You’ve heard the saying that a happy wife means a happy life, but for the big day the bride and groom are often worried about their guests enjoying it as much as they are. We’ve revisited real weddings featured in our last few issues of Wedding Ideas to bring you the best tips for happy guests on your wedding day.

The real weddings guide to happy guests on your big day
karenmcgowranphotography.co.uk

Natalie and Graham, 162

As well as decorating the tables, Natalie and Graham also added homemade word-searches to each place. Guests completed the word-search with words about the happy couple’s relationship. We think this fun game is simple to prepare and a brilliant way to get guests talking who don’t yet know each other!

Find out more in this month’s issue of Wedding Ideas!

The real weddings guide to happy guests on your big day
Eleanor Jane Photography

Emma and Jake, 162

Issue 162’s cover couple, Emma and Jake, injected fun and laughter into their wedding breakfast. “We put aprons on each table and one guest had to carve the meat for each table. It was really good fun and was a good talking point for the guests!” says Emma.

Steal their style in this month’s issue of Wedding Ideas!

The real weddings guide to happy guests on your big day
jennyowensphotography.com

Marli and Julian, 157

Guests were well looked after during Marli and Julian’s evening do, being treated to a sweet treat table after the wedding breakfast and a bottle of Julian’s specially brewed ale, aptly named ‘The Big Commitment’.

The real weddings guide to happy guests on your big day
rebeccadouglas.co.uk

Lisa and Matt, 158

Lisa and Matt chose an English summertime fete theme for their big day, complete with an amazing antique carousel to enjoy. Guests also tasted mystery chocolates – guessing the flavours helped to break the ice for guests who didn’t know each other.

The real weddings guide to happy guests on your big day
corradochiozzi.com

Lisa and Mike, 158

Giant Jenga, dominoes, and even a caricaturist were on hand to keep guests entertained when Lisa and Mike tied the knot. We love the idea of a caricaturist to capture the day (and the guest’s funniest moments!)

The real weddings guide to happy guests on your big day
Chris Freer Photography

Zoe and Matt, 159

A white London taxi cab photo booth complete with a prop box full of fancy dress items made for happy guests at Zoe and Matt’s wedding reception. The couple hired the booth from Av A Go Booths in Birmingham and also enlisted local band, Party Rockers to rock the night away.

The real weddings guide to happy guests on your big day
cecelinaphotography.com

Jen and Rory, 159

The hot summer’s day that marked Jen and Rory’s big ‘I do’ meant guests could enjoy the fantastic garden games long into the night at South Farm in Cambridgeshire.

The real weddings guide to happy guests on your big day
katherineashdown.co.uk

Hailey and Jon, 159

When it comes to keeping guests happy, we think Hailey and Jon from issue 159 did a brilliant job. Speeches were held in between the dinner courses. There was a piñata, outdoor disco and bubble machine for the kids and an evening casino for the grown ups.

What are your top tips for happy guests for your big day?