Ways to Wow Your Wedding Guests at Waipuna Estate
Your wedding is a momentous occasion—one filled with love, joy, and a chance to create lasting memories. While the day is ultimately about you and your partner, it’s also an opportunity to delight your guests and make their experience just as unforgettable. At Waipuna Estate, we believe in creating moments that will leave your guests in awe.
Here are eight of our favourite ways to truly wow your wedding guests and make your celebration unforgettable.
1. Great Food!
There’s no denying that food is one of the most important elements of your wedding. A well-fed guest is a happy guest, and the food you serve sets the tone for the entire celebration.
Signature dishes: Consider serving a dish that’s meaningful to you and your partner, like a family recipe or a favourite meal.
Food trucks or fun options: Why not bring in a food truck to serve up gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, or any other culinary delight that suits your style?
Dessert stations: Ice cream trucks, cheese platters, or candy stations are sure to be a hit—plus, they offer guests something sweet to enjoy throughout the day.
The food at your wedding is a chance to showcase your personality, so make it memorable.
Photo credit: Sally Anne Photography
2. Choose a Stunning Venue
A beautiful venue can leave a lasting impression. Waipuna Estate, nestled in the hills above Tai Tapu, offers sweeping views of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. With stunning native gardens and elegant, scenic surroundings, Waipuna is the perfect venue for a breathtaking “wow” moment.
Our venue isn’t just about the view—it’s about creating a truly magical experience. Whether you’re looking for indoor elegance or outdoor beauty, Waipuna Estate provides a setting that your guests will never forget. Explore our wedding packages to see how you can make your wedding a showstopper.
3. Create a Winter Wonderland
Winter weddings are often overlooked in favour of warmer months, but they provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic winter wonderland. Think twinkling lights, cozy blankets, roaring fires, and comforting foods—your guests will feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale.
Waipuna Estate’s intimate winter setting, overlooking the snow-capped Southern Alps, will set the stage for an enchanting celebration. If you’re dreaming of a winter wedding, check out our recent blog post for everything you need to know.
4. Include Interactive Elements
Interactive features are a great way to keep guests engaged and entertained throughout the day. Here are some ideas to get everyone involved:
Photo booths: Set up a photo booth or wall with a Polaroid camera, allowing guests to snap fun photos and take them home as keepsakes.
DIY Dessert Bar: Who doesn’t love ice cream? A DIY soft serve station with a range of toppings will certainly delight your guests.
Unique guest books: Try alternatives like fingerprint trees or personal messages on wishing stones.
Giant lawn games: From Giant Jenga to ring toss, lawn games are always a hit. Or why not set up a trivia game to test guests’ knowledge of the happy couple?
Social media hashtags: Create a custom hashtag for your big day and encourage guests to tag their photos so you can collect a unique set of images.
These interactive elements will add a touch of fun to your day and make sure your guests are fully engaged.
Photo credit: Stacey Cavalier Photography
5. All the Right Sounds
Music can transform the atmosphere of your wedding, so make sure you choose the right sounds to set the tone. Whether you go for a live acoustic band, a cover band, or a DJ, the music you choose should reflect you as a couple.
Live performers can add an elegant and personal touch to the ceremony and reception.
For a bigger selection of songs, a DJ or jukebox could offer the variety you want while keeping guests on the dance floor all night.
The music you select should evoke emotions, bring people together, and create the perfect backdrop for the day.
6. Personalised Touches
Your wedding day should be a reflection of you and your partner. Personalising your wedding adds authenticity and warmth, making the day feel uniquely yours.
Monogrammed items: Consider adding your initials to wine bottles or creating personalised table settings.
Cultural traditions: If you have special cultural customs, incorporate them into the ceremony or reception.
Handwritten elements: Personalised place names or handwritten notes can give your wedding a personal touch that guests will love.
Don’t be afraid to make the day a true expression of who you both are.
7. Twinkle All the Way
As the sun sets, the party often cranks up. Why not make your evening extra special with some twinkling outdoor lights? String lights, lanterns, or fairy lights can create a magical atmosphere against the night sky, turning your wedding reception into a sparkling celebration.
Light can completely transform a space, adding an ethereal touch to your evening celebrations.
8. Accommodation
Your wedding day may fly by, but with the right accommodation, you can extend the celebration. Waipuna Estate offers luxurious accommodation for up to 10 guests, allowing you and your closest friends or family to unwind in comfort before or after the event.
Imagine having your loved ones stay on-site, just a few steps from your ceremony and reception—allowing you to relax and enjoy the full wedding weekend. To find out more about our accommodation options, contact us here.
Photo Credit: Stacey Cavalier Photography
At Waipuna Estate, we believe in creating a wedding that’s memorable not just for you but for your guests too. From stunning views to interactive moments and personalised touches, there are plenty of ways to truly wow everyone who shares your special day.
Ready to create your own wow moments at Waipuna Estate? Explore our wedding packages or book a viewing to start planning the celebration of a lifetime.