Wedding Games: NEW TREND IN WEDDING RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT
January 8 2004--The average wedding reception hosts over 100 guests, challenging Brides and Grooms to find creative ways to entertain extended friends and family. Joan Wai, author of "100+ WEDDING GAMES: Fun & Laughs for Bachelorette Parties, Showers, & Receptions" (TheBrainstormCompany.com, $11.95), suggests couples take a cue from Chinese, Mexican, German, and Eastern European weddings and host wedding games during their reception to break the ice. It's not as radical an idea as it sounds. Ever clink a glass to get a couple to kiss? Tried to catch the bouquet? That's just the tip of the iceberg on sweet wedding games to celebrate the blushing Bride and Groom.
"Many of these games are a fun way of showing off the couple's knowledge of and affection for each other," observes Joan, who spent two years researching reception, shower, and bachelorette party games for her book. These diversions are a fresh alternative to drinking and dancing, especially when trying to engage celebrants who might otherwise overindulge in alcohol. And wedding games needn't be exclusive to the couple of the hour. The groomsmen and bridesmaids can jumpstart the party by hosting friendly competitions among guests waiting for the Bride and Groom's grand entrance.
A popular game from Joan's book has the Bride blindfolded beside her Groom and tasked with seeking out three small clips attached somewhere on the Groom's clothing. She must use her Russian fingers and Roman hands to locate the clips within a couple minutes or perform a token penalty. "Everybody always gets a big laugh from the Bride's puzzled expression as she searches for a clip attached somewhere unexpected, like the Groom's shoelaces," laughs Joan, "And Grooms love the extra attention they're getting in the process." A game like this can be expanded to include couples from the reception and made into a race between partners. The winning team might be awarded a small gift or table centerpiece.
When deciding what games to play at the reception, Joan advises thoughtful consideration. Games with sexual overtones are more appropriate to a bachelorette party, than reception, but appropriateness really depends on what the couple and company are comfortable with. "Randy hijinks are expected in many Asian receptions," explains Joan who is an Asian-American, "the intent is to encourage a modest or shy husband to demonstrate love for his new wife." A couple should discuss what's appropriate and not beforehand with their organizers to avoid potentially awkward situations. If the Bride and Groom are dressed in clothing that limits their range of motion, pick games that the couple can play while standing or sitting in place. Just keep the fun lighthearted and good-natured to ensure an enjoyable time for all.
The tradition of playing games and pranks on the betrothed evolved from noble origins. "It was believed that if friends and family gave the couple a hard enough time, any bad spirits would take pity and spare the newlyweds ill fortune," Joan reveals. This is how goofy decorations on the wedding car and honking of car horns (to scare away evil) made their way into custom. Joan points out that the ability to take some friendly ribbing could also be a demonstration of the couple's readiness to face life's many challenges together. There's no greater delight for a wedding guest than seeing the couple having fun together, Joan concludes, "And a little playfulness is a wonderful start to a happy union!"
About the Author
Joan Wai is the author of "100+ WEDDING GAMES: Fun & Laughs for Bachelorette Parties, Showers, & Receptions," a banquet of wedding-themed games, activities, and pranks appropriate to a variety of nuptial functions, including the reception. The 130 page paperback retails for $11.95 at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, and Target.com. Media are invited to inquire about a review copy, digital press kit, or author interview via the contact information provided.
www.TheBrainstormCompany.com
This article courtesy of http://officialweddingsource.com.
You may freely reprint this article on your website or in
your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author
name and URL remain intact.
"Many of these games are a fun way of showing off the couple's knowledge of and affection for each other," observes Joan, who spent two years researching reception, shower, and bachelorette party games for her book. These diversions are a fresh alternative to drinking and dancing, especially when trying to engage celebrants who might otherwise overindulge in alcohol. And wedding games needn't be exclusive to the couple of the hour. The groomsmen and bridesmaids can jumpstart the party by hosting friendly competitions among guests waiting for the Bride and Groom's grand entrance.
A popular game from Joan's book has the Bride blindfolded beside her Groom and tasked with seeking out three small clips attached somewhere on the Groom's clothing. She must use her Russian fingers and Roman hands to locate the clips within a couple minutes or perform a token penalty. "Everybody always gets a big laugh from the Bride's puzzled expression as she searches for a clip attached somewhere unexpected, like the Groom's shoelaces," laughs Joan, "And Grooms love the extra attention they're getting in the process." A game like this can be expanded to include couples from the reception and made into a race between partners. The winning team might be awarded a small gift or table centerpiece.
When deciding what games to play at the reception, Joan advises thoughtful consideration. Games with sexual overtones are more appropriate to a bachelorette party, than reception, but appropriateness really depends on what the couple and company are comfortable with. "Randy hijinks are expected in many Asian receptions," explains Joan who is an Asian-American, "the intent is to encourage a modest or shy husband to demonstrate love for his new wife." A couple should discuss what's appropriate and not beforehand with their organizers to avoid potentially awkward situations. If the Bride and Groom are dressed in clothing that limits their range of motion, pick games that the couple can play while standing or sitting in place. Just keep the fun lighthearted and good-natured to ensure an enjoyable time for all.
The tradition of playing games and pranks on the betrothed evolved from noble origins. "It was believed that if friends and family gave the couple a hard enough time, any bad spirits would take pity and spare the newlyweds ill fortune," Joan reveals. This is how goofy decorations on the wedding car and honking of car horns (to scare away evil) made their way into custom. Joan points out that the ability to take some friendly ribbing could also be a demonstration of the couple's readiness to face life's many challenges together. There's no greater delight for a wedding guest than seeing the couple having fun together, Joan concludes, "And a little playfulness is a wonderful start to a happy union!"
About the Author
Joan Wai is the author of "100+ WEDDING GAMES: Fun & Laughs for Bachelorette Parties, Showers, & Receptions," a banquet of wedding-themed games, activities, and pranks appropriate to a variety of nuptial functions, including the reception. The 130 page paperback retails for $11.95 at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, and Target.com. Media are invited to inquire about a review copy, digital press kit, or author interview via the contact information provided.
www.TheBrainstormCompany.com
This article courtesy of http://officialweddingsource.com.
You may freely reprint this article on your website or in
your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author
name and URL remain intact.
posted by KC at 11:20 AM
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