Garden games for after the Wedding ceremony
So the ceremony is complete, you are feeling radiant, on a cloud of joy. How did it go so quickly? Now the photographer wants to whisk you and the bridal party away for a photo shoot.
Meanwhile your guests are wandering, mingling and perhaps looking for a little something to do. As a celebrant I often get to see the post ceremony fun organised by a thoughtful couple, and have had the chance to take a few snaps in order to inspire you today.
So, you’ve made your guests comfortable with hats, shade, and other little delights to amuse.
Consider wedding garden games to get the party laughing.
Garden games are such fun during the post wedding ceremony time. Not competitive, fun, yet can be played with a glass in one hand, and a ready giggle when someone misses the mark. A game of two while sipping a cocktail is very relaxing, and makes for some great candid photographs. Wedding games using the giant game sets are perfect for a garden wedding.
With vintage themes still a great way to DIY your wedding decor, then vintage games are de rigueur. Try some of these for the wedding guests on your wedding day:
Quoits
A stick and a hand full of rope rings is all you need. Beer in one hand ring in the other, the game gets more fun as the beer lowers. Some people think that the game originated from tossing horse shoes.
Croquet
The red queen may have used upended flamingos as her croquet mallet, but wooden ones are more the go these days! Originating in France and brought to England as Paille Maille (the latin words for ball & mallet), and possibly played as early as the 1600’s, croquet is not just the dominion of the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland. A vintage set of mallets hoops and balls is available at several wedding venues these days, especially the French inspired Clovelly Estate, and the vintage farm Kenilworth Homestead.
Giant Jenga
Now here’s one the crafty family member can whip up. Simply cut equal lengths of pine framing boards. Stack them up on the grass. Then each player has to extract one block and place it on top without upsetting the whole stack. After a while the entire stack is teetering and one person has to be responsible for tumbling the lot over….to many cheers from onlookers.
Badminton
An oldie but goodie, badminton can look lovely in your garden wedding. Take two tent poles and peg them out. String a set of bunting flags between the poles for your “net”. Cute!
Skittles/ Kubb /Finska
Another ball and tumbling game. Who can bowl the skittles over on grass?
And for games hire… contact the lovely Nathan at Sunshine Coast Games Hire for a no fuss delivery option.
Photobooth
And finally, you could make your own Photobooth. Provide a basket of silly costume pieces, hats, glasses and a picture frame. Set up a camera on a tripod. Guests take turns in photographing each other. They won’t want to leave for the reception!!! And you will have a camera full of great memories of your guests, and an insight into what they got up to in your absence!!!
Hope there’s something there to inspire your post ceremony wedding fun and games.
See you at a wedding soon. xx Kari – the celebrant.
A Flaxton Gardens Wedding
This is the story of a fun wedding at Flaxton Gardens, dedicated wedding and events venue on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Gosh I loved the spirit of this couple. We laughed. They danced. We high fived. Bec and Mitch had the most fun they could at their wedding. So, congratulations to Bec and Mitch on their stunning Flaxton Gardens Wedding. It was a picture perfect day with celebrant – Kari.
How did their wedding begin?
Of course it began a long time ago. These two were set up by a friend who, after spending weeks trying to convince Bec to meet him, decided the only way it was going to happen was by tricking her into it. Mitch on the other hand took no convincing, as he knew she was blond and that was all he needed to know!
After spending just one evening together, where they both brought out their competitive sides; playing pool and discussing the merits of the “bunny suicides”, they were both smitten.
I loved working with these two. They simply have fun together… all of the time. Best friends and companions in many, many ways. Mitch says, “Iggy has been my whole world for over 7 years.” Bec adores that they have the same sense of humour, and make each other laugh so much.
A large wedding in the garden
Flaxton Gardens is a stunning venue for a large gathering in beautiful gardens with the most amazing view of the Sunshine Coastline. And now that restrictions have lifted, large weddings are on again. Hoorah!
Fun ceremony
When planning their ceremony we decided that it was about fun. A bit of jiving down the aisle, a few high Fives, lots of laughs and not too serious. But loads of love and friendship. And who says only the bride gets to walk down the aisle?
Modern day couples are all about equality in their relationships, so why not reflect that in a marriage ceremony too. We discussed how we could even things up and make the ceremony all about two people, and fun of course. Mitch chose a theme song for the boys, so Mitch and his three groomsmen, Gab, Liam and Dylan had their moment in the limelight before the girls arrived. We admired the view while Bec arrived in the car, and readied herself for the big arrival.
Arrival of the Bride
Before we glimpsed Bec coming out from the magnificent winery building doors, the girls had their moments before Kasia and Tiana walked down the aisle. Then she arrived on the arms of Dad. It was hard to stop the tears of joy.
Wedding Ceremony
And so the ceremony began…. all tears and smiles mixed in together. So natural, so authentic, so much fun.
And then they were wed
Thanks to Luke for capturing the wedding fun with his awesome photographs.
Photo Credit @lukemiddlemissphotography
Maroochy Botanic Gardens for an elegant picnic wedding …
Congratulations Gabby and Damon, and little Dominic.
Gabby is like a niece to me. So when she asked me to assist with her Sunshine Coast wedding I was over the moon.
Not sure what you want for a garden wedding?
Gabby wasn’t quite sure what they wanted for a wedding, so we jumped in the car and went for a drive.
She wished for an outdoor wedding, a beautiful place with stunning gardens, a parkland for a wedding picnic, and a simply gorgeous place for a marriage ceremony. So I suggested a Maroochy Botanic Gardens wedding, a perfect place in which to marry.
A Love Story
Gabby and Damon first met at a blind date set up by friends. As soon as they saw each other, there was an instant attraction. Something clicked. She took his hand, to lead him to the buffet. It was a gesture he will always remember; a gesture of kindness and caring, a sign of her friendliness.
A child
Little Dominic, their sweet young son, just loved the gardens. He ran and jumped and played. Seemed like he had chosen this place. The Maroochy Botanic Gardens certainly suited a child’s imagination and he felt free to play. This wedding was to include several children, so the botanic gardens were perfect; a kids’ paradise and a bush haven with manicured garden beds as well.
A beautiful bride
With her stunning Chilean looks and long dark locks, Gabby made a stunning bride. She was so proud to walk on her Dad’s arm to the ceremony along the gardens path.
A Wedding
They were married under the arch in the sculpture gardens, decorated with white tulle and ribbon for the day, against a backdrop of the infinity sculpture carved from marble. We designed an elegant wedding picnic, with picnic baskets full of nibbles and drinks, and blankets on the grass.
Read about other Botanic Gardens weddings here.
Photographs of Gabby’s Botanic Gardens wedding are by Poison Apple Studios
Framing wedding memories…. When should one step out of frame?
A celebrant should be right there for you during your ceremony. But sometimes your celebrant needs to be out of frame too. As a celebrant myself I always want to appear appropriate for your wedding. Elegantly dressed, well presented… and in some of your photos so you can remember your ceremony.
However, I realise you don’t want me in ALL your wedding photos from the ceremony. I like to step out of the frame sometimes. There are moments when a celebrant needs to step aside, and allow you to be the only ones in the frame.
When are these moments? Why does a celebrant need to be mindful of the moment? Being mindful of your memories is part of the role of celebrant.
Shireen and Aaron’s Wedding
Previously I wrote about this gorgeous Spicers Clovelly Estate wedding. Read the back story here.
With the focus on a couple and two children, it was definitely appropriate for me to step out of the frame at several opportune moments. The question that a celebrant juggles is how can I be supportive and yet not always right in the centre of frame?
When should a celebrant disappear from the wedding photos? Consider these very personal memories in your wedding ceremony, 7 moments when a celebrant should be out of the frame:
1. Groomsmen only
In my celebrant role, I often hang around with the fellas before the ceremony. The groomsmen and I work out things like
- Where to stand, in relation to the arbour, altar or floral decor.
- What order they are arranged
- Are their button hole flowers fixed on right… in a way that is firm, and will not cause a stray pin to spike someone later when hugs are happening.
- Where to put their hands
- Are the rings safe
- When and how to present the rings
Then it is time for me to step aside and allow the photographer to get some shots of the fellas.
2. When the bride arrives
Chatting with the groom before the ceremony keeps things casual and relaxed. It gives me time to relay some last minute tips, and have a few laughs to break the seriousness of the occasion. There is that poignant moment when a groom sees his bride for the first time. Suddenly I am not there, as he steps forward to greet her and those accompanying her down the aisle. Time for hand shakes with Dad or Mum, brother or son. Time for hugs and delight in seeing the bride for the first time in all her splendour. Time for taking in the emotion of the moment. Time to invite the bride into the wedding space.
I allow time.
3. While you say your vows
These words are gifts. Standing to the side or gently holding your microphone, I slide into the background. Of course there is a supporting role needed here, and I am right there…..but I make sure to be aware of where the photographer is standing, and adjust myself behind or out of the way.
4. Always, always, always …. during the wedding kiss
Need I say more… this is that moment everyone looks forward to, the seal of a kiss. Step away celebrant!
5. Special rituals
In the story of Shireen and Aaron, we had designed a special vow to the children. So of course this was a photo opportunity for a family moment; united in one name at last.
6. Signing the wedding certificates
The signing is an official aspect of the wedding ceremony. So of course the celebrant needs to witness every signature. 5 people need to sign; the couple, two witnesses and of course the marriage celebrant too. And there are three certificates to sign. So that makes 15 signatures all up…..
Don’t worry, you don’t need to know beforehand who goes where. I will indicate to all where they need to place their squiggle. We want to keep it legal after all.
However after the last signature is in the bag…. I step aside for your group photo, and help arrange flowers, certificates, rings etc for the closeups. I always work in with the photographer.
7. Finally back down the aisle
Assisting with timing at this point can help you get the best photos. My celebrant role is not done yet. I help couple and attendants know when is the best moment to walk down the rows of chairs… creating the perfect photo opportunities along the way.
But there are of course times when the celebrant needs to be in the picture….not out of frame!!
When to be in the Frame
Thanks to Taylah of Tay and Francis for the stunning images in this story
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Married in a green Wedding Dress
Do I have to be married in white, you ask?
Of course not. Queen Victoria started the white wedding trend by deciding not to wear the classic royal wedding colour of silver. She preferred white. before that the ordinary folk simply married in their best clothes. Whatever colour they were.
So how about a green wedding dress? The outcome was stunning.
Congratulations to Alicia and Carlo, married on a stunning day in August at the Spotted Chook in Montville in the hinterland range.
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The green dress
Alicia stunned everyone with her beautiful green wedding dress. But most of all, for her gentle groom, Carlo, she was absolutely beautiful. She was an elegant picture in soft green on her wedding day. The green bride dress in soft silk with elegant and understated lace trims was stunning. Her decision to be married in green was a great choice. Married in green is sublime against the forest backdrop.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38564″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
Spotted Chook Wedding venue
This couple wanted a time to be together with their family, not just for the moments of a ceremony, but for a whole weekend away, in the hinterland. They chose the Spotted Chook, because of the intimacy of the surroundings and the ability to have a retreat weekend with the entire guest list. The French provincial themed Spotted Chook has rooms decorated in every colour and a little hideaway cottage for the wedded couple.
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Their love story
When Alicia met Carlo, she was planning to leave the UK and return to Australia. As a result of this meeting, she stayed three more years! Carlo knew he had found a true partner, someone who matched him. Alicia and Carlo had already been committed to each other for quite a while when I met them. They describe marriage to me as a meeting of independent souls.
The family
On their wedding day so many people were included. Several couples and groups walked down the aisle to the ceremony in the gazebo looking over the sloping lawns and gardens. It is not only the bridal party who can walk down the aisle. There was Mum, some important family, the bridesmaid, and then the breath taking Bride on the arm of her father.
Wedding Dress not white
I congratulate Alicia on standing her ground for a wedding dress that was not white. Not easy in the face of the bridal industry, who would wish white on every bride. She looked more than stunning in a glorious shade of green. And certainly took my breath away. So girls, take Alicia’s example, and choose your own coloured wedding dress, the one just for you.
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Cute wedding kids
And check out the cute wedding kids…. adorable!
Photos by Mandy and Jason of AWPP Photography.
Watch the unfolding story of their ceremony in pictures
If you liked this colour story, try one about a purple wedding dress
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