(Family Features) When you're entertaining a small group, it's fairly easy to ensure everyone enjoys the party. However, a larger group or an eclectic crowd with varied interests can make it harder to be an effective hostess. Planning party zones that cater to specific interests is one savvy solution to this dilemma.

Designating areas of your home for various interests will let guests choose their own party pleasure and take some of the pressure off of making sure everyone has a good time. Your party theme and the occasion may help determine the zones most appropriate for your event, or you can get started with your party zone planning using some of these popular ideas.

Game zone. There's nothing like a little friendly competition to get guests mingling and letting loose. Offer a selection of team-oriented board games for groups of four or more, keeping the focus on lively, interactive games that get guests moving and talking as they act out, draw or brainstorm aloud. Let guests square off as they compete for bragging rights, or spice things up a little and up the ante by offering prizes for the winning teams.

Conversation zone. Catching up with loved ones is among the best parts of a party, so be sure to create cozy and engaging seating areas where small groups can gather to chat. Try to limit background noise in this zone so participants aren't fighting to hear the conversation. If space allows, scatter a few of these zones throughout the party so groups can gather where they feel most comfortable.

Snack and sips zone. Make it easy for guests to indulge in the food and drinks you've prepared, and manage post-party cleanup, by creating designated areas for noshing. If you have an island, add a few barstools, and place extra chairs around the table so no one is left balancing a plate on their lap. Although the kitchen is the natural choice, don't overlook other areas where you may be able to set up temporary tables and chairs to make it easy for guests to partake in all the food and fun.

Quiet zone. Every party needs a quiet spot away from the chaos where guests can retreat and recharge. Offer a comfortable seat and soothing lighting in a part of the house where distractions will be minimal. Take your guests' needs into consideration; you can offer added privacy with a door hanger that lets others know the space is in use to discourage interruptions.

Find more entertaining tips to fit any kind of party at elivingtoday.com.

Saying “I do” doesn’t have to mean saying “yes” to all the fuss of an ordinary wedding, which is why Mike’s Hard Lemonade asked two real-life couples and die-hard Randy Houser fans to ditch tradition and get married in a communal backyard wedding before the start of a Houser concert. After all, there’s no better place than the backyard to celebrate life's special moments. Find out more at mikeshard.com.

(Family Features) A wedding day is filled with symbolic tradition, from varied religious customs to the never-ending circle reflected in the rings and the types of flowers accentuating the celebration. Even with all the traditional rituals to consider, nearly every bride and groom can find ways to give their special day some unique touches that reflect their personality and love.

Music sets the mood for every wedding, and it’s an easy place to put your own spin on the celebration. Whether you forgo the traditional bridal march entirely or simply look for an arrangement that gives an updated twist to the classic version, let guests know this isn’t your average wedding by setting the festivities against a soundtrack that lets your true character shine.

The wedding party is intended to be a collection of those nearest and dearest to the bride and groom, who help ensure the day goes off without a hitch and who lead fellow revelers in celebrating the start of the new couple’s life together. That being said, there’s no reason this group must be limited to women on her side and guys on his, or even that it’s limited to humans – a beloved pooch can make for an adorable ring-bearer, after all.

Photography is an essential element of your big day, but think beyond the images you’ll capture throughout the wedding and reception. Photos lend a personal touch, no matter what your color scheme or theme. Integrate photos of the two of you at various stages of life, together as a couple and with loved ones (perhaps even some you’re honoring in memoriam). You can display these at a table with the guest book, as part of the table centerpieces, or even on the gift table. Or take things digital and load all your images into a slide show set to music.

Make favors meaningful. Forgo more common items like bubbles and chocolate, and instead send a little of yourself home with your guests. Maybe it’s a memento from a place with special meaning to you both, or a bottle opener shaped like a bicycle to represent the way you met. Just think about the moments and things that define you as a couple and do some searching online. You’ll probably be surprised by how quickly the options pile up.

Serve up a menu that shows guests more about your life together. Your loved ones can order basic beef or chicken anywhere. Instead, give them a glimpse into you. Make your main course the same food you enjoyed on your first date or during another monumental moment in your courtship. Or plan the entire menu around a region that you hold close to your heart.

Weddings are filled with traditions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own touches on the day for a special event filled with memories that are uniquely your own. Find more advice for life’s special moments at elivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images