Welcome Dinner Icebreaker Ideas

I like ice breaker games. I tend towards more of a natural interaction with board games or something similar. That way people get to chat,
but also have something else to focus on besides talking. (I’m also from MN if your username is where you’re from rather than initials)

View Quoted Comment If your FS, FILs, or your parents know these concerned guests better talk about it. I've met so many people because the host of the party comes over and just thinks my interests or hobbies align with their friends Honestly the number of parties/events I've been at where the host goes "Oh you just need to me Bob the Builder! I think you two would really hit it off. You both make homemade soap and run marathons! Bob meet Jess. Jess, Bob is my cousin. Bob, Jess was my roommate in college!" And off the host floated introducing people and being social.

View Quoted Comment Idk I think ice breakers would be even more awkward for these shy people. As someone who is not very social and has a hard time talking to people I don't know, I would haaaate ice breakers as a wedding guest

View Quoted Comment My fiance has family in the UK, and it is closer than flying to Australia or Thailand for our guests. Ooh, I think a traditional irish band might be a cool way to entertain guests. Most people are telling me I do not need to do anything, so we'll see.

View Quoted Comment I am not sure where only games is coming from. I am asking for activities that does not involve drinking like a band or something to entertain guests as some guests dont drink and might not want to talk the whole night. I wanted to see what the options were for activities where people can mingle and relax either during dinner or after where making conversation is not the only option. I am more than cool with not doing something, but wanted to see what people did.

We're looking at having our rehearsal dinner at a bowling alley. I disagree that drinking is an activity. It's not. I don't think weird, guided "get to know you" games are the way to go, though.

You can have an optional game. As long as you don't force it, i think thats a good option for people who want to do it. We're having a welcome reception with appetizers and soft drinks so it's not as formal as a dinner. It's intended to be a meet and greet. We have two ideas we are considering for right now. The first would be a bingo game where you have to meet someone who represents the criteria in the square (ex. meet someone who traveled from Michigan). The other is a wedding by the numbers guessing game (ex. How many dresses did the bride try on). Even though it's not an icebreaker per se, people will still collaborate to guess the answers.

View Quoted Comment No, not trust falls. I mentioned lawn games as day time activity as an option for people that come early, and I am getting a lot of icebreaker games comment. I wanted recommended activities not just icebreaker games after dinner where people can hang out get to know each other but do not have to depend on drinking and talking the whole time as some guests dont know each other or like to talk. As mentioned we decided against something kitsch. I def. will introduce the shy guests as you had mentioned. Thank you for the recommendation.

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Agreed with this. Having somewhere fun is a great way for people to have conversation

View Quoted Comment Just saw this. Does the castle offer tours?

I'd ask some of your more outgoing friends to try and mingle with the shy and reserved ones.

View Quoted Comment We are in CA, those are my initials. An activity where people have soemthing to focus on besides talking and drinking but still mingle and get to know each other is what I am looking for.

View Quoted Comment So I wanted icebreaker activity ideas where shy people can get to know others without drinking and talking all night. Not forcing people to play icebreaker games. I just wanted to know what other options are besides drinking and talking.

View Quoted Comment That is a really cool idea. Yeah I def. prefer activity, that is why I said activity not games.

View Quoted Comment Yeah I was definitely thinking of an optional activity just some sort of distraction that will make it easier for people to mingle if they want. I think what you are suggesting def. qualifies as an icebreaker. Something that makes poeple more realxed around other people equals icebreaker to me.

Skip the games/ice breaker activities. It sounds like a good idea but your guests are adults and will chat amongst themselves just fine.

View Quoted Comment I don't know, that is a great question. We are renting the entire castle and estate for the weekend, I could maybe have someone show us the estate after dinner. That is a great idea.

View Quoted Comment I agree, I think this would be easiest. An an introvert I loathe traditional icebreakers.

Thanks everyone for their feedback. Im still doing lawn games during the day, because I want to play croquet in front of a castle. I'm an adult, but I still love lawn games. Although, talking and drinking is great, I have decided to do a tour of the castle and estate as an activity after dinner as recommend by FutureLadyH.

Most people don't enjoy contrived "icebreakers", and a wedding app for that is suuuuper extra. We had a welcome dinner for family, wedding party, and OOT guests. Our families didn't know each other before, we didn't do any sort of activities, and everyone mingled and introduced themselves to other people just fine. Alcohol is the only icebreaker you need. Seriously.