After the formalities and emotional moments of the wedding reception, the afterparty is where the real fun begins! It’s a time for your guests to let loose, make memories, and play a few games to cap off the night. Whether you’re trying to get the crowd rehydrated or have a laugh with some hilarious challenges, these 11 wedding reception afterparty games will keep the energy high and the guests entertained long after the last dance.
Wedding Reception Afterparty Games and Activities
This list of game ideas is intended to provide an enthusiastic continuation of the wedding reception and offer guests a chance to wind down, make connections, and wrap up the day. We focus on many of the common aspects of wedding receptions: booze, dancing, dancing clothes, etc. These games will entertain and help partiers relax, recharge, hydrate, make new friends, and gather up their stuff! Let’s get started:
Fighting Hangovers Raffle
Staying hydrated after a night of dancing and drinks is crucial, and what better way to encourage guests to drink water than by turning it into a game? Hand out raffle tickets for every glass of water or healthy snack consumed throughout the night. At the end of the party, draw tickets for wellness-themed prizes like hangover kits, pizza, and gift cards to IHOP (Village Inn, Waffle House, etc.). It’s a fun way to sneak in some hydration and add a competitive twist.
Flip Cup Relay
Take the classic college game to the next level by turning it into a mega team relay. Everyone at the party can get in on the action. Set up large teams of 10, 20, or even more! Teams race to flip their cups in succession. The first team to finish wins bragging rights (and maybe another round!). It’s perfect for getting large groups involved, as everyone loves a good team-based challenge.
Breakfast Contest
Fuel the afterparty fun with some delicious creativity. Set up a waffle or pancake decorating station and let guests compete to create the tastiest or most Instagram-worthy breakfast. Whether it’s piling on fruits, syrups, or whipped cream, the best-looking (and best-tasting) creations earn top marks. It’s a delicious way to keep everyone going as the night turns into morning.
Tuxedo Collection
Gathering up all the groomsmen’s rented tuxedos, shoes, cufflinks, ties, and other accessories after the celebration can be a chaotic task. Turn this potential nightmare into a fun game! Create “family bags” for each groomsman (and bridesmaid too) and give points to guests who help gather and place missing items in these bags. Not only does it keep things organized, but it also ensures no one has to pay for missing rentals the next day. Offer a small prize to the team who collects everything fastest!
Balloon Boat Race
Ready for some lighthearted competition? For this game, teams blow up balloons and use the air inside to propel small paper or plastic boats across a table. One person inflates the balloon, runs to the other side of the room, and releases the air to push the boat forward. It’s a hilarious challenge of coordination and speed that’ll have everyone cheering as boats race to the finish line.
Dance Review
Relive the best moves of the night by reviewing photos and videos from the dance floor. Set up a projector and have the crowd vote on categories like “Funniest Dancer,” “Best Dressed,” or “Most Unexpected Moves.” It’s a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate the night’s highlights, bringing everyone together for laughs and shared memories.
Ultimate Water Pong
A hydrated twist on the classic beer pong, Ultimate Water Pong features a massive setup of 100 red solo cups on each side of the room (or as many as you can fit on a table). Teams of five or more aim to sink balls into the cups, and the first team to land shots in all their cups wins. Encourage guests to drink water from the cups to keep them hydrated as the night goes on. It’s big, bold, and brings out everyone’s competitive spirit!
Emoji Pictionary
For a more relaxed yet equally engaging game, try Emoji Pictionary. In this modern twist, players guess popular phrases, movies, or songs represented by emojis instead of traditional pictures. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and show off their emoji knowledge, and it can easily be tailored to your crowd’s favorite references.
Speed Friending
Weddings are a fantastic opportunity for people to meet new friends. With speed friending, guests have brief conversations with multiple people, helping them connect and make new acquaintances. It’s a lighthearted twist on speed dating and encourages mingling, even among guests who may not have had the chance to chat earlier in the night.
Tic-Tac-Toe Race
In this fast-paced twist on a classic, create a giant tic-tac-toe grid on the floor and divide your guests into two teams. Each player races to place an X or O in a square. The first team to get three in a row wins! You can also add a memory element by having players remember the position of certain pieces before placing their mark. It’s quick, fun, and gets everyone moving!
Plastic Cup Hand Challenges
The night’s not complete without a bit of absurdity. For this game, participants have their hands covered with plastic cups, making their fingers unusable. Then, they compete in challenges like carrying a cup full of water across the room without spilling, or picking up ping-pong balls and dropping them into a bucket. It’s a hilarious test of dexterity (or lack thereof!) and sure to produce some unforgettable moments.
After Party Success!
These wedding afterparty games will not only keep your guests entertained but also provide endless laughs and chances to connect. Whether it’s hydration challenges, quirky competitions, or dance floor throwbacks, these activities will ensure that the celebration continues long into the night. So grab your water, your solo cups, and your waffle toppings—it’s time to party!
