A good event doesn't need to be packed with activities from the moment people arrive. In fact, that can get exhausting. What makes a night stick in your head is usually one or two things that were fun and unexpected. So, instead of handing everyone a card with a conversation prompt, give them something they would want to photograph, compete over or eat. You can still keep things simple. The difference is that the idea itself needs to have some personality.

Turn the Entrance Into a Paparazzi Moment

Arrival areas are often mundane, and sometimes scary. You can improve that by hiring someone to take red-carpet-style photos of guests as they walk in. Don't make it formal, though. It will be entertaining to have someone yell things like: “Give us a new pose!” while everyone is still trying to work out what is happening.

People change once they realise they're allowed to be silly. Someone who would normally avoid having their photo taken might suddenly give you an outrageous pose. You can put the pictures on a screen later in the night, too, so the entrance becomes part of the entertainment rather than just a place where people left their coats.

Have a Cocktail Bar That Lets People Make Terrible Decisions

Give your drinks table a proper menu. You can spice it up by making the cocktails unusual. You could have something like a spicy margarita. A frozen espresso martini could be a hit, too. If alcohol isn't appropriate for your event, the same idea works with mocktails, iced teas and sodas.

You can make it more fun by having one secret drink that isn't listed on the menu. Guests can ask the bartender for it without knowing what they're going to receive. Keep it good, though.

Put a Modern Photo Booth Somewhere

Modern photo booths are much more entertaining than hiring a photographer to shoot the entire event. While you can definitely hire one, having these options available as well is a game-changer. Modern photo booths give guests options for different backgrounds, effects, poses and short video clips. They should be able to take that souvenir back home.

If you're planning something in Australia, a photo booth for hire in Melbourne can work well for birthdays, engagement parties and larger celebrations. It’s a perfect entertainment option because it gives people something fun to do between food, drinks and dancing. Put it somewhere central rather than hiding it in a forgotten corner.

Bring In Something Everyone Wants to Try

Sometimes the easiest way to make an event more exciting is to bring in something people wouldn't normally have at home. A proper gelato cart or a fresh doughnut station could attract a real crowd.

People are much more willing to wander over when there's something worth seeing. You just need to put it somewhere visible and let curiosity do the work. Someone will spot the dessert, and before long, drag their friends over.

Get a DJ Who Takes Requests Seriously

If you’re going to hire someone, don’t hire the person who will just play music in the background. Give the DJ permission and encourage them to interact with the crowd. A request box is appropriate here because it allows your guests to submit songs anonymously throughout the night.

The fun comes from seeing what gets played and trying to guess who requested it. If somebody suddenly puts on a song from 2012 that nobody has heard in years, people will immediately start looking around the room. 

Give Everyone a Chance to Win Something Good

Forget the tiny gift bags. They’re fine, but they don’t contribute to entertainment. To change that, you can put a few desirable prizes up for grabs throughout the night. They don't have to be extravagant. A restaurant voucher, concert tickets, or a nice bottle of perfume can get people's attention.

You can give prizes away through quick games. Don’t drag it out and have people wait for hours to figure out whether they’ve won something. If they end up disappointed for losing, they can quickly move on to the next thing. 

Conclusion

In the end, you have to choose which of these options are best for your event. You should definitely include photo booths and hidden cocktails if you believe that people would like them. That way, you will feel proud of all the time and effort you’ve put into organising your event, and the attendees will be entertained and pleased, too.