Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to making sure your guests are entertained. There is often downtime between the ceremony and the reception, so it's important to plan activities to keep your guests occupied. Here are some classic ways to entertain your guests at a wedding reception: a live band or DJ, lawn games, a photo booth, a signature cocktail, a caricaturist, or even a karaoke booth. If you're looking for something more unique, you can try a confetti drop, a bouncy castle, or even a drag performance. Whatever you choose, make sure it represents something you and your partner love, and don't forget to include a mix of activities that will appeal to a range of guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Music | Live bands, DJs, mariachi bands, barbershop quartets, roaming saxophonists, harpists, pianists, jazz ensembles, steel drum bands, karaoke booths |
| Food and drinks | Signature cocktails, creative prosecco service, lawn s'mores |
| Games | Lawn games, cornhole, giant Jenga, Connect-Four, croquet, Wheel of Fortune, The Shoe Game, indoor snow |
| Performances | Ballet, drag, celebrity impersonators, comedians, caricature artists, fire dancers, bagpipers |
| Transport | Horse and carriage, VW campervan, tuk-tuk, tandem bike |
| Other | Live wedding painters, bouncy castle, fireworks, sparkler exit, confetti drop, walking or riding tours, photoshoot |
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What You'll Learn
- Live music: a jazz trio, string quartet, or roaming musicians
- Games: lawn games, a wheel of fun, or a photo booth
- Drinks: a signature cocktail, creative prosecco service, or a bar tab
- Performers: a ballet troupe, drag queen, or celebrity impersonators
- Fireworks: a sparkler exit, paper lanterns, or glowsticks
Live music: a jazz trio, string quartet, or roaming musicians
Live music is a great way to entertain your guests at a classic wedding reception. It can serve as background music or be the main event. Jazz trios and string quartets are classic choices for wedding receptions. Jazz ensembles can perform outside on the lawn, providing a memorable experience for your guests. String quartets are also perfect for creating a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.
If you're looking for something a little different, roaming musicians are a wonderful option. They can wander around the venue, entertaining different groups of guests at different times. Roaming musicians can include barbershop groups, acoustic bands, and strolling bands. Acoustic bands, in particular, can provide a great unplugged performance, perfect for country or folk-style weddings.
When it comes to pricing, a jazz trio typically costs £600 or more, while a string trio can range from £450 to £750. If you're on a tighter budget, a duo of musicians, such as a string duo or a jazz duo, can be hired for £400 to £500.
Live music adds a special touch to your wedding reception, creating a unique and memorable experience for you and your guests.
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Games: lawn games, a wheel of fun, or a photo booth
Games are a great way to entertain your guests at a classic wedding reception. Here are some ideas to consider:
Lawn Games
Lawn games can be a fun addition to your wedding reception, offering guests a chance to socialise and enjoy some friendly competition. Games like cornhole, horseshoe, giant Jenga, and badminton are popular choices. However, it's important to keep in mind that the success of lawn games can be unpredictable, depending on factors like the weather and the interests of your guest list. Consider having a variety of games to cater to different tastes and ensuring there is enough space for people to comfortably play and gather around.
A Wheel of Fun
A spin-the-wheel game is an excellent, versatile entertainment option for your wedding guests. You can buy or DIY a rustic wheel with customisable activities that match your wedding theme. Guests can spin the wheel and participate in icebreakers, funny tasks, or serious questions to get to know each other. The wheel can also be used to present prizes or initiate activities like a conga line.
Photo Booth
Photo booths are a classic way to entertain guests and create lasting memories of your special day. You can hire a professional photo booth service that provides props, backdrops, and instant prints for guests to take home as favours. Alternatively, set up a DIY photo booth area with a fun backdrop and props, encouraging guests to capture their own pictures with their cameras or phones.
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Drinks: a signature cocktail, creative prosecco service, or a bar tab
A drinks reception is a great way to entertain your guests at a classic wedding reception. This is usually the first part of your wedding day where you begin socialising with your guests as a married couple. Typically, the drinks served are champagne or prosecco, but you can also consider a range of alternatives like Pimms, beer, or wine.
If you want to elevate your drinks reception, you could serve a signature wedding cocktail. You could choose a classic or have a mixologist create a unique cocktail for your special day. Alternatively, you could have a creative prosecco service, where servers surprise your guests by creatively passing out prosecco.
If you're providing your own alcohol, remember to check for corkage fees and liaise with your server. You could also ask your guests to bring their own alcohol, although this is not a common request. If you're serving food, it's usually savoury canapes, although some couples opt for sweet treats. It's a good idea to serve food that will line your guests' stomachs, especially if they're drinking alcohol.
You can also entertain your guests during the drinks reception by hiring musicians or other performers. A pianist, jazz ensemble, or harpist can provide elegant background music, while a magician or caricaturist can keep your guests laughing and having fun.
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Performers: a ballet troupe, drag queen, or celebrity impersonators
Performers are a great way to entertain your guests at a classic wedding reception. If you and your partner are passionate about dance, consider hiring a ballet troupe to perform a routine choreographed just for you. A classic variation from Swan Lake or The Nutcracker is sure to delight your guests, especially during a winter wedding.
For a unique and fun twist, a drag queen performance is sure to be a memorable experience for your guests. You could even have your favourite drag queen officiate the ceremony.
If you're looking for celebrity impersonators, you could hire celebrity look-alikes to mix and mingle with your guests. From Marilyn Monroe to Elvis Presley, celebrity impersonators can add a touch of glamour and interactivity to your reception.
Another idea is to hire a string quartet or a solo violinist, harpist, or vocalist to create an elegant and classic atmosphere. You could also opt for a jazz trio or a small acoustic duo to serenade your guests during the cocktail hour or as they take their seats for the ceremony.
Live music is always a crowd-pleaser, and you can choose from a variety of options, including DJs, bands, singers, and instrumentalists. Whether you prefer a rocking band or a soulful acoustic set, live music will add an unforgettable touch to your reception.
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Fireworks: a sparkler exit, paper lanterns, or glowsticks
There are many ways to entertain guests at a classic wedding reception, and one way to add a memorable and fun element to the day is with fireworks. A sparkler exit, for example, can be a magical way to end the night and create a stunning visual impact. To ensure the safety and success of this, it is important to have a sober person in charge, keeping guests at a safe distance and creating a spacious aisle for the newlyweds to walk through. For a unique touch, sparklers can also be lit earlier in the night for a special photo opportunity with the wedding party.
If a full sparkler exit feels too daunting, paper lanterns or glowsticks can be a fun alternative to involve all guests. Paper lanterns can be lit and released into the night sky, creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. This moment can be a special way to unite all guests in a shared experience. Similarly, glowsticks can be an entertaining and colourful option for a wedding exit or a lively dance number.
For a memorable send-off, combining sparklers, paper lanterns, and glowsticks can create a festive atmosphere. This trio of lighting options can be a fun way to involve guests of all ages and create a magical ambiance. Whether it's a sparkler-lit exit, the release of glowing lanterns, or a colourful glowstick display, these options are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
When incorporating fireworks into your wedding reception, it is important to consider the venue's policies and local regulations. Some venues may have restrictions on open flames or the use of fireworks, so it is always best to check in advance. By planning carefully and choosing the right type of fireworks, you can create a safe and spectacular display that will delight your guests and provide unforgettable memories.
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Frequently asked questions
If your reception is at a different location to the ceremony, you could offer a walking or riding tour for your guests to see the sights and end up at the reception venue. If your wedding is in a city, you could also offer to spend time with your guests at a nearby bar or restaurant. If you are having photos taken during this time, you can put a tab at the bar so your guests can order what they like.
Lawn games, such as cornhole toss, are a great way to break the ice during the cocktail hour at an outdoor wedding. You could also set up a photo booth or hire a live band or wedding DJ to get the party started.
If you want to go beyond the classic options, you could hire a caricaturist, a live wedding painter, or celebrity impersonators. You could also liven things up with a drag performance or a bouncy castle.
