When it comes to creating a relaxed, joyful vibe for your wedding day, it’s often the little details that make the biggest difference. One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep guests smiling — and to capture those candid, spontaneous photo moments — is by bringing in a few classic garden games. Whether you’re planning a countryside marquee celebration, a chic city-venue, or a beautifully styled garden party, games help break the ice, entertain both young and old, and add that playful element everyone remembers.
Here at The White Van Wedding Company, our vintage-fairground-inspired collection of lawn games is created to blend seamlessly with stylish wedding décor while delivering big fun. From retro favourites to full-size competitive setups, we’ve got something for everyone (and every age!).
👉 Check out our full Wedding Games Hire range.
Here are seven of the stand-out games from our collection and how they can work beautifully on your big day:
1. Splat the Rat
One of our most popular picks, Splat the Rat is adored by children and adults alike. Guests drop a squishy rubber “rat” down a drain-pipe and try to whack it before it escapes. It brings big laughs, memorable moments and that relaxed, festival-style fun.
Perfect for mixed-age guest lists wanting something quirky but accessible.
2. Coconut Shy
The classic fairground game gets a wedding twist with our Coconut Shy: throw and knock down coconuts (we can even supply fresh coconuts as prizes). It’s visually charming, fun for all guests, and a lovely photo opportunity.
Great for lawn spaces and between the ceremony and reception drinks.
3. Milk Churn Challenge
Stylish and fun, the Milk Churn Challenge invites guests to throw a ball into one of the vintage milk-churns. With our neutral off-white & gold styling, it fits beautifully into elegant outdoor receptions while still offering playful action.
4. Tin Can Alley (Giant)
Bring a little old-school fairground nostalgia with the Giant Tin Can Alley. Guests throw bean bags to knock over stacked tins. It’s competitive in a fun way, encourages mingling, and suits those pockets of downtime — say while the venue is being flipped from ceremony to dinner.
5. Hoopla (Ring-Toss)
Sometimes the simplest games are the most elegant. Our Hoopla ring-toss game is great for smaller outdoor areas, or keeping younger guests entertained. It’s subtle, decorative and invites spontaneous fun while the adults chat.
6. Test Your Strength High Striker
For couples and guests who love a little friendly rivalry, this 8-ft tall high striker is the perfect challenge. Guests take turns, “ding the bell” if they can, and enjoy that competitive buzz — with photo moments to match.
Note: ensure indoor venues have enough ceiling height if planning to bring this inside.
7. Brides vs Grooms Football Table (Full Size)
If you’re after something really memorable, go for the full-size football table where it’s Team Bride vs Team Groom. It gets competitive, fun, and brings a real energy to a reception space. Ideal for later in the afternoon when guests are ready to play.
Why Garden Games Are a Must for Outdoor (and Indoor) Weddings
Aside from being fun, garden games offer so many benefits for a wedding day:
- They encourage mingling: Guests often arrive from different friend groups and families — games give them something shared to experience together.
- They fill downtime: While you’re doing couple photos, or your venue is changing rooms, games keep the atmosphere alive.
- They’re photo-friendly: Games create candid moments and fun visuals that look great in your wedding album.
- They’re inclusive: From children to grandparents, there’s something for everyone.
- They bring style: Our collection is designed to look beautiful as well as fun — with neutral tones and a vintage feel, so the games become part of your décor.
And the best part? The White Van Wedding Company handles delivery, set-up and collection, so you can focus on enjoying your day.
How to Make Your Games Work for You
- Location matters: Set your games up near the drinks reception or inside/just outside the main space so guests can dip in and out.
- Add signage: A chalkboard sign with instructions adds charm and encourages guests to join in.
- Mix styles: Choose one competitive game (like the high striker or football table) and a few relaxed ones (coconut shy, hoopla) so there’s variety.
- Think about space: Some games need more room or height (e.g., high striker). Our team can advise based on your venue.
- Tie into your theme: The games’ styling can complement your wedding colours with ribbons, signs or props — we’re happy to coordinate.
- Encourage fun prizes: A little prize for winners makes it even more engaging — consider fresh coconuts, sweet treats or personalised tokens.
Ready to Add Some Fun to Your Day?
If you’re planning an outdoor celebration or simply want to bring a playful twist to your reception, explore our games hire options and book early — the most popular games tend to go quickly.
Plus, don’t forget to browse our wider hire services – photo booth hire and wedding cars, so everything ties together into one seamless look and experience.
Happy planning — and let the games begin! 🎉