Treasure Hunt

• A treasure hunt works for an indoor or outdoor reception. Buy some small plastic toys or bags of healthy snacks and hide them in the area. Make one "treasure box" that includes an item for each child. If you're playing outdoors, avoid muddy areas so children stay clean. Create a list of clues that will lead children from the starting point to the "treasure" at the end. Write each one on a separate note card. Attach one clue to each hidden toy. Give the starting clue to the group and off they go.
  
  

Games on Paper

• Cover the children's tables with white paper and crayons. Draw some tic-tac-toe boards and hangman setups. These games will keep children quietly entertained while sitting at their table, which will help keep them calm while the adult guests are eating or listening to speeches. They will also help calm down children who are overtired or have eaten too much sugar. The supervising adult should be armed with some cheap plastic toys to give to the winners of each game. Pass out prizes to the losers as well or risk a tantrum in the middle of the reception.
  
  

I Spy

• Put a disposable camera at each child's place. Make a list of things for each child to find and photograph. Include items like "a piece of cake," "something green" and "people dancing." Whoever is supervising the children must choose a time when children are allowed to play this game so they won't disrupt important moments. If there are younger children in attendance, divide children into teams of one older child and one younger child. Afterward, the newlyweds -- and others -- can look back at the wedding through a child's eyes.
  
  

Play Pretend

• Most children enjoy mimicking adults and playing pretend, so organize a game of "pretend wedding." Let children decide who will play the "bride," "groom" and other roles. Act out the entire wedding however the children want to run it. Tell the couple to seal their pretend marriage with a hug or handshake instead of a kiss. Switch roles and put on another wedding. Take photos for the real couple's album, and make copies for each child's parents.