Providing entertainment during your wedding drinks reception is extremely important for many reasons. Mainly, it will help to break the ice between your guests who don’t know each other, keep them busy so you can relax during your photographs, and provide a talking point during the wedding breakfast. There are lots of different types of wedding drinks reception entertainment act to choose from, depending on your style, theme, budget or space. Here are some of my favourites…
Magician
Gone are the days of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. There is a new wave of contemporary and exciting magicians who will blow you and your wedding guests’ minds!
Caricaturist
Caricaturists are so versatile as they can fit into any space. They are also great value for money as your guests receive a fantastic keepsake from your wedding.
Jazz Band
There are lots of different style and size jazz bands for you to choose from, depending on your theme or preference. My favourite for summer wedding drinks reception entertainment is a strolling Dixie band; they create such a fun and upbeat atmosphere.
String Quartet
To create a sophisticated and classical atmosphere at your drinks reception then a string quartet is the way to go. They often have huge repertoires covering everything from Classical, Rock/Pop, Motown and even Bollywood, so there will be something to suit everyone.
The Walkabout Trees
Yes, that’s right — trees that come to life and mingle with your guests. It’s such a fun and unique act — your guest will talk about them for months to come, let alone for the rest of the day! This would go down really well at a marquee or garden wedding where the trees can blend in and surprise your guests.
Saxophonist
If you are struggling with space but still want some live music then a saxophonist would be a great choice.
Balloon Modeller
This is one to keep both adults and children entertained during your drinks reception, and it can also help create fantastic and colourful photo opportunities.
Lookalikes
It’s your special day and you and your wedding guests can hob nob with the stars if you want to! Whether it’s David Beckham, Gordon Ramsay, Marilyn Monroe or, my particular favourite, Del Boy. These excellent entertainers provide a fun atmosphere and create memorable photo opportunities.
Acoustic Singer
Think songs by Ed Sheeran, George Ezra or Sam Smith. It’s what everyone is listening to at the moment, so for a cool, contemporary feel book a solo or acoustic duo to play all your favourites from the charts.
Living Tables
For real showstopping drinks reception entertainment, why not book a themed living table to serve your Pimm’s or champers from? There are lots of different themes to choose from to fit in with your wedding theme, and they provide a real buzz and a fantastic centrepiece.
These are just a few of my favourite options — there are lots more to choose from. The main thing is you consider your guests and the type of atmosphere you are trying to create with your drinks reception entertainment.
Guest post by Tracey Warren of Warble Entertainment
Images from…
Magician: Joshua Kane Photography
Jazz Band: Gareth Squance Photography
Walkabout Tree and Balloon Models: Warble Entertainment
Acoustic Singer: Mark Dolby Photography
