Entertainment Ideas for Your Wedding

Your wedding will be a joyous occasion, and it's a chance for everyone to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. But, let's be honest, many of your guests will look forward to your wedding as it's also a party. They'll want to let loose, have some fun, and maybe even dance the night away.

Given that's the case, the last thing you want is for your guests to be bored. That's why it's important to have some good entertainment options for your wedding to cover the cocktail hour, reception, and any other time when people might need a little pick-me-up.

From live bands to photo booths, there are all sorts of ways to keep your guests entertained at your wedding. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Live Band or DJ

It may be cliché, but no wedding party would be complete without a little music. You can hire a live band or DJ (or both!) to get the party started and keep everyone on the dance floor all night long.

If you're looking for something a little different, why not hire a steel drum band or mariachi band? They'll add some fun and excitement to your wedding while still providing great music for your guests to enjoy.

Photo Booth

A photo booth is a great way to entertain your guests and gives them a memento of your special day. Many photo booth companies now offer guests props and other interactive items to use so that your guests can spice up their photos.

This is an excellent option if you want to provide something quirky for your guests. Plus, it's a great way to capture all the fun and memories of your wedding day.

Magician or Mentalist

Magicians are very much back in vogue and can be an excellent form of wedding entertainment. If you want to add a touch of intrigue and mystery to your wedding, consider hiring a magician or mentalist. They'll be sure to wow your guests with their tricks and leave them talking about your wedding long after it's over.

These acts are particularly well suited to periods such as the cocktail hour, so they don't end up taking away from the dancing later on.

Caricaturist

A caricaturist is a fun way to provide entertainment for your guests while also giving them something to take home with them. They can create quick sketches of your guests that will have them laughing and smiling all night long.

You can also consider other live art forms, such as a painter who can create a masterpiece during your wedding. This is a great way to add a touch of culture and sophistication to your wedding.

Puppet Show

This one is great for all ages, and kids in particular. A puppet show can provide some excellent light-hearted entertainment and keep your guests entertained for a while.

However, there's no need to make it kid-friendly if you don't want to. Increasingly couples are hiring puppeteers for more "adult" performances that are often more cheeky and hilarious. These can be particularly good during cocktail hour or during breaks in the dancing.

Surprise Incognito Performers

You've probably recently seen videos of secret opera singers springing from their seats at the dinner table to give an impromptu performance. This is the perfect way to surprise your guests and give them a truly memorable experience.

Alternative ideas for incognito performers include musicians, comedians, or even fire dancers. These performers can wander around your wedding undetected until it's time for their big reveal. This is sure to be a hit with your guests and leave them guessing as to who people are that they don't quite recognise.

Acrobats, Fire Dancers, and Other Unique Performers

If you want to really wow your guests, consider hiring some acrobats, fire dancers, or other unique performers for your wedding. These acts are sure to leave your guests amazed and entertained, whether you choose to have them as a surprise act or not.

They can also add a touch of excitement and danger to your wedding, making it all the more memorable. Just be sure to hire experienced professionals who have previously performed at weddings so that everything goes off without a hitch.

Bouncy Castle

Yes, you read that correctly. A bouncy castle can actually be a great form of entertainment for your guests, particularly if you have a lot of kids to keep busy at your wedding. It's a great way to keep them entertained and happy while allowing adults to enjoy themselves.

Of course, you don't have to limit participants to children – there's nothing to say adults can't partake. But be mindful of inebriated guests if you do decide to let them have a go. You don't want anyone getting hurt! Also, check your wedding liability insurance or liaise with the bouncy castle supplier to make sure you're covered against all eventualities.

Wedding Games

Another excellent option for entertainment at your wedding is to set up some wedding games. These can range from beer pong to cornhole and include lawn games such as croquet or boules.

This is a great way to keep your guests entertained, especially if you have some downtime during your reception or you want to create an interactive area away from the dancing and music. Once again, this suits weddings with multiple age groups as there will be something for everyone.

Host a Wedding Quiz

If you want to test your guests' knowledge about you as a couple, why not set up a wedding quiz? This can be a fun way to entertain your guests and give them something to do while they're not dancing or eating.

You can either create your own questions or use a ready-made quiz. Either way, this will get your guests talking and laughing as they try to remember everything they know about you as a couple.

Light-Up Dance Floor

If you want to encourage your guests to hit the dance floor, why not hire a light-up dance floor? These look amazing in photos and videos, and they're sure to get everyone up to dance. And if you want to go all out, you could even hire some dancers to perform on it.

If you do decide to go ahead, make sure you hire a professional events company to install it so that it meets all safety standards.

Mixologist

There is a lot more to a mixologist than merely shaking a cocktail. A professional mixologist can create custom cocktails for your wedding tailored to your taste. They can also put on a show for your guests, including using fire and smoke to create some truly stunning visual spectacles.

A mixologist is a great option if you want to add something special to your cocktail hour or if you're looking for an alternative to champagne for toasts. Just be sure to hire a reputable mixologist with experience working in wedding environments.

Fireworks

Fireworks are always a showstopper and will surely leave your guests amazed. If you want to go all out, you could even hire a professional fireworks display team. Just be sure to check with your venue first to ensure that they're allowed. You'll also need to ensure you have the correct insurance.

Fireworks are a perfect way to end your wedding reception on a high note. Yes, they might not be the cheapest entertainment option, but they're sure to leave your guests talking about your wedding for years to come.

How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Entertainment

Your choice of wedding entertainment will ultimately come down to your own personal preferences. But there are a few factors you should consider before making your decision.

First, think about the overall style of your wedding. If you're having a formal affair, you'll be more focused on hiring a band or DJ for entertainment than setting up bouncy castles. Alternatively, if you're planning a more laid-back celebration, you might want to steer clear of anything too formal or stuffy and have plenty of family-friendly wedding activities.

It's also important to think about your budget. Wedding entertainment can quickly add up, so it's essential to have an idea of how much you're willing to spend before you start looking. Having a predetermined amount to spend on entertainment will help you narrow down your options and make it easier to find something within your allocated budget.

Finally, consider the age group of your guests. If you're having a mixed-age group wedding, then you'll need to make sure there's something for everyone. Games and photo booths are usually a safe bet as people of all ages can enjoy them.

When it comes to wedding entertainment, there are endless possibilities. So take your time considering all your options and choose something that you know will make your wedding day even more special.