What You Need to Know About Guest Entertainment At Your Wedding

When it comes to planning your wedding, you’re probably hit with a massive whirlwind about what to do, right? You have to plan out what venue you’ll hold your wedding and the flavours of the wedding cake will be, and the list could keep going on and on. But with that said, while yes, this is hands-down your day, you still can’t forget about those who are coming to see your big day: the wedding guests.

Oh yes, in fact, believe it or not, if your wedding guests are full-on miserable, you can count on this affecting the relationship you have with them. Needless to say, that’s far from ideal. So, with that said, however, how can you make sure that your wedding guests have a wonderful time? Well, there are so many things that go into it, such as where the wedding is (if they need to drive for it), the food that’s being served, how long the ceremony is, how long the day is, and the list could keep going on and on.

So, with that all said, you need to think about the entertainment too! In fact, this within itself will be the biggest make-it-or-break-it for your guests. But how can you entertain them? What should you keep in mind? Well, here’s exactly what you need to know!

Why It’s Absolutely Vital to Keep Your Guests Entertained

You have to keep in mind that weddings are not only a celebration of the couple’s love but also a gathering of their nearest and dearest, who often travel from far and wide to attend. So that’s exactly why ensuring that your guests have a memorable time is just as important as any other detail of your big day.

It Sets the Tone for the Day

You really need to keep in mind that the overall vibe of your wedding can be heavily influenced by how entertained your guests are. Good entertainment keeps the energy levels high and the atmosphere lively, which in turn helps create those fun and joyful moments that make a wedding truly memorable. So, with that all said, whether it’s through music, games, or performances, entertainment can help set a tone that complements the beauty and significance of the occasion.

Encourages Social Interaction

Weddings are unique in that they bring together groups of people who may not know each other very well, if at all. This is exactly why having some structured entertainment can break the ice and encourage interaction among your guests. Really, what are the odds that everyone on your side knows everyone on your partner’s side?

So you could look into things to really get things going like silly little group dances, a photo booth or even a photo mirror hire to look into, or interactive games (super common at these), but even just good food and drinks get people chatty. Overall, these activities can help guests mingle and enjoy each other’s company, making your wedding a successful social event.

Shows Appreciation for Your Guests

Just about all of your guests have invested significant time, effort, and money to celebrate with you, possibly traveling long distances or rearranging busy schedules. They did this just for you, and so yes, they are going to expect something in return, such as a nice day out provided by you! So that’s exactly why providing entertainment is a way of showing appreciation for their presence and ensuring they feel valued and glad they made the effort to attend. It’s a gesture that says you care about their experience and want them to have an exceptional time.

Creates Long-Lasting Memories

While the wedding is undoubtedly about the couple (and this by all means should be your big and special day), it’s also an event that everyone wants to remember fondly. Entertainment, especially when it’s unique and engaging, can make your wedding stand out in the minds of your guests. It’s the moments of laughter during a magician’s show, the tears during a beautiful musical performance, or the cheers during a surprise fireworks display that people remember years down the line. People love this; they eat it up!

It Fills Up the Downtime

No matter how meticulously you plan your schedule, there are always going to be periods of downtime during a wedding. There are just those little awkward pieces of time throughout the transitions, and so those need to be paid attention to and considered, too. While you’re off taking photos or changing outfits, your guests might be left with little to do- so think about that for just a second. That, within itself, is exactly why it’s so important to have some form of entertainment during these times; it can keep the mood buoyant and ensure that there’s never a dull moment.

Smooths Over Any Snags

No wedding is perfect; in fact, it’s next to impossible. There are so many parties involved that it’s truly way too hard to make it perfect. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Delays can happen, whether due to weather, late vendors, or other unforeseen circumstances. This is why entertainment can play a critical role in smoothing over these snags, keeping guests engaged and distracted from any minor mishaps. It acts as a buffer, ensuring that your guests remain happy and the festive spirit of your wedding stays intact.

But How Can You Entertain Your Guests?

So, there were a few examples listed above to give you some ideas, but sometimes, it helps to go a bit more on the unique side. Usually (but not always), doing something entertaining can be the best way to entertain your guests.

Live Artist Performances

So technically, the photographer mostly pays attention to the wedding couple, not too many shots of the wedding guests. But instead of just having a photographer, why not add a live painter or sketch artist into the mix? If you think about it, these artists can capture scenes from your wedding in real time, providing not only entertainment but also unique keepsakes for you and your guests. Whether it’s a grand, sweeping canvas of the ceremony or quick caricatures during the reception, it adds an interactive and artistic flair to your celebration.

Interactive Food and Drink Stations

No, this doesn’t mean you need a fountain or cheese or chocolate, but food within itself can be a form of entertainment. For example, you might want to think of build-your-own taco bars, a gourmet burger stand, or a sushi rolling corner. You could also entertain guests with a live cooking station where a chef prepares dishes on demand. But what about drinks? Well, for drinks, consider a DIY cocktail or mocktail bar where guests can mix their own concoctions with the help of a professional mixologist.

Unexpected Performers

There’s nothing wrong with DJs; in fact, those can be great, but why not have something complementary to that? For example, you could surprise your guests with unexpected live performances. This could be anything from a jazz trio wandering the tables to a pop-up opera in the middle of the courtyard.

You could even hire acrobats, magicians, or a stand-up comedian to perform during the cocktail hour or reception, ensuring that your guests are entertained and have something to talk about for years to come. Alright, sure, this is outlandish and pretty expensive, too, but it is a nice way to thank your wedding guest because of how outlandish it is!

Silent Disco

Just about all receptions have music and dancing; it’s to be expected. But, as the night progresses, a silent disco can offer a unique way to keep the dance floor packed without disturbing those who may want to enjoy quieter conversations. Guests wear wireless headphones supplied by a DJ and dance to the tunes they love, choosing from different music channels. It’s fun, innovative, and a surefire hit among all age groups. Also, it makes people sitting at the tables have a much easier time to talk too.

Is Your Wedding Outdoors?

If your wedding is in a rural location or by the beach, take advantage of the setting. For example, if your venue is at a beachfront then you could organise group activities like a mini beach volleyball tournament or guided nature walks. It’s a great way to let your guests enjoy the scenery and have fun outside the typical wedding environment.

Table Games

For a more laid-back form of entertainment (especially if there’ll be a bunch of geeky people at the wedding), then you could place different table games like trivia cards, Mad Libs wedding edition, or classic board games at each table. These are particularly great for providing entertainment during waiting periods, like while waiting for the meal to be served or in between speeches.

What’s Best for Your Guests?

You and your partner will know your wedding guests best and what they may enjoy. So just make sure that what entertainment you choose not only entertains them and they’ll enjoy it, but it also reflects you and your partner. After all, it’s your wedding, and it really needs to stay true to who both of you are.