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Gifts

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Give your guests a day they’ll never forget (and something to do while you have your photos done) with fun and creative outdoor wedding games perfect for a summer soiree! From jJengato karaoke, the list of fun activities is endless.

By Taryn Wilson

1. BRIDE & GROOM TRIVIA

Let your guests put their knowledge to the test in an exciting game of bride and groom trivia with fun questions relating to your relationship.

2. GIANT CHESS

If you’re hosting your big day at a big outdoor venue, be sure to include this fun and competitive game for your guests to take part in. Use giant chess pieces, or simply paint big water containers black and white to fit the chess board theme.

3. POKER

Adding a few poker tables to your reception area is a great way to keep guests entertained, and can go along with a fun casino wedding theme.

4. WORD SEARCH

Set up a chalkboard word game with words relating to your big day and let guests use their skills to find them all.

5. DRESS UP PHOTO BOOTH

Go big with your photobooth and include boxes with dress-up goodies. You can even be funky and include a few Snapchat filter look-a-likes to get some great pics and loads of laughs.

6. BOARD GAMES GALORE

Stack up on all of your favourite boardgames and lay them outside on a table with some picnic blankets for fun activies that will remind your guests of fond childhood memories.

7. KARAOKE

This one’s always a winner! One way to get the party started at your reception is to set up a karaoke station and get everyone to take part in singing their favourite hits.

8. PIN THE TIE ON THE GROOM

Similar to pin the tail on the donkey, set up a picture of the man of the hour and get guests to attempt to pin on a tie while blindfolded. It’ll be loads of fun!

9. LOTS OF LEGO

If you have children at your wedding, setting up a play area with big lego pieces will keep them busy and entertained during your reception. It may even attract some adult guests too!

10. A JENGA STATION

You can’t go wrong with Jenga! This simple game is an easy way to let your guests have a great time. Set up a few Jenga games on some tables and let your guests do the rest.

Image: Pinterest

Since your bridesmaids and groomsmen will help ensure everything goes according to plan, why not show your appreciation for them with a small token of gratitude? Take your pick from these thoughtful and creative thank you gift ideas.

FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS

1. Transform an old glass jar into a lucky packet of pampering essentials or buy a cute zippered purse and fill it with her favourite items: lip gloss, mints, chocolate, a perfume sample, a hand mirror. Add a tag with a loving note and voila!

2. If you’re having a winter wedding, consider gifting each bridesmaid with a pashmina or shawl in a colour that matches their dress or your overall colour scheme.

3. For summer, try getting hold of paper fans. These will not only come in handy when the heat gets too much to bear, but can also serve as awesome props for photographs!

4. If you and your bridesmaids are getting ready together, a cute silk robe is a nice gift and will foster bonding between you while you get ready.

FOR THE GROOMSMEN

1. Personalise a wooden box by filling it with a handy shaving kit: a brush, shaving cream and a delicious-smelling aftershave.

2. An accessory such as a bow tie, cufflinks, pocket square or socks is an awesome addition to your groomsmen’s attire and will remind them of the day whenever they wear it.

3. Customise a leather bracelet or keychain with each groomsman’s name.

4. An instant camera will help encourage them to document your wedding in their own unique way.

5. Buy inexpensive T-shirts or hoodies and get them monogrammed with a fun quote or saying that means something to all of you.

Oh-so cute! These DIY wedding favour bags will do double duty as table activities for younger guests and takeaway bags for sweet treats.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Gift bags
Scissors
Felt
Craft glue

METHOD
1. Cut out ear shapes from the top of each bag.
2. Cut out felt ears, eyes, whiskers and noses and glue on to the bags to complete.
3. Set up a kids’ table with the pre-cut bags and felt, and let them create their own masterpieces.

Getting the perfect thank-you gift for your wedding guest can be tricky. You want something that shows your appreciation but gifting a lot of people can end up being very costly. The best solution? Personalised DIY gifts that you can prepare months in advance!

1 Infused oil

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Infuse cooking oil (olive oil is a favourite) with chillies or your favourite herbs for a yummy, flavourful salad dressing or base.

2 Spice mix

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Mix various spices and place it in a jar to create your own flavoured rub or spice mixture that goes with your wedding’s theme.

3 Plant a tree

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Give your guests the gift of nature with your favourite tree or plant seeds. This is a great way of helping the environment while showering your guests with a gift they can cherish.

4 Personalised fortune cookies

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Buy ready-made fortune cookies from your closest Chinese wholesaler and fill it with personalised messages for your guests.

5 Sugar scrub

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Add colouring and scented oils like peppermint to sugar. Allow it to soak and dry, then place it in a jar for an amazing sugar body scrub that tastes delicious too.

6 Jam jar

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Preserve your favourite fruits to create a tasty jam – your guests will remember you with every bite.

Text Sharne Cupido
Photography Pinterest, Olia Gozha/Unsplashed, Kristina Balic/Unsplashed