Show-Me State Style: 10 More Unique Reception Ideas for 2025
- joplinphotobooth
- May 19
- 2 min read
Show-Me State Style: 10 More Unique Reception Ideas for 2025
1 Wedding Reception Content Creators & Social Media Coverage
Hiring content creators to capture candid, real-time and shareable moments for social media, alongside traditional photography, photo booth and video, is skyrocketing in popularity.
2 Film and Documentary-Style Photography/Videography
Nostalgic film photography and candid “paparazzi-style” images—plus cinematic videography, including drone shots—are on the rise, replacing ultra-posed photos and giving a timeless, authentic vibe.
3 Live Painters
Live painters are an excellent way to get a huge reaction from your guests. Keep in mind there are many different styles out there, so do your research beforehand. Some may paint with traditional paints, brushes, canvas, but nowadays there are also digital painters for hire. This is great in that you can receive high-resolution digital versions of their creations.
Note: Always allow artists putting their talents to work to accept tips by putting out a tip jar!
4 Buffet Food Stations
Instead of one style of food, go a la carte and let people create their own small plates of several different varieties.
5 Axe Throwing
Services like Anvil Axe Co in Neosho, MO have mobile axe targets, axes, and instructors rentable for all types of events.
6 Live Bands with Regional Flair
Hire a local band specializing in Midwest favorites—think bluegrass, Americana, country, indie rock, or even polka. Many couples love including “homegrown” sounds in their celebrations. Instead of one band, why not have your own mini-concert and have a couple different acts?
7 Silent Disco
Provide guests with wireless headphones and let them choose between different music channels. It’s fun, interactive, and great for venues with sound restrictions.
8 Live Caricaturist Artists
They're not just for tourists on the boardwalk anymore! Nowadays you can hire a live caricaturist to draw for your guests! One big advantage of a caricaturist over a traditional live painter is that they can create sketches much more rapidly, allowing more guests to get in on the action. As with the live painters, always allow your artist to put out a tip jar.
9 Fireworks!
Dazzle your guests with a fireworks display in the sky. If your wedding happens to be on private land or in a location where fireworks can be used safely and legally, then you're in luck. If not, be sure to contact your local or state Department of Public Safety to find out about obtaining a permit. Fireworks can be purchased year-round in a lot of states, just make sure you have the legal authority to do so first. In Missouri, you need to contact the 'MO Dept of Fire Safety'.
10 Themed Game Stations
Set up yard games (like cornhole, Bocce Ball, giant Jenga, or ring toss), casino tables, or retro arcade stations for mingling and guest participation.
