What entertainment can I have at my wedding?

wedding dance

In most cases, a DJ or a band is hired to perform at a wedding reception, However, there is a wide variety of wedding entertainment options that do not involve music or singing but could keep your visitors and loved ones happily celebrating for hours. Hiring one of the many talented musicians, singers, dancers, and other performers that focus on weddings can take your special day from thrilling and gorgeous to unforgettable and astounding. Get creative with your wedding's ceremony, reception, and after-party planning to make it one that your guests won't soon forget.

If you're like us, you enjoy a good show or movie. And, over the years, we've witnessed some very remarkable alternatives to the standard DJ or bandstand for wedding receptions. The following are just a few suggestions to help you take your wedding to the next level by surprising your guests with pleasant surprises.

If you want your wedding reception to stand out from the crowd, ditch the DJ, photo booths, and live bands and do something truly unique. If you want to create an impression, you should bring at least one of these unusual forms of entertainment.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't think about hiring a DJ, setting up a picture booth, or hiring some live bands to get the party going! Who in their right mind would doubt that they are crucial? Your wedding reception might be the talk of the town, but if you really want to make an impression, you need to go all out.

You'll need a professional photographic team to capture every amusing moment and back up the gossip of the town, whether you decide to hire a live artist and a magician or stage a treasure hunt for attendees.

Looking for the best Wedding Entertainment to put the rhythm into your special day. Look no further, Vines of the Yarra Valley has you covered.

Table of Contents

Keeping Wedding Guests Entertained

Guests at a wedding can be kept amused in a variety of creative ways. These ideas for the engagement party and the rehearsal dinner will help you stay within the bounds of tradition if that's what you like for your special day. On the other hand, if you're looking for some creative methods to keep your guests entertained throughout the party itself, we've got you covered. There's no need to wait for the ceremony to end before you get going. Champagne served from crinoline skirts or cocktail napkins sold by women dressed in outfits fashioned from paper napkins are two ways to add a dash of whimsy to the cocktail hour. Do a dance sequence after the first dance or have Sparkling wine sprinkled by circus performers over the dance floor for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your guests. Mix the traditional reception dance with some more out-there performances like cabaret shows, acrobats, contortionists, samba dancers, and so on.

Some couples may want to discover other forms of wedding entertainment, despite the fact that all of the above are ideal for those who don't want their guests to spend the evening dancing. Better options for keeping guests interested and laughing all night long are card games, nuptials games, and college classics like drinking games, corn hole, and the usual dances. Put on a fireworks display as the day winds down as a pleasant and unexpected treat for your loved ones.

bride singing

Wedding Entertainment Ideas That Will Astound Your Guests

Live Painter

A wedding isn't complete without a live painter. Your guests will enjoy watching the artist at work, and they will appreciate the memento they receive as a reminder of your special day. But you can also go creative with this; one couple I know commissioned charcoal portraits of their guests to give out as wedding favours, and the outcome was wonderful.

Mixologist

Personalization is the name of the game here. You can have your wedding narrative and your relationship reflected in the artisan cocktails your mixologists create for you and your guests, and they can also create entirely new drinks based on your guests' individual preferences. The end effect is also rather photogenic, by the way.

Do-It-Yourself Station

Let your visitors express their creativity by making something unique, such as cigars, leis, flower crowns, or anything else you might think of! In particular, they will enjoy the thrill of expressing their originality when the finished product is something they can use or enjoy.

Live Performers

Having live performers at your wedding opens up endless possibilities. Whatever strikes your fancy, your guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime event whether you hire synchronised swimmers, walking champagne ball gowns, or aerial silk dancers.

Unique Food and Drinks

We're all familiar with the ubiquitous hot chocolate stand and the late-night food truck, but there's one trend that's really taking off, and it's hard to resist: teeny tiny prosecco mobile bars! We also really appreciate doughnut carts, but speciality carts like this are a terrific way to keep your visitors entertained and on their toes.

References to Other Cultures

Entertainment options abound, and they can be tailored to suit your cultural backgrounds or your desire to embrace local traditions at your wedding location. During the reception, you may possibly shock the groom with a spectacular hula performance. That's the point: there are countless ways to include other cultures into your nuptials.

Surprise Guests

These unexpected visitors no longer need any specialised knowledge or equipment. Their genetic makeup is the secret to their stunning appearance. These days, it's very uncommon for couples to invite llamas, alpacas, horses, sheep, and even exotic birds as wedding guests.

Aerialist Performers

Hiring an aerialist (or several) to perform during the cocktail hour or reception is one way to really impress your guests. You might opt to have them perform a full in-the-air dancing routine, or you can have them float leisurely above loved ones to wow your guests. These artists have also been hired by couples to pour champagne all day long.

Unique Drink Servers

Serving guests at a wedding reception on vintage bicycles or tricycles adorned with floral arrangements and champagne flutes is an original and fun idea. This is one of many creative ways to serve alcohol during a wedding reception, but this one is sure to impress the partygoers.

A Champagne Wall

At least once in your life, you've definitely attended a wedding with a towering display of Champagne glasses, complete with attendant card drink stirrers. In contrast, have you been to a wedding where visitors were treated to a "real waterfall of Sparkling wine," with waiters handing out chilled bottles of fizzy? What was previously only a way to show off your collection of drinks is now a novel way to entertain your guests.

A Server on the Move

As an alternative to the Sparkling wine skirt, having a waiter stroll around with a tabletop skirt filled of yummy desserts is a great way to keep your guests interested and full during your reception. It's a novel way to entertain guests during cocktail hour, and they'll adore trying their favourite food.

The Napkin Gown

Napkins for your drinks might be available at the bar. The novelty of having servers dressed in costumes fashioned from napkins during cocktail hour will delight your visitors and save you time in the kitchen.

Weddings Games

Having games as a kind of supplementary wedding entertainment is a great idea, but games and weddings don't fit along as well as other wedding activities. We have seen beer pong taken to new heights at these wedding celebrations, and that's saying something. As today's couples add unique touches to their nuptials, the possibilities for wedding reception entertainment are bound to multiply.

Check out some of Melbourne’s best Wedding Singers to help you celebrate on your special day.

Performers of Classical Dance

Dancing is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your heritage, the location where you'll be exchanging vows, or a special person in your family or among your guests. One method to do this is choose a song for the initial dance that both of you really like and that will get the party started, but you can also hire professional dancers, if you really care about the happiness of your guests, you can either teach them the dance or do it yourself.

Performances by Showgirls

Hire dancers to entertain visitors at your wedding reception or after party, and they can even stick around to pose in the photo booth with your guests.

Dancers in a Cabaret

If you desire your guests to leave your reception with a lasting impression, hire dancers to perform for them. Get the celebration started early or keep the momentum going by bringing out dancers after the first dance.

Ballroom Dancers

Hiring professional ballroom dancers to perform for your guests may help lighten the load on your first dance as a married couple. Choose some of your favourite songs together, or let them choose the music for the first dance.

Amazing Performers

Despite the fact that most guests were in their golden years, the party continued in full swing thanks to the dancing and live entertainment.

Jazz Age Dancers

Even though your DJ or live band will be playing more modern tunes later in the evening, this is the perfect time to highlight the music of the era; doing so will keep the party feeling fresh, original, and on-brand until the guests join the dance floor.

Circus Performers and Acrobats

Guest-pleasing wedding entertainment idea: hire an acrobat or aerialist. Everybody enjoys looking up at the aerialists. If you want your wedding guests to remember every moment, you need to put on a show.

Dancing with a Twist

In order to impress one other, many couples rehearse a special dance sequence that begins with a sophisticated (or deliberately cliche) song before transitioning into more modern steps performed to the sound of a record scratch.

The reverse is also true; I've witnessed several delightful surprises at Indian weddings. When the rules are thrown out the window, close friends and family members of all ages come up with creative dancing routines. Anything that gets the crowd going wild, from Indian to Dirty Dance routine dances to improvised musicals about "how they met"

When the bride and groom finally decide to participate, the surprise aspect of the performance for them quickly transforms into a spectacular show for their guests. If you want your wedding guests to be left speechless, think about taking cues from the most popular wedding dance videos on the internet.

The good old-fashioned dance-off is one example of a novel form of entertainment that has endured the test of time. Divide your guests into groups of similar genders, the bride's and groom's families, acquaintances and coworkers, and so on, and also have them dance side by side.

Finally, think about inviting a dancing teacher to teach everyone a basic routine. Many married pairs would jump at the chance to brush up on their dance skills for free, especially if it were salsa or merengue.

Have the instructor(s) do a single or duo routine before the session to pique the guests' attention and provide some motivation.

Itching for a Game of Treasure Hunt

There are times when letting loose and having fun at the wedding is the best option for everyone involved. And a treasure hunt is one method for doing so.

Family traditions are a great focal point for such a scavenger hunt, and it will provide visitors a great opportunity to get to know the newlyweds and learn some hilarious trivia. While this sort of entertainment might be too much for a huge wedding, it can be a lot of fun for a smaller, more personal ceremony.

Photo scavenger hunts are a fun way to get your guests involved in the action, and you can make the list of challenges as creative as you like (crazy jump, stupid face, dancing move, selfie with kitchen staff, etc.). Many well-meaning friends and family members, eager to brag and poke fun, will enthusiastically suggest this as one of the original entertainment ideas pilfered from your dinner party.

Having attendees use a hashtag and upload their images live to a venue's screen is a great way to add flair and spark limitless laughs.

Having a Blast with a Real-Time Painter or Cartoonist

When searching for a one-of-a-kind way to celebrate your wedding, look no further than having a professional painter create a masterpiece right in front of your eyes. There are literally thousands of very skilled artists all around the country who focus solely on this field.

They all have different approaches and degrees of expertise, so it's important to see examples of their expertise before signing any contracts. A well-designed business website may do wonders for its reputation. Even though I no longer draw, I appreciate a well-executed portfolio presentation and think it's important to have one. A talented live painter, on the other hand, will not only produce a number of beautiful works of art for your house, but will also be friendly and engage with your visitors.

Most visitors like seeing a painting take shape before their eyes and are often delighted to recognise themselves in the finished work.

To keep your guests entertained for more than a couple of works, think about hiring a charcoal painter or a sketch artist.

Instead of traditional party favours, why not have caricature artists draw funny pictures of your guests as a fun and original gesture of appreciation?

Check out our post on What should I expect from a wedding DJ?

Engaging a Professional Mixologist

A mixologist is a good investment if your wedding reception will feature an alcohol-heavy guest list.

To be a mixologist is to be a master bartender. Some bartenders will ask guests to name their favourite wedding-related music, colour, or memory so they can create a drink especially for them.

There's also the option of a flair bartender, who can not only serve up the most elaborate cocktails but also put on a spectacular performance while doing it. When she's not mixing cocktails, she spins, whizzes, throws, and catches bottles. Seeing this will make it impossible for you to look away.

A mixologist can help you save money by suggesting a trademark cocktail that fits with your wedding's theme, and you won't even have to provide a full bar in the event that you don't wish to.

Whether it's a painter rushing through the father-daughter dance or a belly dancer bringing joy to the faces of distant relatives, having the perfect photography crew to capture those moments will make all the difference in the world.

CONCLUSION

To liven up the party at their reception, most brides and grooms hire a DJ or band. Skipping the DJ and the photo booth in favour of something truly original can help you stand out from the crowd. Hire a magician, get a live band, or organise a treasure hunt. We have you covered if you need original wedding entertainment ideas. Beer pong, corn hole, and the classic Limbo dance are other wonderful choices for entertainment.

The options for wedding entertainment are practically limitless when live performers are involved. These unique entertainment suggestions will provide guests with an unforgettable experience. A server carrying a table skirt full of delicious desserts is another great technique to keep guests entertained at your wedding. Despite the fact that games and weddings don't go together as well as other wedding activities, they are still a fantastic idea. Jazz dancers are a great addition to a wedding.

Use examples from online wedding dance videos as inspiration for your own performances. Encourage attendees to show off their best moves in a dance-off or see a live artist at work on the spot. Involving your visitors in the festivities with photo scavenger hunts is a great idea. If you ask a mixologist for advice on a cocktail that will complement your wedding theme without breaking the bank, you can save a lot of money.

If you hire a skilled live painter, they can create a series of stunning paintings for your home. Caricaturists and sketch painters can be employed to create humorous drawings of your guests.

FAQS About Wedding Entertainment

Music has the power to transform a ceremony by altering the atmosphere, inspiring emotion, and even getting guests to their feet to dance. The mood of your reception can be set by the wedding entertainment, and it can also help to make the day truly special for all of your guests. Although the focus of the day should be on the happy couple, guests should not be forgotten.

All ages are welcome

Although the entertainment you choose should reflect your own likes, you should also keep your guests' preferences in mind. Make sure there's enough variety for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, at the band and disco you're planning for later.

Your wedding's mood can be set by hiring a professional DJ or band who can read the crowd and play appropriate songs at appropriate times. They are familiar with the best songs to play at a party to get everyone up and moving.

A true professional is demonstrated by a fantastic wedding DJ. Your wedding DJ should look the part, be well-groomed, and remain calm and in charge no matter what comes up. He must not be intoxicated or otherwise act inappropriately towards any of your guests while the ceremony is in progress.

Three exciting ways to keep your guests entertained in the time between the ceremony and the reception.

  1. Food. For obvious reasons, food is at the top of the list.
  2. Authentic, in-the-moment performances. After grabbing a bite to eat and a drink, your guests will be in the perfect mood to kick back and enjoy some entertainment.
  3. Games.

CONTENT SUMMARY

  • Create a wedding ceremony, reception, or after-party that your guests won't soon forget by thinking outside the box.
  • The following are just a few suggestions to help you take your wedding to the next level by surprising your guests with pleasant surprises.
  • If you want your wedding reception to stand out from the crowd, ditch the DJ, photo booths, and live bands and do something truly unique.
  • If you want to create an impression, you should bring at least one of these unusual forms of entertainment.
  • Your wedding reception might be the talk of the town, but if you really want to make an impression, you need to go all out.
  • Guests at a wedding can be kept amused in a variety of creative ways.
  • If you'd rather stick to more classic touches for your big day, these suggestions for the welcome party and rehearsal dinner can help you out.
  • On the other hand, if you're looking for some creative methods to keep your guests entertained throughout the party itself, we've got you covered.
  • A wedding isn't complete without a live painter.
  • Let your visitors express their creativity by making something unique, such as cigars, leis, flower crowns, or anything else you might think of!
  • Having live performers at your wedding opens up endless possibilities.
  • That's the point: there are countless ways to include other cultures into your nuptials.
  • But have you ever been to a wedding where the guests were treated to a "live wall of Champagne," with servers passing out chilled glasses of bubbly?
  • In the same vein as the Champagne skirt, another fun way to keep guests entertained at your wedding is to have a server walk around with a table skirt full of tasty sweets.
  • You can have dancers perform at your wedding reception or after-party, and you can even have them stay to take photos in the photo booth with your guests!
  • The burden of your first dance as husband and wife might be alleviated by hiring professional ballroom dancers to perform for your guests.
  • You can either let them pick the tunes for the first dance, or you can include some of your own personal favourites.
  • Do the limbo if you think your guests will like it.
  • In order to impress one other, many couples rehearse a special dance sequence that begins with a sophisticated (or deliberately cliche) song before transitioning into more modern steps performed to the sound of a record scratch.
  • Finally, think about inviting a dancing teacher to teach everyone a basic routine.
  • There are times when letting loose and having fun at the wedding is the best option for everyone involved.
  • Photo scavenger hunts are a fun way to get your guests involved in the action, and you can make the list of challenges as creative as you like (crazy jump, stupid face, dancing move, selfie with kitchen staff, etc.).
  • A talented live painter, on the other hand, will not only produce a number of beautiful works of art for your house, but will also be friendly and engage with your visitors.
  • To keep your guests entertained for more than a couple of works, think about hiring a charcoal painter or a sketch artist.
  • A mixologist is a good investment if your wedding reception will feature an alcohol-heavy guest list.

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