A racing simulator at a wedding reception gives guests something to do between dinner and the dance floor, and it suits couples who love cars or racing. We have not found published data on how many couples add one, so treat it as a personal touch rather than a trend to follow. If it fits you, place it away from the dance floor, schedule it for cocktail hour or late in the night, and plan for formal clothes.
Why it can work
Couples put a lot of weight on how guests feel. In The Knot's 2025 Real Weddings Study, 72% of couples said making sure guests feel taken care of was their top priority, and the study noted interest in newer reception entertainment such as glambots and laser shows. A simulator is another option in that category: it entertains the guests who drive and the ones who gather to watch.
The numbers to plan with
The Knot's 2026 Real Weddings Study reports an average guest count of 117 and an average wedding cost of $34,000 in 2025, or $292 per guest. Not every guest will drive, so size the rigs to the people likely to take a turn: start with one or two and add more if you expect a crowd of drivers.
Setup tips
- Placement. Put the rig near the lounge or bar area, not on the dance floor or in the photographer's sight line for the first dance.
- Timing. Cocktail hour and the late-night stretch are natural windows. Pause it during toasts and the first dance.
- Clothes. Driving in a suit is fine; heels on pedals are not ideal. A basket of inexpensive flat slippers next to the rig solves it.
- Drinks. Decide with your planner whether guests who have been drinking can drive, and keep drinks away from the equipment.
- Motion. Some guests feel queasy in simulators; the CDC notes that eyestrain and headache are more common in simulators than in real-world travel. Every rig we rent is full-motion, so keep turns short and let guests sit out whenever they like.
- Venue rules. Ask whether the venue requires a vendor certificate of insurance. SimsForHire is fully insured in the United States and provides certificates on request.
Make it yours
- A "fastest lap of the night" prize presented with the bouquet toss.
- The couple's names or wedding date in custom branding (from $500, plus tax and insurance).
- A head-to-head between the couple at the end of the night.
Cost
Full-motion rigs are $2,750 per rig per day, with a $2,000 event minimum, all plus tax and insurance. One full-motion rig is $2,750, already above the minimum, so that is the starting point; two full-motion rigs come to $5,225 after the 5% volume discount, plus tax and insurance. Delivery is free within 50 miles of Miami. More on our wedding entertainment page and private parties page.
Call (754) 228-5654, email hello@simsforhire.com, or check your date. We reply within 24 hours, and we can book with as little as 24 hours of notice.