8 Ways to Entertain Guests Before the Reception

Pre-reception entertainment ideas are essential to keep guests engaged and excited before the main event begins. At Genesis Events, we provide top-tier entertainment solutions that ensure every guest is satisfied. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or a special celebration, keeping your guests entertained sets the perfect mood for the entire event.

Since 2008, Genesis Events has served over 2,000 weddings and events and perfected the art of keeping guests entertained. From live music to interactive games, we offer a wide range of entertainment options. Here are eight ways to ensure your guests have fun before the reception.

Live Musician

Engaging Pre-Reception Entertainment Ideas

Entertaining guests before the reception begins sets the tone for the rest of the event. At Genesis Events, we offer a variety of pre-reception entertainment ideas to keep your guests entertained and engaged from the moment they arrive. Our pre-reception entertainment options ensure that every guest has something fun and exciting to enjoy.

Whether you are looking for live performances or interactive activities, we have the perfect solution to match the theme and mood of your event. These entertainment ideas are designed to provide a seamless transition into the reception and ensure guests remain excited.

1. Live Music Performances

Live music creates an energetic atmosphere that guests can enjoy while they wait. Genesis Events offers solo musicians, small bands, or string quartets to set the tone. The live performances can be customized to match the event’s theme and create a sophisticated ambiance. 

This option is particularly appealing for formal events, as the musicians interact with the audience subtly. It sets a relaxed yet classy mood, ensuring guests are comfortable and entertained. Live music adds a touch of elegance that captivates attendees and enhances the overall experience.

2. Cocktail Hour with Interactive DJs

Genesis Events provides engaging DJ setups during cocktail hour that keep the atmosphere lively. Our DJs create custom playlists suited to your event’s theme, ensuring everyone enjoys the music while sipping their drinks. 

Interactive DJs are great for keeping guests entertained without overwhelming the space. Their ability to play the right tunes at the right time ensures the event runs smoothly. This keeps the mood upbeat and creates excitement leading up to the main reception.

3. Fun Photo Booths with Custom Props

Photo booths are a great way to add a personal touch to your event and engage your guests. Genesis Events offers customizable photo booths with a variety of props and personalized backdrops. Guests can take fun, memorable photos while they wait for the reception to begin. 

Guests enjoy taking pictures and can even share them on social media, making the photo booth an engaging pre-reception activity. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep everyone entertained while creating keepsakes from your special event.

Photo booth Activity

4. Interactive Games and Trivia

Interactive games such as trivia are a fun way to engage guests before the reception. Genesis Events can set up trivia stations with custom questions related to the couple’s story or the theme of the event. This encourages interaction among guests and adds a fun, competitive element.

Guests work in teams to answer questions, fostering connections between them. Trivia creates a lively and playful environment that keeps everyone entertained. Winners can even receive a small prize, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

5. Strolling Performers

Strolling performers bring a touch of surprise and excitement to the pre-reception period. Genesis Events offers performers like magicians or caricature artists who move through the crowd, engaging with guests one-on-one or in small groups. This interactive form of entertainment adds a unique and memorable experience.

Performers ensure that guests remain engaged and entertained as they wait for the reception to start. This dynamic approach keeps guests excited and adds an element of personalization to the event. Strolling performers help create a fun and intimate atmosphere.

6. Custom Video Presentations

Video presentations are a fantastic way to keep guests entertained while sharing personal moments from the couple’s journey or event highlights. Genesis Events can create customized video presentations that showcase memories, milestones, or other meaningful content. These presentations can play on screens around the venue, giving guests something engaging to watch.

Whether they feature touching moments or humorous clips, video presentations provide an emotional connection with your guests. They add a personal touch that keeps everyone entertained and involved in the celebration.

7. Lounge Areas with Background Music

Creating a lounge area provides guests with a relaxing space before the reception. Genesis Events sets up comfortable seating areas accompanied by soothing background music, creating a laid-back atmosphere. Guests can enjoy casual conversations and unwind while waiting for the event to move forward.

This setup is perfect for those who want to offer a calm, enjoyable environment where guests can feel comfortable. Background music helps set the tone and ensures that everyone has a space to enjoy themselves without too much activity.

8. Interactive Food Stations

Interactive food stations combine culinary delights with entertainment. Genesis Events provides live cooking stations where chefs prepare food in front of the guests, adding an interactive element to the pre-reception experience. Guests can watch the chefs in action and enjoy fresh, made-to-order dishes.

These stations are not only a fun form of entertainment but also offer guests delicious bites to keep them satisfied. It’s a win-win that combines engagement with high-quality cuisine, ensuring everyone is happy and entertained.

Food Station

Conclusion:

Entertaining guests before the reception is an integral part of creating an unforgettable event. Genesis Events offers a variety of pre-reception entertainment ideas and creative solutions to keep your guests engaged, from live music and photo booths to interactive food stations and games.