbi Barbarich
Photography by Bobbi Barbarich

Tips for Hosting Party Games at Your Wedding

  • Set the tone. Let guests know when the vibe is shifting from formal to fun.
  • Designate a host. Your MC, DJ, or a confident bridesmaid can lead the charge.
  • Prep your photographer. These are moments you'll want captured—candid and full of energy.
  • Provide a “cool-down” space. Lounges, snack stations, or coffee bars help balance the hype.

When to Play

  • After the first dance
  • During the reception lull before dancing really kicks off
  • At the after-party (especially if it’s at a second location like a hotel suite or bar)

Final Thoughts

Weddings are about celebrating your love—but there’s no rule saying that celebration has to be quiet and formal. If you want your reception to be one for the books, a few playful party games can crank up the energy and ensure your guests leave with sore cheeks from laughing.

Looking for even more ideas? Browse our full Wedding Games series to bring every part of your celebration to life—from ceremony to after-party.