The Best Wedding Entertainment Ideas

The very best Drinks Reception Entertainment For Weddings

As the author of this blog, I have a certain poetic licence! I may be outrageously biased here (sue me) but a wedding magician really is a fantastic and quirky wedding entertainment idea. In fact, I have a good mind to put this at the top of the list!

A wedding magician (a good one) will generate reactions like no other – the photo opportunities as your guests stare open-mouthed are too good to miss (make sure your photographer is around!). This is perfect wedding entertainment during photographs too.

Let your wedding entertainer mix and mingle during the drinks/evening reception/cocktail hour (or wedding breakfast), creating moments of WTF and OMG! Hands down, the best interactive wedding entertainment your wedding budget could allow for 🙂 If you’re looking for how to spice up a wedding reception, this could be your secret weapon! Entertainment for drinks reception really sets the tone for the rest of the day, and a close-up magician will help get the party started.

For those looking to hire a Wedding Magician, click here

For information how much a wedding magician should cost, click here

And the winner of the best entertainment for drinks reception is a close-up magician 🙂

If only there were a video to show you the kind of reactions you’d get…

wedding drinks reception entertainment

What lies yonder?

Ah, just an ordinary hedge, part of the everyday scenery.

But what if we were to ring that bell?

Likely nothing, yet let’s give it a go…

*ding dong*

As if from a suspenseful film, a white-gloved hand emerges through the hedge. Not a horror scene, but a delightful surprise – the outstretched arm presents a gift of effervescent champagne!

In the search for really cool drinks reception entertainment ideas? This is a charming touch for cocktail hour, creating captivating photos and videos.

I’ve always been fascinated by having someone draw me – even if they do accentuate my nose! Having a caricaturist means your guests will take home a memento of your day which would take pride of place on the fridge.

Guests like anything that revolves around them, so having someone create a comical masterpiece will be a talking point during the day as drawings are compared and laughed at! “Look at the size of his chin”!

Wedding entertainers are valuable assets that allow your wedding to be remembered in a fun way.

Check out this wedding caricaturist

Trust me on this one. Weddings are a long day, particularly for children and there is no better way to keep a child content than to let them bounce or slide around on one of these! Come the evening, it’ll be a hit with the adults too!

Worried about bouncy castles looking a bit naff? Not a bit of it! If you look in the right places, you can find some boujee (google it) “buildings” fit for a princess!

Inflatables are a fantastic cost-effective way of keeping guests (both young and old) entertained.

How well do your guests know the Bride & Groom? Put it to the test. Anyone who fails is escorted briskly from the premises. Ok, make your own rules but putting together a short quiz about Bride & Groom trivia is good fun and … FREE!

Have your guests put into teams (girls v boys, work colleagues v family, etc) and get an Usher/Best man to host the quiz. Answers are given, points awarded, prizes (or not!) presented!

Another hot version is to play Mr & Mrs with the newlyweds!

They’re asked questions such as “Who has the worst temper?” “Who’s the better cook?” “Who is most likely to say sorry” with the Bride & Groom indicating their answer back-to-back with the whole wedding group to view.

Lots of laughs guaranteed! Great wedding reception entertainment!

Standard photo booths are fun but soooooo last year! Let’s step up the booth world by shoving your guests into the back of a taxi and capturing the fun that develops!

Crazy wigs, funny costumes, and silly faces will create a buzz and leave lasting memories of your wedding.

I’m a firm believer that you need to give your guests an excuse to get out of their seats and interact with something during the day. It doesn’t have to be for long but I truly believe there’s a much better dynamic to a wedding when guests are mingling.

The taxi booth makes a great focal point and looks much nicer than your traditional booths too. Not an Uber app in sight!

Check out the Taxi Snaps here

Having your guests take on the role of Steven Spielberg for the day will give them a sense of purpose during the wedding and naturally provide lots of fun moments. Professional video cameras are provided so guests can film during the day.

You send the footage over to be professionally edited and you end up with a 30-45-minute masterpiece to keep forever.

Guests can take it in turns throughout the day – being as creative as their minds allow! Check out Shoot It Yourself

The wedding activity I recently stumbled upon is a real gem! It gives your guests a fun excuse to rise from their seats and share a heartfelt, hilarious, or downright cheeky video message for you to enjoy post-wedding. Traditional guest books never quite hit the mark for me – often looking sparse and lacklustre. What sets this apart is the ability to leave messages that remain hidden from other guests, its visually appealing nature, and the lively participation it encourages throughout the day. To learn more about the audio guestbook, check out Flash Photography Weddings.

Looking for great small wedding evening entertainment ideas?

I was introduced to this delightful form of entertainment only recently having attended a wedding together.

The results are stunning!

Really classy drawings of your guests with a focus on their wedding attire.

Taking around 10-15 minutes per drawing, it’s obviously not as quick as a caricature but to be honest, these are two different products!

It was fascinating to watch Lucy at work with crowds gathering to see the finished outcome – it really is a unique way to capture you and your guests during the wedding.

I had my drawing by Lucy (see her website here) framed and sent to my mom – she loves it!

We’re a nation obsessed with taking photos of ourselves and our loved ones. It’s hit crisis levels!

So give ’em what they want with this decorative frame to pop their head in!

This is a cheaper alternative to the photo booth option which you can design to suit your wedding themes and colours.

Once again, any attraction that has your guests out of their seats provides interest and a better atmosphere. These fun wedding photos are a nice activity for your wedding guests.

Setting the right tone is essential to generating a great atmosphere. Background music can significantly help provide the right vibe without overpowering the important stuff.

Having your guest be able to hold a conversation is crucial and an acoustic set is a great fit. This is ideal entertainment for small wedding as there’s no need for a pa system.

Here’s the very duo I used for my wedding and then again for my parent’s wedding anniversary. Highly recommended!

Guitar duo

If your event takes place in a public place you may need marshmallow sticks from which to roast. Perfect for when night falls and there’s a roaring fire to gather around!

Provide a s’more making kit for those that want to make their own (or just eat them by the handful) and you’re onto a winner!

Looking for a unique way to keep your guests entertained at your wedding reception? Look no further than a cigar bar! Not only does this offer a great photo opportunity for those moody groomsmen shots, but it also provides a unique and sophisticated touch to your special day. Whether your guests are cigar aficionados or are simply looking to try something new, the array of traditional, flavoured, and sweet cigars will surely satisfy. So, if you’re looking for one of the best wedding reception ideas in the UK, consider a cigar bar for a truly original experience.

Visit David Cigar Bar

Wedding entertainment is all about offering your guests something different, something that can offer a fantastic moment or two.

Karaoke Wedding DJs specialise in providing the very best Wedding Karaoke entertainment with their unique setup.

Perfect for those guests who want to let loose and really enjoy themselves! Ideal for the evening reception.

If you have a wedding reception for children that can be entertained in a separate room or in a room is very essential. So parents are free to relax on your wedding day! And the risk of trouble is considerably lower, so this is all good.

If you want to skip hiring another person, you can arrange toy painting, animal balloons, games, colouring books, bubbles and parties to give children plenty of activities to keep them busy. Ideal for your younger guests.

What better way to entertain your guests than with some fun outdoor games? giant garden chess is a great way to get your guests to interact and spend time together. Plus, it’s a great photo opportunity for your wedding album! If you’re looking for something a little more fast-paced, Pingpong or cricket are both great options.

And if the Queen’s Gambit has inspired you, your guests will love channelling their inner Beth Harman with a game of giant garden chess! No matter what you choose, outdoor games are a great way to make your wedding day even more special.

Looking for something unique to make your guests laugh? Why not try beer pong? This popular drinking game is a great way to get your evening guests up to speed! To play, simply set up two teams of guests and have them compete to see who can sink the most ping pong balls into their opponent’s cups.

Beer pong is a great way to break the ice and get guests interacting with one another, so it’s sure to be a hit at your wedding reception. Plus, it’s a great way to keep guests entertained during those lulls in the action.

So if you’re looking for something fun and different to liven up your wedding reception, give beer pong a try.

If you’re looking for something a little different to entertain your wedding guests, why not try axe throwing? It’s a fun, unique activity that’s sure to get everyone talking. Plus, it’s a great way to let off some wedding day nerves!

Axe throwing is a relatively new sport that originated in Canada. It’s quickly gained popularity all over the world, and there is now axe throwing clubs popping up in major cities across the globe. The premise is simple – players throw an axe at a target, scoring points for each successful hit. The game can be played individually or in teams, making it the perfect activity for wedding groups of all sizes.

Ideal for kid-free weddings, naturally!

Picture this: it’s your wedding night. You and your spouse are surrounded by your closest family and friends, all gathered to celebrate your love.

The dance floor is packed with people dancing and laughing, the music is loud and upbeat, and the atmosphere is electric.

But then, suddenly, the music stops. Everyone looks around confused until they see you and your spouse pulling out a pair of headphones.

It’s time for a silent disco! Silent discos are a unique and fun entertainment option for weddings. Guests can choose to dance along with the music being played through the headphones, or they can simply sit back and enjoy the spectacle. Either way, it’s sure to be a wedding night that everyone will remember!

Bring all the fun of the fair to your wedding! Wedding Carousel hire will really excite your guests.

Who doesn’t love the carnival spirit? Wedding entertainment ideas don’t come much more vibrant than fairground rides!

Pop a child on this at the start of the day, pick them up on the way out. You’re welcome.

Navigating the perilous waters of planning a wedding with children in attendance? Before you start envisioning scenes reminiscent of a tiny human tornado sweeping through your meticulously planned day, allow me to introduce you to Naomi of Pop Up Party UK. She’s basically the fairy godmother for those brave souls daring enough to invite the under-10 crowd.

Naomi’s creation, the glamour VIP snug dens, are not your average kiddie corners. No, these are luxe, cushion-strewn havens that make even the most restless of young guests feel like they’ve stumbled into a royal retreat designed just for them. These dens are more than just eye candy; they’re armed to the teeth with activities, board games, books, and toys. Yes, toys—the universal language of peace among children.

Imagine this: a place so enthralling that it might just charm those little cherubs into a state of blissful play or, dare I say, slumber. Meanwhile, you and your adult guests can raise a glass, shake a leg, and maybe even hear yourselves think. It’s a bold move, turning your wedding into a dual-zone affair: elegance for the grown-ups and enchantment for the youngsters.

Hats off to Naomi, the unsung hero of harmonious celebrations and kids wedding entertainment

Visit Pop Up Party here.

One way to add excitement to a wedding is to have guests arrive to find a murder mystery in progress.

As guests mingle, they can try to figure out who did it and why. This can be a great icebreaker for guests who may not know each other well, and it can also add an element of suspense to the proceedings.

To make sure that everyone is able to participate, consider having a few guests play the roles of suspects and witnesses. guests can interview them to gather clues. For an added touch, wedding guests can be given clue cards when they arrive that will help them solve the mystery. At the end of the night, the guests who correctly identify the perpetrator can be given a prize.

Having a murder mystery at a wedding is so much fun!

A comedian can be a great addition to your wedding entertainment lineup.

Not only will they wow your guests with their funny insights and observations, but they can also help to break the ice and get everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. Comedians can tailor their act to suit your wedding theme and even work with you to create custom material that will make your big day even more special. They can also help with making your speech entertaining and amusing.

If you’re looking for a unique way to entertain your guests, then a comedian is definitely worth considering.

Related Reading: Order of Speeches at a Wedding

A wedding is a very special day, and you want everything to be perfect. Of course, one of the most important things is entertainment.

You want your guests to have a fantastic time, and one great way to do that is to hire a pizza van. That’s right, a pizza van!

This is a fantastic idea for several reasons. First of all, it’s unique.

Your guests will definitely remember having pizza at your wedding! Secondly, it’s convenient. The van can come right to the venue, so your guests can enjoy fresh, hot pizza without having to leave the party. And last but not least, it’s affordable. A pizza van is a great way to provide delicious food for your guests without breaking the bank

Looking for wonderfully creative wedding entertainment ideas? Imagine the guests’ surprise as the “waiter” balances the champagne glass on his nose, and tosses plates in the air for fun whilst pouring drinks.

Check out this wedding entertainer with a difference Florian Brooks

Weddings are all about creating unforgettable memories, and what better way to do that than by having evening entertainment that is both unique and fun? A silhouettist is a great option for couples who want to add a touch of whimsy to their big day.

Guests will be amazed as they watch the artist skillfully create detailed portraits of them using nothing but a piece of black paper and a sharp knife.

As each silhouette is cut, it will be placed on display for all to see. At the end of the evening, the newlyweds will have a one-of-a-kind work of art that captures the joy and spirit of their special day.

If you’re looking for a truly unique wedding entertainment idea, why not consider hiring an opera singer?

Opera singers are trained to entertain guests with their powerful voices and stage presence.

They can perform a variety of songs, from classic opera arias to popular tunes, and can even take requests. Best of all, opera singers add an elegant touch to any wedding. So if you’re looking for something different that will really wow all your guests, consider hiring an opera singer for your wedding entertainment. You won’t be disappointed!

Yes, this Wedding Entertainment has been done before but it’s still ever so good. For those who like to give their guests a small treat, Wedding Chocolates will provide a touch of class within budget!

Picking the right favours can be a tough decision, but if you’re looking for something unique and luxurious, Ferrero Rocher chocolates make an excellent choice.

What’s more romantic than snuggling up with your new spouse and a mug of steaming hot chocolate? A hot chocolate bar is a fun and festive way to keep your guests entertained at your winter wedding.

Set up a table with all the fixings, including whipped cream, marshmallows, mints, and assorted flavourings.

Guests can customize their own mug of hot chocolate, and then curl up by the fire with their sweet treat. For an extra-special touch, consider serving gourmet hot chocolate made with dark chocolate and milk chocolate.

Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness, and you’ll create lasting memories of your cosy winter wedding.

The most raucous wedding entrance I’ve ever witnessed was when the Bride and Groom entered the wedding breakfast with a live saxophonist and a banging tune. It had the guests up on their feet for several minutes – it was pretty spectacular!

If you’re looking for wonderful alternative wedding entertainment ideas, then a Wedding Saxophonist could be exactly what you need. They are great for adding an element of fun and excitement to your wedding day, and they will have your guests dancing on the dance floor all night long!

Check out https://www.girlonsax.co.uk/

An ice cream stall can be a great way to add some fun and excitement to your wedding day. Not only will it provide a delicious treat for your guests, but it will also add a unique element to your reception.

If you’re looking for something a little different, an ice cream stall is definitely worth considering.

To ensure that everything goes smoothly, make sure to choose a reputable vendor who can provide high-quality ice cream and offer a wide variety of flavours. You should also take into account the size of your venue and the number of guests you expect to attend. With a little planning, an ice cream stall can be a wonderful addition to your wedding day.

Most couples want their wedding day to be special and unique, and one way to achieve this is by providing guests with unusual and unexpected entertainment. If you’re looking for unusual wedding entertainment ideas singing waiters are just the thing.

Guests are usually surprised and delighted when they hear their food being served by a group of professional singers, and it’s a great way to add an element of fun and excitement to your reception

While singing waiters can be a great addition to your wedding day, it’s important to choose the right group for the job.

These professional performers blend in with the regular catering staff, but at a pre-arranged signal, they break into song, providing an unforgettable experience for guests. Moreover, singing waiters can customize their performance to suit the couple’s taste, making it an even more personal touch.

Whether you’re looking for musical theatre standards or current pop hits, these unusual waiters are sure to add a touch of magic to your wedding day.

Check out https://the-tailors.co.uk/

If you’re looking for an unusual wedding entertainment idea, why not consider a string quartet?

A string quartet is a group of four musicians who play string instruments, typically violins, violas, and cellos.

While a wedding band is certainly a popular choice for wedding entertainment, a quartet can provide a more sophisticated and elegant ambience. They are also very versatile, able to play both classical and contemporary music.

Whether you want your wedding ceremony music to be traditional or modern, a string quartet can help make your day truly special.

If you’re looking for a unique wedding entertainment idea, why not surprise your guests with a cocktail masterclass? This is a great way to get everyone involved and create a fun and festive atmosphere.

Plus, it’s a great way to show off your bartending skills! Cocktail masterclasses typically take place at a wedding venue, and they can be customized to suit your wedding theme. For example, you could choose to have a themed masterclass based on your favourite movie or TV show.

Alternatively, you could tailor the class to match the season, such as having a summer-themed masterclass with refreshing cocktails like mojitos and daiquiris. Whatever theme you choose, your guests are sure to enjoy getting creative with their cocktails!

For couples looking for unique wedding reception entertainment ideas, a popcorn stand is a fun and interactive option. Guests can choose from a variety of flavoured popcorns, including sweet, savoury, and spicy options.

They can also customize their own bags with toppings like chocolate chips, caramel, and nuts.

Popcorn stands are a great way to keep guests entertained while they wait for the wedding party to arrive. Plus, they’re a delicious way to say thank you to your guests for attending your big day! Obviously, leave the salted option in the bin. No one likes salted popcorn, right?!

Think outside the box when it comes to wedding entertainment and consider hiring fire performers. This unique option is sure to wow your guests of all ages and make your wedding one to remember.

When selecting fire performers for your wedding, be sure to choose a reputable company that has experience performing at wedding venues. This will ensure that the performers are familiar with the layout of the venue and can put on a safe and exciting show.

Guests will be mesmerised by the flashing lights, spinning fireballs, and fiery activity. Hiring fire performers is a great way to add an extra touch of excitement to your wedding day.

One of the most important entertainment decisions you’ll make for your wedding is choosing the right wedding DJ.

A good DJ will keep the dance floor packed all night long, playing a mix of high-energy dance hits and slower songs for couples to enjoy their first dance.

They’ll also be able to read the crowd and play songs that will get everyone up and dancing. If you’re looking for some great wedding DJ entertainment ideas, here are a few things to consider. First, think about the kind of music you want to be played at your reception. Do you want a mix of oldies and current Top 40 hits? Or would you prefer a more eclectic mix of genres?

If you’re looking for a truly unique wedding entertainment idea, why not consider a champagne tower? A tower is a dramatic way to serve champagne, and it’s sure to get your guests talking.

Here’s how it works: guests are given a glass of champagne, and then they take turns pouring it into the top of the tower. As the champagne cascades down, it creates a magnificent fountain of sparkling wine.

Not only is a champagne tower a stunning centrepiece for your evening party, but it’s also great fun for your guests. So if you’re looking to add a bit of excitement to your wedding reception, why not give a champagne tower a try?

If you are looking for a unique wedding entertainment idea, consider renting a chocolate fountain. A chocolate fountain is a tall, tiered fountain that flows with melted chocolate.

Guests can dip fruits, marshmallows, and other treats into chocolate for a sweet treat. Chocolate fountains are a fun way to add an element of interactivity to your wedding reception. Plus, they are sure to be a hit with your guests!

A scavenger hunt is a great way to keep guests entertained at a wedding. It can be a fun way for guests to mingle and get to know each other, and it also provides a way for guests to take some unique and memorable photos.

To make sure that the photo scavenger hunt is a success, it’s important to create a list of items that are both challenging and fun to find. For example, items on the list might include finding someone wearing a specific type of clothing, taking a photo with a stranger, or finding a landmark. It’s also important to make sure that there are enough items on the list for all of the guests to find, without being too difficult. With careful planning, a hunt will be a hit!

A games station is a great way to keep your guests entertained during the evening reception. There are professional companies who can provide you with a games station for your wedding, complete with Xboxes, VR headsets and more.

This is a great way to keep the little ones entertained (and the big ones too, if we’re honest). It’s also a great way to keep people from sitting down all night! Step aside kids, Daddy’s got this!

A belly dancer is a great option for couples looking for something a little different for their wedding entertainment. A belly dancer can provide entertainment during the drinks reception and wedding breakfast, and is sure to get everyone talking.

The first dance is usually the most popular moment of the night, but a belly dancer can add an extra touch of excitement to your wedding. She can also provide a first dance for the bride and groom, which is a great way to get everyone involved in the festivities.

If you’re looking for something truly unique, a belly dancer is a perfect choice.

A wedding is a very special day that is meant to be enjoyed by all who attend. Choosing the right wedding entertainment can make or break the event. One wedding entertainment option that is sure to please guests of all ages is a live band.

A live wedding band can provide a wide range of music, from classic wedding songs to modern hits. They can also take requests from guests, ensuring that everyone has a chance to hear their favourite tunes.

In addition, a live wedding band can add an element of fun and excitement to the reception. Guests will be sure to remember your wedding as a truly unique and enjoyable event.

A dance-off competition is a popular choice for wedding entertainment. They are a great way to get guests of all ages involved in the festivities and to get the party started.

Typically, live bands will play during the dance-off, providing a lively soundtrack for the action.

The competition can be structured in any number of ways, but usually, it is divided into two teams that go head-to-head in a series of battles. The winners are decided by a panel of judges, and prizes can be given to the winning team.

Dance offs are a fun and interactive way to add excitement to your wedding reception, so if you’re looking for something unique, consider this option.

Wedding fireworks are a popular entertainment choice for many couples. They are unique, glamorous, and sure to make a lasting impression on your guests. However, before you decide to include fireworks in your wedding plans, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, fireworks can be expensive. Be sure to factor this cost into your overall budget. Second, fireworks can be dangerous. Make sure you hire a professional pyrotechnician who is experienced in handling wedding fireworks displays.

Finally, be aware that some venues may not allow fireworks due to fire code regulations. So be sure to check with your venue before making any final decisions. When used safely and judiciously, wedding fireworks can add an extra touch of magic to your special day.

About Chris

Meet Chris, Birmingham‘s seasoned wedding entertainer with a quarter-century of professional experience – we know, he hardly looks old enough, right? Performing a tantalising trifecta of sleight of hand, comedy, and a smidge of pickpocketing (don’t worry, you’ll get your wallet back), Chris guarantees your wedding day will be unforgettable. And by unforgettable, we mean your guests will still be trying to figure out how their watch ended up in his pocket. He’s not just a performer, but a maestro of crowd interaction. With Chris on the scene, your wedding becomes less of an event and more of a spectacle.

He’s also available for corporate events (team building activities and company milestones) plus private parties & family celebrations.