Deborah Chan
There are many ways to entertain your guests at a wedding reception. The time between the ceremony and the reception is a great opportunity for guests to mingle, enjoy drinks and canapés, and play games. Lawn games such as giant Jenga, Connect Four, and croquet are perfect for outdoor receptions. For indoor receptions, a piñata, casino tables, or a photo booth can keep guests entertained. Live music, such as a jazz trio or string quartet, is always a classy choice, while a DJ is a popular option for those who want to dance. For something more unique, consider hiring a magician, a caricaturist, or even a ballet performance. If your wedding has a theme, such as tropical, you can incorporate this into your entertainment with a steel drum band. Finally, end the night with a bang by treating your guests to a fireworks display.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Music | Live bands, Mariachi bands, barbershop quartets, roaming saxophonists, harpists, steel drum bands, bagpipe players, DJs |
| Food and drinks | Hangover kits, creative drinks choices, champagne served by performers, bonfire with s'mores |
| Performers | Drag queens, singers, dancers, acrobats, contortionists, ballet troupes, aerialists, caricaturists, magicians |
| Games | Lawn games, oversized board games, piñatas, bouncy castles, amusement park rides, printable games |
| Animals | Couples' pets, exotic wildlife (llamas, owls) |
| Fireworks | Sparkler exit, sky lanterns, pom-poms, paper airplanes, glowsticks |
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What You'll Learn
Live music, from mariachi bands to saxophonists
Live music is a great way to entertain your guests at a wedding reception. From mariachi bands to saxophonists, there are many options to choose from.
Mariachi bands are a fun and flexible entertainment option for a wedding. They can tailor their size and instruments to fit your needs. For example, you could have a mariachi duo mingle with your guests or hire a full mariachi band as the main entertainment. Mariachi bands typically cost $350-$650 an hour, but some may charge as little as $750 per hour. When hiring a mariachi band, be sure to browse profiles, watch videos, and listen to audio samples to ensure they are a good fit for your event.
If you're looking for something more low-key, a cocktail piano player or jazz trio could provide the perfect backdrop for your reception. Alternatively, you could hire a swing band, woodwind ensemble, or even a ceilidh band with a caller to get your guests dancing. The price of your band will generally depend on the number of musicians and how long they are required for.
For a unique touch, consider hiring a harpist to play during your reception drinks. Dorothy Harpist, for example, offers classical, jazz, folk, Bollywood, Irish, and modern music styles.
Saxophonists are also a popular choice for wedding entertainment. Milicent, a saxophonist from Last Minute Musicians, received excellent reviews for her performance at a wedding.
Whether you choose a mariachi band, saxophonist, or another type of live music, your guests are sure to be entertained.
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Magicians and other performers
Magicians are a popular choice for wedding entertainment, offering a unique and interactive experience for guests. They can perform close-up magic, mind-reading acts, group tricks, or even stage shows. Magicians can fill in gaps during transitional moments, such as when the newlyweds are taking photographs or the room is being prepared for dinner. They can also serve as icebreakers, encouraging conversation and camaraderie among guests from different backgrounds. Some magicians offer magical mementos, such as custom-designed playing cards featuring the couple's names and wedding dates, for guests to take home as souvenirs.
When hiring a magician, consider the style of performance you prefer. Some magicians specialize in strolling magic, approaching small groups of guests casually to perform brief tricks. Others may perform larger stage shows with illusions and audience participation. You can also incorporate the wedding theme or specific elements into the magician's performance for a personalized touch.
In addition to magicians, there are other performers you can consider for your wedding reception. Singing waiters, live circus performers, tribute bands, and interactive storytellers can add a unique and entertaining element to your celebration. If you're looking for a creative and thrilling option, consider amusement park rides or lion dancers. For a fun twist, you could even have a drag queen officiate your ceremony. These options will surely make your wedding reception an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
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Creative drinks and servers
Signature Cocktails
Signature cocktails are a unique and creative way to personalise your wedding reception. These custom drinks can be designed to reflect your and your partner's tastes and can even be tailored to the season or theme of your wedding. For example, opt for ice-cold drinks muddled with berries for a summer wedding or a spicy citrus and ginger mix for a rustic-glam event. You could even include your wedding crest or a personalised illustration on the drinks themselves for a truly jaw-dropping display.
Creative Servers
Hire creative servers to pass out prosecco or your signature cocktails. This could be as simple as having servers wear fun or themed costumes, or you could go all out and have acrobats or aerialists serve drinks during cocktail hour.
Self-Serve Drink Stations
Set up self-serve drink stations to add an interactive and memorable experience for your guests. These stations can include a variety of drinks, such as margaritas, chai tea, lemonade, or even a pour-over coffee bar. You could also offer a tasting board of bourbon and whiskey, accompanied by a pro mixologist or bartender.
Creative Non-Alcoholic Options
Don't forget to provide creative non-alcoholic options for guests who don't drink alcohol or are underage. Set up a table with refreshing iced tea, fruit-infused lemonade, or even milk and cookies for a fun twist.
Cocktail Hour Entertainment
The cocktail hour is a great time to entertain your guests while you and your new spouse take care of wedding business. In addition to creative drinks and servers, you can include lawn games, a photo booth, or even a bouncy castle to keep your guests entertained during this time.
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Fireworks and sparklers
If you're looking for a grand finale to your wedding reception, a fireworks display is a perfect choice. Fireworks are a romantic and special way to captivate your guests. The more extravagant, the better! Fireworks can be expensive, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $20,000. However, the wow factor they bring to your wedding will be well worth the cost.
For a more cost-effective option, wedding sparklers are a fantastic choice. They create a dazzling display without the high price tag of traditional fireworks. Sparklers can be used both indoors and outdoors, making them a versatile option. They are set up close to the ground, lining the dance floor, and when lit, they create a mesmerizing display of sparks. You can purchase sparklers in bulk online from various retailers, such as GrandWeddingExit.com and Phantom Fireworks, or from specialty stores like Sparklers.US. Sparklers typically come in different sizes, ranging from 10 inches to 36 inches, allowing you to choose the perfect length for your needs.
For a safer alternative, cold sparklers or cold-spark fountains are an excellent option. These sparklers emit non-flammable sparks, making them safer for both you and your guests. However, they still require a technician to be present during their operation. Cold sparklers can be more expensive, with prices starting at $375 per unit, according to DJ Cory Barron from Tampa, Florida.
Whether you choose fireworks, traditional sparklers, or cold sparklers, these additions will undoubtedly leave your guests with unforgettable memories of your special day.
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Games, from lawn games to printable games
Games are a great way to entertain your guests at a wedding reception. If your wedding is outdoors, lawn games are a fantastic option. Games like cornhole toss are a great way for guests to break the ice during the cocktail hour. You could also set up oversized versions of classic board games like Connect Four and Jenga. If you're having a wedding during the colder months, a warm bonfire will be cosy and provide entertainment, as you can have a s'mores station and ask people to tell stories around the fire.
For indoor weddings, printable games are a versatile option that can be tailored for kids and adults. You could also set up a lounging area with a fire pit and board games, or hire a magician to perform tricks during the reception drinks. For a unique twist, you could include exotic wildlife like llamas or owls in your wedding festivities. Another option is to have a live painter create a one-of-a-kind portrait of your wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
The time between the ceremony and reception is usually filled with a cocktail hour, where guests can mingle and enjoy drinks and canapes. You can also set up lawn games, such as cornhole, giant Jenga, or croquet, or a photo booth to keep guests entertained.
There are many ways to make your wedding reception unique and memorable, such as hiring a caricaturist, setting up a piñata, or incorporating a theme like Las Vegas or a tropical theme. You could also have a ballet or drag performance, or even a firework display.
If you're looking for budget-friendly options, consider setting up a DIY photo booth or hiring a solo musician. You could also create a personalised wedding magazine or newspaper for guests to read, or set up a scavenger hunt on each table.
To make your reception more interactive, consider setting up a DIY bar, such as a s'mores or mashed potato martini bar. You could also have a karaoke booth, casino tables, or garden swings for guests to enjoy.
To cater to guests of all ages, consider setting up a bouncy castle or a miniature golf course. You could also hire a magician to perform close-up magic or wander around during the reception drinks. For younger guests, you could provide hangover kits with items like water, paracetamol, and snacks.
