Wedding Entertainment Ideas

Wedding entertainment ideas for guests

If you are looking for some fun wedding entertainment ideas for guests you can’t go wrong by hiring a Wedding Magician!

Fun and Unique Wedding Reception Entertainment Ideas

Entertaining guests between ceremony and reception is always a time where the couple feel like they might be leaving their wedding guests whilst they have photos taken, this is where I come in!

Unexpected Wedding Entertainment

Hi, I’m Roger Lapin a Professional Magician, based in the New Forest, Hampshire and available to hire as a Wedding Magician for wedding reception entertainment across the UK

How to keep wedding guests entertained during photos

After the wedding ceremony there is a lot going on and you have a lot of guests who will probably have to travel to where your wedding reception is taking place and then you will follow on afterwards after maybe stopping of for some photos.

You are probably thinking of setting up some games or fun activities for your guests. Should you get a photo booth or just leave them socialising at the bar?

Wedding Reception Entertainment Ideas

Having a Magician there waiting for when your guests arrive mingling with small groups during the cocktail hour who will entertain them whilst you are having your photos taken and before the wedding breakfast is a great idea which is becoming very popular.

You are wondering, “what are my guests doing right now?” By hiring a Wedding Magician you can relax knowing that whilst you are not there they are being entertained and laughing and maybe bringing together groups of people or family that may have not even met before.

If you are worrying about what do guests do between ceremony and reception just hire a Magician!

When you get back to the wedding reception, you will be told of all the great tricks the magician has been doing and you will probably hear the screams coming from the group to where he is performing.

Surprise Wedding Reception Entertainment Ideas

If you are planning a big wedding and have a lot of guests coming, the photos part of the day usually takes quite a long time, where there will be guests stood waiting to be called.

“friends of the groom” , “friends of the bride” , “brides sisters” etc etc

This can take a bit of time, if you hire a Magician to be at your wedding recption they can move among your guests while they are waiting and keep them amused with some quick magic tricks.

This could also be a surprise for everyone, if you don’t tell them you have hired a magician they might think I am a member of staff at the hotel or a wedding guest they don’t know, that is until they start seeing some amazing wedding magic!

A lot of couples ask when booking Roger for some wedding entertainment ideas “Should I be concerned about how to entertain wedding guests between ceremony and reception?”

The answer we feel is on the whole to not worry about it. But it does depend on the plan for your day, where the wedding venue is compared to the church. Are you getting married in the same place as the wedding reception?

The main question should be how to keep wedding guests entertained during photos!

So let’s explore all the options and how a typical wedding works and go through some fun wedding reception ideas.

2 hour gap between ceremony and reception

Depending on where you get married and where the wedding reception is the time between the ceremony and reception could be an hour or it could be 3 hours.

The time between the wedding ceremony and reception is usually called the drinks reception, but it will normally consist of a few photos directly after the ceremony either outside the church or hotel and then your guests will need to travel to the wedding venue, usually in a convoy of cars, but sometimes in a wedding bus!

This is a fantastic idea as none of your guests need to worry about transport and it certainly provides a great way to entertain your guests between the ceremony and reception. What is more fun than riding a double decker bus with all the wedding guests en route to the wedding reception.

You could even provide some drinks or nibbles on the bus as a start to the celebrations!

1 hour gap between ceremony and reception

If you are getting married in a hotel or a unique wedding venue in the new forest or a football club then typically the wedding reception will be held at the same place. So none of your wedding guests have to make any journey between the ceremony and reception so have might have a bit more time to think about entertainment.

A Professional Magician is always a great idea to entertain wedding guests and Roger Lapin is one of the finest.

Based in Hampshire but regularly performing as a Wedding Magician Surrey and Wedding Magician in London he can provide some unique entertainment for all your wedding guests including the children and is the perfect ice-breaker or conversation starter for guests that maybe have never met before.

Normally everyone is more than happy to chat and mingle and as long as you have some drinks and nibbles most people will be very content whilst you are having your photos taken.

If your wedding is in the summer a great touch is providing an ice cream bike – who can’t resist free ice cream!

How to entertain wedding guests

Entertaining wedding guests can be a daunting task for any couple, but fear not, as there are plenty of ways to keep your guests engaged and entertained throughout the entire event. Whether you’re looking to hire a close-up magician, table magician, wedding band or caricaturist, there are a range of options available that will ensure your guests have a truly memorable experience.

As a professional close-up magician based in Hampshire, I have performed at countless weddings over the years and have learned a thing or two about what it takes to keep guests entertained. Here are my top tips for making sure your wedding is the talk of the town for all the right reasons.

Hire a Close-up Magician

One of the most popular ways to entertain wedding guests is by hiring a close-up magician. A close-up magician is a magician who performs magic tricks up close and personal, often involving the use of everyday objects such as cards, coins and even cutlery. This type of entertainment is perfect for keeping guests engaged and is a great icebreaker for those who may not know each other.

As a professional close-up magician myself, I have seen firsthand the impact that this type of entertainment can have on a wedding. Whether you hire me or another close-up magician, make sure to include this type of entertainment in your wedding plans.

Hire a Table Magician for your wedding reception

Another way to keep guests entertained is by adding a table magician to your reception. A table magician is a magician who performs tricks at individual tables during the meal or drinks reception. This type of entertainment is perfect for keeping guests engaged while they wait for their food or drinks to arrive.

Again, as a professional magician, I have performed at many weddings where a table magician has been hired, and it always goes down a treat. This type of entertainment is perfect for creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere and is sure to leave your guests with lasting memories.

Hire a Wedding Band

While magicians are great for keeping guests engaged during the drinks reception and meal, a wedding band is a must-have for keeping the party going into the night. A good wedding band will keep guests on their feet and dancing all night long, and there are plenty of options available to suit all tastes and budgets.

Whether you’re looking for a cover band or a specialist in a particular genre, there are plenty of wedding bands out there that will make your night unforgettable.

Hire a Caricaturist for wedding entertainment

Finally, if you’re looking for something a little different to keep your guests entertained, why not include a caricaturist? A caricaturist is an artist who creates quick sketches of your guests, often in a humorous or exaggerated style. This type of entertainment is perfect for keeping guests engaged during the drinks reception or as an alternative to a traditional guest book.

Again, as a professional magician, I have worked alongside many caricaturists at weddings, and it always goes down a treat. This type of entertainment is perfect for creating a fun and unique atmosphere and is sure to leave your guests with a lasting memory of your special day.

In conclusion, there are plenty of ways to keep your wedding guests entertained, whether you choose to hire a close-up magician, table magician, wedding band or caricaturist. By including one or more of these types of entertainment in your wedding plans, you can ensure that your guests have a truly unforgettable experience that they will be talking about for years to come.

Other Wedding Entertainment Ideas

Photo Booth

A photo booth is a timeless wedding entertainment option that never goes out of style. It’s a great way to encourage guests to have fun and interact with one another. With different props and backdrops available, guests can take silly and fun photos that will be cherished for years to come. Photo booths are easy to set up, and most companies offer different packages to suit your budget.

Fire Performers

For a dramatic and unforgettable wedding entertainment option, consider hiring fire performers. These skilled entertainers will create a mesmerizing performance that will leave your guests in awe. Fire performers can perform outside, and it’s a great way to create a magical and enchanting atmosphere.

Gin Bar

A gin bar is a trendy and sophisticated wedding entertainment option that’s perfect for a summer wedding. With a variety of gin flavors and mixers available, guests can create their own unique gin cocktails. A gin bar is a great way to add some sophistication and elegance to your wedding celebration.

Fun Casino Games

For a touch of Las Vegas, why not hire a fun casino for your wedding? Fun casinos are perfect for entertaining guests during the reception, and it’s a great way to keep them engaged and having fun. With different games like poker, blackjack, and roulette available, there’s something for everyone.

Face Painting

Face painting is a great wedding entertainment option for younger guests. It’s a fun and creative way to keep kids entertained and engaged during the reception. With a skilled face painter, kids can get creative and transform into their favorite characters.

Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga is a fun and interactive game that guests of all ages can enjoy. With oversized blocks, guests can take turns trying to remove blocks without causing the tower to topple. Giant Jenga is easy to set up, and it’s a great way to encourage guests to interact and have fun.

Owl Ring Bearer

For a truly unique and enchanting wedding ceremony, consider including an owl as your ring bearer. Owls are majestic and beautiful creatures that will add a touch of whimsy and magic to your special day. It’s a great way to create a memorable and unforgettable wedding ceremony.

Prosecco Pong

If you’re looking for a fun and fizzy wedding entertainment ideas here is another option, consider setting up a Prosecco pong station. It’s similar to beer pong, but with glasses of Prosecco. Guests can compete against each other, and the winning team gets a refreshing and delicious prize.

Tatoo Station

For a more unconventional wedding entertainment option, consider setting up a tattoo station. With temporary tattoo options available, guests can get creative and show off their wild side with some fun and funky designs. It’s a great way to encourage guests to let loose and have fun.

How to entertain wedding guests during photos

So although this post talks about entertaining your guests between the ceremony and reception the most popular time that couples look for wedding entertainment ideas is during the photos. This is the time that you will be off having your photos taken and away from your wedding guests. Hiring some wedding entertainment will let you relax knowing that all your guests are being taken care of whist you are away from them. Roger has performed at many weddings and can tell your guests that they have asked him to keep you entertained until they return.

Yes you should! To hire Roger for some amazing wedding entertainment, check out the Wedding Magician page or Contact Magician Roger Lapin now to see if he is available for your date.

Your wedding is probably going to be the biggest party you will ever have. 

Do you hire an events company or do it yourself? Nothing will get a bigger reaction than a magician, if you want my advice and you have the budget, forget the photo booths, the string quartet and the cocktails and hire a professional entertainer so your wedding party will amazed and entertained. 

Wedding Entertainment Packages

If you are thinking about hiring a magician for your wedding, I do have some different wedding entertainment ideas packages based around how many guests you are expecting and also how much time you have allocated for wedding entertainment!

Wedding Entertainment Ideas for Different Budgets

Not everyone has an unlimited budget for their wedding entertainment, if you have then great, but if you are considering entertainment vs chair covers vs food then I would always recommend entertainment over anything else as nobody is going to remember the chair covers you had, but they will remember the wedding band or Magician that you hired to entertain everyone! Check out some classic wedding entertainment ideas below.

Classic Wedding Entertainment Ideas That Never Get Old

The traditional wedding entertainment ideas that I see over and over are in order of popularity

• DJ
• Wedding Band
• Photo Booth
• Fun Casino
• Magician
• String quartet
• Wedding Singer / Singing Waiters
• Silent Disco
• Giant Jenga
• Cocktail Bar
• Bouncy Castle
• Gin Tent
• Illuminated Dance Floor

Live Music Entertainment Ideas for your wedding

Live music is a classic choice for wedding entertainment, and it never goes out of style. A talented band or solo musician can set the tone for the entire day, whether you’re going for a romantic and elegant atmosphere or a lively dance party. Consider the genre of music that will appeal to your guests, and choose performers who can deliver the right vibe. From acoustic guitarists to jazz ensembles to cover bands that play all the hits, there are endless options to suit your tastes. You might also consider having live music during the ceremony or drinks reception, as well as the evening celebrations.

Creative Wedding Entertainment Ideas you may not have thought of

For a truly unique and memorable wedding reception, consider some creative wedding entertainment ideas that your guests won’t expect. One option is to have a silent disco, where guests wear wireless headphones and dance to music only they can hear. You could also have a live painter on hand to create a beautiful canvas during the reception, or have a choreographed dance routine with your wedding party. Other ideas include a DIY flower crown station, a live ice sculptor, or a virtual reality experience.

Unconventional Wedding Entertainment Ideas to Wow Your Guests

If you want to really impress your guests and create a one-of-a-kind wedding experience, consider some unconventional entertainment options. One possibility is to have an aerial performer or acrobat, who can dazzle guests with gravity-defying stunts. Another idea is to have a live sand artist, who creates intricate scenes and stories in sand as guests watch. You could also have a live speed painter, who creates a beautiful canvas in just a few minutes, or a live graffiti artist who creates a mural during the reception. Finally, consider hiring a fire performer, who can light up the night with a breathtaking fire dance. These unconventional wedding entertainment ideas are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Wedding entertainment has evolved into a vibrant industry, offering couples numerous creative ways to make their special day memorable. Today’s couples have access to a range of planning tools that can help streamline their preparation process. A comprehensive checklist ensures no detail is overlooked, from floral arrangements to the tunes played during the first dance.

Deciding on the seating chart can be one of the most challenging aspects of wedding planning. Determining who sits where, ensuring family dynamics are considered, and making sure everyone has a good view of the festivities takes a strategic mind. However, with modern tools and software, even this task has become more manageable.

One of the biggest stressors for any couple is the wedding budget. It’s a delicate balance to ensure you’re getting the best while not overspending. But again, with innovative tools and apps, tracking expenses and sticking to a budget has become significantly easier.

Working with trusted wedding suppliers is vital. From the caterers to the photographers, the quality of service providers can make or break the day. Couples now have the luxury of reading reviews, watching portfolio videos, and even conducting virtual meetings before finalizing their choice.

A trend that has been catching on is the personalized wedding website. This platform allows couples to share their love story, provide event details, RSVP information, and even a gallery of their pre-wedding photoshoot.

For the tech-savvy, there are dedicated apps designed to assist with wedding planning. These apps provide reminders, allow photo sharing, and can be a central hub for all wedding-related information.

Finally, the choice of venue sets the tone for the entire celebration. From rustic barn weddings to elegant country weddings, the backdrop for the vows can vary widely. Some couples might opt for the casual setting of a bar, pub, or restaurant, while others might dream of a grand castle wedding. For those who appreciate the charm of history, historic weddings in ancient venues provide a magical experience.

Vineyards and wineries have surged in popularity as wedding venues in recent years. The lush rows of grapevines and the aroma of fermenting grapes offer a romantic setting, rivalled by few other locations. City weddings, with their urban backdrop, provide a completely different, yet equally captivating ambiance. Skyscrapers, bustling streets, and city lights add a dynamic and modern feel to the nuptials.

Hotels, with their all-inclusive facilities, often become the go-to choice for many couples. Their ability to cater, host, and provide accommodation makes the entire process seamless. For those inclined towards sports or looking for a unique twist, sporting venues have entered the arena of wedding locations. Imagine saying ‘I do’ in a historic stadium or on the grounds of a famed golf course!

But for those who crave an immersive natural setting, woodland and festival weddings are a dream come true. Surrounded by towering trees and the songs of birds, couples can exchange vows in what feels like an enchanted forest. And for those who’ve always dreamed of a wedding by the sea, coastal and beach weddings are nothing short of paradise. The sound of waves, the feel of sand beneath the feet, and the vastness of the ocean create a breathtaking atmosphere.

However, not all couples want to stay local. Destination weddings, where loved ones gather in a chosen locale, perhaps a tropical beach or a historic European city, have their own allure. It’s not just about the wedding day, but the entire experience leading up to it and the memories made during the extended stay.

For couples leaning towards a royal touch, stately home weddings offer grandeur and a dash of history. With their majestic architecture and sprawling lawns, these homes tell tales of past eras, making the new beginnings even more special.

The cultural richness of Asian weddings, with their vibrant colors, rituals, and music, adds a layer of depth and tradition to the celebrations. From intricate henna designs to the mesmerizing beats of the dhol, these weddings are a feast for the senses.

While the venue and setting are crucial, the magic is often in the details. Hence, photographers and videographers play a pivotal role. Capturing moments, emotions, and the essence of the day, they provide memories that last a lifetime. Music and DJs set the mood, from the ceremonial walk down the aisle to the energetic dance floor moves.

Cars and travel arrangements ensure that everything runs on time. A classic vintage car or a modern limousine can add style to the couple’s arrival or departure. And with all these details to manage, stationery, including invites, menu cards, and seating cards, play a key role in tying the theme together. Personal touches, like handpicked favours, give guests a memento to remember the day by. Florists, with their bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arches, add beauty and elegance to any wedding space.

Wedding entertainment is the soul of the celebration, turning a simple reception into an unforgettable experience. Imagine the wedding party, adorned in boho chic, swaying to a jazz quartet, their laughter mingling with the soft strains of a violin. The bridesmaids, in their carefully selected dresses, could lead the guests in a swing dance, a nod to the timeless elegance of Frank Sinatra’s era. As the evening progresses, the wedding reception becomes a canvas of memories, with a photobooth capturing the funky hats and oversized glasses, creating instant keepsakes for everyone.

The wedding dance is a pivotal moment, often starting with the classic romance of a slow dance and escalating to the infectious beats of a live DJ, who can blend the latest hip-hop hits with the nostalgic tunes of rock and funk. A destination wedding might even incorporate local music, infusing the wedding with the unique spirit of Scotland or the vibrant energy of a silent disco under the stars. The wedding music, carefully curated, can include a DIY playlist from YouTube, ensuring that every couple can personalize their experience without breaking the bank.

As the night unfolds, the wedding reception can transform into a disco, complete with a funky light show and a cocktail menu designed to match the theme. For those who prefer a more interactive form of entertainment, a bingo game themed around the couple’s journey or a caricaturist sketching humorous portraits can add a unique twist to the festivities. The wedding cake, a centerpiece of the menu, can be a multi-tiered spectacle or an assortment of wedding cakes in different flavors, each tier a different experience for the palate.

Photography is an essential element, capturing the essence of the wedding. A skilled wedding photographer can immortalize the moment the brides toss their wedding bouquet or the first slice of the wedding cake is cut. Wedding photography can also be complemented by a photo booth, where guests can don props and pose, creating a dynamic and interactive photo experience.

For those planning a wedding around Halloween, the entertainment can take a thrilling turn. A themed wedding reception with a costume contest or a dance floor filled with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” can make for a spooktacular event. The wedding invitation could hint at the fun to come, setting the stage for a night of ghoulish delight.

In the spirit of personalization, couples can opt for a cocktail hour featuring a DIY bar, where guests can mix their own concoctions. For a touch of sophistication, a string quartet playing classical music or a soloist serenading the crowd with the soulful tunes of jazz can elevate the wedding ceremony to a concert-like experience.

No matter the choice, the goal is to create a wedding reception that reflects the couple’s style and provides guests with an experience they will cherish. From the first dance to the last slice of wedding cake, the entertainment at a wedding is more than just a backdrop; it’s the heartbeat of the celebration, a symphony of moments that together compose the first day of a shared lifetime.

Areas Covered

Wedding Entertainment Hampshire – Wedding Entertainment Southampton

Frequently asked questions