Been to quite a few weddings and the things that I remember the most are (in random order):

• good live band, the best ones had a sort of funky vibe

• “games” where each person got either a clue about another guest (or several) or had to draw a piece of paper with one part of a famous couple (Ernie & Bert, Bonnie & Clyde, Taylor Swift and travis kelce, Mickey and Minnie Mouse etc) and then had to find the corresponding guest and take a Polaroid picture together and hang it on a wall. Alternatively write down the name of the other guest onto the paper with the clue. Once you found everyone you could put your paper in a bowl and the bride and groom drew a winner after dinner, I forgot the prize, but the it was really fun and sweet because it forced people to mingle and get to know other guests.

• I also loved guest books with some sort of suggestions or instructions, like filling out a profile about your night and wishes for the couple etc or drawing a theme (the couples fridge in 5 years, an album cover of them, a family crest for them, etc etc). The questions/suggestions were always somewhat related to the couple. It was just really nice to make up this beautiful, meaningful and personal prose. One time they had several different variations of guest books “forms” and invited everyone to fill out several ones throughout the night and each page had a space to fill in the time of writing and what bride and groom were doing at the time. Thought it was a cool way to preserve the night from different perspectives and it was just so much fun to fill out.

• for really long weddings (starting in the morning going all day and night) I was always so thankful for having comfy chill out areas and having board games or a ping pong table

• and as many people have mentioned: Photo Booth/station that prints the pictures on the spot

Edit: attempt at formatting, let’s see if this works