Entertainment for all

Keep guests busy without blowing the budget, with our ideas for all ages.

The entertainment budget at a wedding is often overlooked or left until the last minute, but a good line-up can be the difference between an average wedding and an unforgettable one. Most guests can entertain themselves to a point, especially if your families have a lot of catching up to do, but you need to make an effort to ensure that your guests won't be bored and entertainers can help keep the atmosphere of fun and celebration going all day.

There's a huge range of performers out there but good entertainment doesn't have to cost a fortune, as long as you start planning early on. Do plenty of internet research and attend local gigs, festivals and other events, where you may discover a fantastic talent who is a must-have for your big day. A good balance of entertainment will include two things: a performer who will wow your guests with a talent they're unlikely to see very often; and activities for guests to get involved in themselves. Performers and activities that combine the two are great value for money, such as karaoke, dancing instructors and other performers who can teach guests a talent or trick.

One of the simplest and cheapest line-ups is a magician and a disco. Something more unusual, and possibly more entertaining, would be an Elvis impersonator and a casino. Whatever you choose, it needs to be right for you and your guests.

Know your audience

Start off by thinking about what you and your guests might like, and try to strike a balance between all the different tastes that will be present on the day. If there will be a lot of children, you need to make the entertainment family-friendly, or perhaps wait until the little ones go to bed before you bring out the drag act! If there will be quite a few older people there, you can keep them entertained with an hour or so of classic music that they can sing along to or maybe ballroom dance to, or mix in the classic tracks with more modern ones so that everyone has a break to get drinks and rest their feet.

Think about the history of you as a couple and your family, and try to incorporate any special entertainment traditions – if your family like playing cards, they'll probably like a magician with some card tricks; if you and your h2b shared special moments at a restaurant with a piano player, book a talented pianist. Scale down some ideas if space is limited – your mum's love of tennis could translate into a game of table tennis? There is one sure-fire way to make sure your entertainment will be well liked by your guests – ask them what they want to see, do and listen to.

Include a little note in your invitations asking for ideas, a list of their five favourite songs or a list of games they enjoy. Or if you're well prepared and have developed a shortlist of performers and activities, include a ticklist with descriptions in your invitation RSVPs and ask guests to vote on which ones they'd prefer. But don't forget about you and your h2b – it's your big day and if you really want to have fireworks or karaoke, then go for it!

Main music

A vital ingredient of your wedding, music will set the mood for every part of your day. At the ceremony, it's traditional to have music that has a classical edge – a string quartet or harpist is common, or you could have a choir, solo singer, or simple organ music.

A string quartet can earn their fee by doubling up as the entertainment during your drinks reception and the breakfast. You can save money by creating your own playlist of classical music for the ceremony, drinks and breakfast, on your MP3 player.

If you enjoy playing DJ, you could even create your own disco playlist for the evening, and then spend any remaining entertainment budget on a special performer. If you want to create a bit more of a buzz with the music, go for a live act – a band, solo performer, musical impersonator or singing waiters are unbeatable for getting your guests in the party mood. Or you can create your own live performances with karaoke, which can be a big hit with fun-loving guests and will create some fantastic memories!

While guests are likely to dance to almost any music, a dancer and instructor will really get them involved. Salsa, Irish, ballroom and line dancing are particularly popular for weddings, and will teach new skills to guests who want to learn, while also entertaining those who prefer to sit out.

Extra entertainers

A small amount spent on just one memorable performer can ensure that adults and children alike have fun and enjoy your special day with you. Let your imagination run wild - circus-style performers will wow your guests with their tricks, and are always great fun for all the family. Choose from a juggler, sword swallower, unicyclist, belly dancer, hula-hoop dancer, fire eater, contortionist, escapologist, acrobat and so much more! Some performers will even be willing to teach your guests some of the safer tricks, like juggling or hula hooping.

If your event is more formal, a toastmaster will help lend the day an official edge, as well as keeping the day to time, making sure guests are in the right place at the right time, and entertaining guests with stories and wedding facts. A magician is a traditional wedding favourite, and for good reason - there are always new tricks, it's fun for the whole family, and it's a form of entertainment most guests don't see a lot. The best magicians tend to be members of The Magic Circle, although it can pay to look elsewhere as well.

Before you book, always ask to see a short demonstration or go to one of their public shows. You might also discover a good local comedian, impressionist, caricaturist or drag act at a public show, and they can be an amusing way to kick off the evening celebrations, especially if their act is made personal to you, your groom and your guests.

DIY entertainment

You can also turn to your guests to help you with entertainment – find out about any hidden talents among your family and friends and utilise it! If there is a poet in the family, ask them to write and read out a special poem for you on the day. You could even get the younger guests involved by asking one to play a piece of music they've maybe learned at school – even if it's not perfectly polished, it's the personal touch that will make it special to all your guests.

Depending on the amount of space available at your venue, you could also hold various sports tournaments, using equipment brought by your guests, such as cricket, croquet, boules and rounders. Or take advantage of your venue's snooker or pool table by holding a mini tournament with various teams and prizes available.

The revolution in video games over the last few years, particularly Nintendo's Wii, has created a whole new area of possibilities for entertainment and fun for all ages and genders. If you or one of your guests owns one of these devices, you could look into setting it up at your venue for games of virtual tennis, golf, darts, karaoke and so much more.

Words: Becky Skuse

Prev