How to Make Your At-Home Wedding Reception More Fun

There's a whole host of benefits to having your wedding reception in the comfort of your own home, not the least of which is the fact that you get to have complete control over everything, rather than having to work within the venue's rules. This opens up the floor for all kinds of fun and unique ideas to make your special day even more memorable!

From outdoor games hire in Melbourne to photobooths and mobile bar carts, read on for some inspiration to get the creative juices flowing.

1. Have a photobooth

A photobooth is a great way to keep guests entertained, and you'll end up with some fantastic memories (and maybe even a few embarrassing ones!) to look back on. You can either hire a company to come and set one up for you, or DIY it with a bit of cardboard and some fun props.

Pose props could include:

• A chalkboard or whiteboard where guests can write messages for the bride and groom
• A giant frame that guests can stand in to have their photo taken
• A 'just married' sign or other fun banners
• Props related to your hobbies or interests, e.g. if you're a big Harry Potter fan, have wands and glasses available

2. Serve fun and unique cocktails

Your at-home wedding reception is the perfect opportunity to get creative with your cocktail menu! You could serve a signature drink that ties in with your wedding theme, or come up with a selection of quirky concoctions that guests can choose from. If you're not a big drinker yourself, mocktails are always an option too. For alcoholic or nonalcoholic options, you could add some "pizzazz" by looking online for "co2 tank refill near me" in order to get additional Co2 to use for making drinks, this can be used to make classic cocktails fizzy or prepare a more enjoyable carbonated option for those who aren't drinking.

Some fun and unique cocktail ideas include:

• A 'love potion' made with strawberry liqueur, lemonade and sparkling water
• A 'wedding cake' martini served with vanilla vodka, triple sec and a splash of cream
• A fruity punch made with a variety of seasonal fruits, lemonade and sparkling water
• A 'bride or groom?' cocktail, served in two separate glasses and containing a secret ingredient that only the bride or groom knows about!

3. Set up a sweet treat or candy buffet

Your at-home wedding reception is the perfect opportunity to indulge your sweet tooth, and provide some much-needed entertainment for the younger guests of the party! Set up a candy buffet with all your favourite sweet treats, or go for something more sophisticated like a dessert table with an assortment of cakes, cookies and other goodies.

Don't forget to provide some non-sugary options for guests who have dietary restrictions or who are trying to watch their waistlines! Some fun sweet treat ideas include:

• A 'build your own sundae' bar with a selection of ice creams, toppings and sauces
• A chocolate fountain with an assortment of dipping items like marshmallows, fruit and pretzels
• A candy buffet with a variety of different sweets and chocolates
• A dessert table with cakes and cookies

4. Hang colourful paper lanterns or streamers

Decorate your at-home wedding reception venue with some fun and festive paper lanterns or streamers! This is an easy and inexpensive way to add a touch of colour and personality to your décor. You could even get the guests involved by asking them to help you hang up the decorations before the big day.

5. Provide games for guests to play

Why not provide some entertainment for your guests, with some fun games? You could set up a Giant Jenga or Connect Four tournament, or have a selection of board games available for guests to play. If you're feeling really adventurous, you could even hire a casino table for the night!

There you have it, some fun and unique ideas to make your at-home wedding reception more enjoyable for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your big day today!