There's nothing worse than seeing wedding guests looking bored during a wedding ceremony. Yawning and/or checking their watches, counting down the minutes until they can throw some confetti and head to the bar. Why does it happen so often? Aside from a couple of poetry readings, more traditional wedding ceremonies don't involve the audience.
It doesn't have to be this way, though. You can make your ceremony memorable and enjoyable for everyone. Here are six different ways to get your guests involved:
Pass the parcel: wedding edition
The undisputed best party game of all time. Pass the parcel: wedding ring edition. Hand your wedding rings around the ceremony space as part of a ring warming ritual, so your guests can pass their well wishes onto your wedding rings. This causes a bit of excitement as your guests will be looking around to see whether the rings are travelling in their direction. Remember to use a colourful ring pouch so the rings don't get lost!
Have a group singalong
Hand out lyric sheets and get everyone involved in a good old sing along. It doesn't have to be a hymn...it could be Elton John, Madonna, or whichever icon floats your musical boat. That's the beauty of a celebrant-led ceremony, you can really get the party vibes going.
Tell stories featuring...them!
You and your partner probably have some amazing/ hilarious/ heart-warming stories that can be used to illustrate your story as a couple (or else you wouldn't be getting married). In your celebrant-led ceremony, you can ask your celebrant to weave these wondrous tales into your ceremony script, and you can also include them in your vows. If there's one thing that perks people up, it's hearing their name read out in front of a crowd!
Hidden treasure
Try hiding the wedding rings under someone's seat (make sure you know where they are!) and then, at the start of your ceremony, there can be a few moments of excitement as your celebrant asks everyone to look under their chair. Who will be sitting in the lucky seat?!
Involve your guests in a unity ritual
You can include a candle ritual, a wine/ cocktail mixing ceremony, or hand-fasting, with your guests...invite some special humans up to the front to take part in this beautiful part of your ceremony. Any good celebrant will be able to suggest some interactive ceremony elements to keep your wedding guests engaged.
Communal promises
Everyone knows that the couple getting married say their vows, but how about asking your wedding guests to get involved, too? Your celebrant can let them know when it's time for them to join in and say 'I do'. Perhaps they will be promising to support you as a couple and to always be there for you.
Follow Spellbound Ceremonies for more non-traditional wedding ideas.
If you'd like a joyful, inclusive celebrant to lead your wedding or vow renewal ceremony, I have availability for 2025 and beyond. Email: katie@spellboundceremonies.co.uk
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