How to Organize a Wedding Cornhole Tournament

Adding a cornhole tournament to your wedding festivities is a fantastic way to engage your guests, create memorable moments, and bring some friendly competition to your big day. Whether your wedding is casual or elegant, a well-organized cornhole tournament can enhance the celebration while keeping guests entertained. Here’s how to plan the perfect wedding cornhole tournament.

1. Set Up the Tournament Format

• Single Elimination: Quick and straightforward, perfect for larger weddings.
• Double Elimination: Allows guests a second chance, extending the fun.
• Round Robin: Great for smaller gatherings, ensuring everyone gets multiple games.
• Teams: Allow guests to choose their own teams or make it random partners! Another fun idea is to do something like "Bride Family vs Groom Family" or "Bridesmaids vs Groomsmen" or "Girls vs Guys" 

2. Choose the Right Cornhole Boards & Bags

Ensure your cornhole boards match your wedding theme with customized designs that include:

• Your names and wedding date.
• Colors that complement your wedding decor.
• Fun graphics like “Bride vs. Groom” or “Team Love vs. Team Forever.”

3. Set Up a Tournament Bracket

A visible and organized bracket keeps guests engaged and excited about the competition. Options include:

• A printed bracket displayed on an easel.
• A chalkboard bracket that can be updated in real-time.
• A digital bracket using the free app, Scoreholio

Assign someone (a friend, wedding planner, or emcee) to manage the bracket and keep track of scores.

4. Schedule Game Time During the Reception

Find the best time to incorporate the tournament into your wedding schedule:

• During Cocktail Hour: A great icebreaker as guests mingle before dinner.
• Post-Dinner Entertainment: Keeps energy levels high before dancing.
• As a Dedicated Wedding Event: If space and time allow, make it a featured attraction.

5. Encourage Participation with Fun Prizes

Motivate guests to join the competition by offering creative prizes, such as:

• A custom cornhole set for the winners.
• Personalized wedding keepsakes.
• Gift cards or bottles of wine.
• Funny trophies like “Cornhole King & Queen.”

6. Keep the Atmosphere Light and Fun

A wedding cornhole tournament should be about enjoyment rather than serious competition. To keep it lighthearted:

• Encourage friendly rivalries (e.g., bridesmaids vs. groomsmen).
• Allow all skill levels to participate with relaxed rules.
• Provide a fun emcee or host to announce matchups and engage the crowd.

7. Capture the Moments

Assign a photographer or set up a designated area for action shots and victory poses. Capture:

• Couples playing together.
• Guests celebrating a winning toss.
• Group photos with the custom cornhole boards.

8. Wrap Up with a Championship Match

Make the final game a big moment by gathering guests around to cheer on the finalists. Play upbeat music, have a celebratory toast, and crown the winners with a special prize!

Final Thoughts

A wedding cornhole tournament is the perfect way to blend fun and tradition while keeping guests entertained. With a little planning and creativity, you can make it an unforgettable part of your wedding day. So grab your custom boards, set up your bracket, and let the games begin!