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This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.
So, it’s happening! You're getting married!! Let the planning and dreaming begin. There are sooo many aspects that make up a wedding, but one of the most fun parts to think about is the entertainment. Of course, all of the serious stuff should be prioritized if you want your big day to run smoothly. But it's not the logistics like parking and wedding certificates that make a wedding special. The memories that your guests will cherish are watching you tie the knot and celebrating the evening away. Your job is to create an atmosphere where they can have fun and create amazing memories with you! Most couples plan some kind of entertainment for the reception. Of course, what you choose depends on your personality, what you like doing, and what you think your guests will enjoy. Here are a few ideas to get your started!
A Band
It’s the traditional way to go. Many wedding receptions have a live performer or band that can serenade the guests and provide a great atmosphere. A live performance will definitely give your wedding a more intimate and memorable feel. Look for local bands or ask around and see if someone you know has a connection.
DJ
While bands have that raw and organic feel, DJs are able to play any music you ask for. It’s not just a case of setting up the equipment and pressing play. They are able to use music to create a story and steer the mood of the evening. They may start with something light, then build up to something that will fill the entire dance floor. Some DJ’s play around with the lighting too – that can be a fun little extra.
Dancing
This is also traditional. You can plan and choreograph some dances ahead of time. Putting on a surprise performance for your guests would certainly be memorable. It's also classic to have a dance between the bride and the father of the bride, as well as the bride and groom. It's always a sweet and touching moment.
Something Related To Your Culture
A more unique idea is to implement something based on your heritage. You come from a long line of historical backgrounds, so delving into your ancestry might be a cool thought. Seeing if your cultures have wedding traditions you can include will not only be fun and special for your guests, but can also honor your relatives and ancestors.
Photo Booth
This idea is really popular now, and with good reason. It gives guests something tangible to remember your wedding by, and an easy way to capture themselves while they're all dressed up. A legitimate photo booth hire that prints out strips of black and white photos is a classic and fun novelty, but you can also create your own "photobooth" with cute props and an assigned photographer.
Photos
Speaking of photos, another idea I personally love is to incorporate photos of yourselves throughout your lives--especially if you can find funny and slightly embarrassing ones! Include everything from baby photos, to photos of yourselves as kids, to photos throughout your relationship. You can do a slideshow, or print them out and frame or hang them somewhere. I also think it's sweet and personal to get photos of your parents and grandparents on their wedding days.
Lawn Games
Lawn games can be a fun thing to incorporate for outdoor weddings! I've seen cornhole, lawn bowling, croquet, ring toss, frisbee, and more. Just make sure they're games that guests will feel comfortable playing in their nice wedding clothes. These kind of games are also great for kids that get bored with the evening’s proceedings.
A Kid's Station
And speaking of kids, another idea that's cute and thoughtful is to include a kids station where parents can pick up kid-friendly snacks, coloring pages and crayons, and kid-specific favors like bubbles. This will keep the kids happy and make it easier for their parents to enjoy the festivities...which I guarantee, they will appreciate!
Karaoke
Another classic. If the real performers need a little break, you can get your guests involved with some fun and entertaining karaoke! Make sure to have a mix of popular songs. You could also buy beats and have guests sing their own creative love songs. Karaoke is sure to be memorable and hilarious!
Food
Food is its own category, but it also serves as entertainment of some sort...especially if you include some kind of unique food like a bubble tea station, a huge charcuterie board, or an old-fashioned popcorn maker. Remember that different people have different dietary needs, so make sure to include a variety of foods to suit everyone from little kids, to your gluten free friends, to your grandparents.
Something Unique To You!
This is YOUR wedding, and you get to decide what entertainment is. If you have something that's near and dear to your hearts, or an activity that's been a big part of your relationship, find a way to include it! The more personal your entertainment is, the more people will love and remember it!
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Something else that we've begun using when using recently is projection mapping. It definitely enhances the festive environment for weddings, and even other types of celebrations. Great article.
I agree with what you said that a photo booth is an excellent wedding entertainment option because it allows your guests to have a tangible memory to remember your special day. My sister told me that she plans to hire a live event artist for her wedding day because she wants to have someone capture her special day. I'll suggest she also gets a photo booth to have guests capture themselves during the event. Thanks!