Wedding Entertainment Advice
Where to begin? The budget would be a good place, once you have priced up the main wedding costs you can now think of how to entertain your guests, with some of the remaining budget.
The entertainment can be simple or complex the choices are yours. We will try to give you some ideas but remember none of these are essential. Wedding Entertainment can be a simple as a DJ playing some of your favourite music.
At this point the big day really begins. As you get out of the Wedding Car, you can be joined by a Highland Piper, elegantly dressed in a traditional Scot's uniform. Marching, with the moving sound of the pipes, he will lead you to the area where the ceremony will take place. If required he will also play during the signing of the register, as well as piping the bride & groom out of the ceremonial area or perhaps pipe ypu into the reception. Remember, you don't have to be Scottish, to have a piper. Alternatively, if you are having the ceremony at an historic castle or stately home, Medieval Minstrels would set the seen perfectly.
Within the venue, you could have a Harpist, String Quartet, Vocalist, Harp, Solo Classical / Spanish Guitarist, or if in a church an organist playing as you and your guests arrive, during the signing of the register and as your guests leave.
A solo vocalist, duo, or full choir can be engaged if required. These can be an alternative to the musicians or together they can compliment each other.
If you are having a Civil Ceremony it is still possible to have a Gospel Choir. So long as they have a non religious repertoire which they can for such event.
It is now common practice to entertain your guests throughout the day, including while they are eating. Here family and friends will be wanting to talk whilst enjoying their meal. Any entertainment you supply would need to be background entertainment. Light background music can be supplied by Harpist, String Quartet, Vocalist, Solo Classical / Spanish GuitaristJazz Band, or a DJ , are just a few examples. Another option could be a 'Close Up Magician' or a Caricaturist. He will visit your guests tables one by one performing his art. This will keep your guests occupied between courses. If you are having a themed wedding in a period / medieval venue, why not engage the services of some Medieval Minstrels. There are many other options these are just a few examples you can have great fun surching out all the possibilities.
Employing the services of a Toastmaster is a very wise move. His job is to make sure that everything runs smoothly. He will advise you on etiquette and will usually meet with you before the wedding day to discuss your requirements. He will ensure that caterers, entertainers etc. all know what to do and when. If you wish he will announce the arrival of each guest, introduce the best man etc. for their speeches. Most have a great sense of humour and are often a good source of entertainment. Employing the services of a Toastmaster allows the best man, the brides parents to relax and enjoy the day.
As this is a family event there are bound to be young children present. By now they are starting to get board and fidgety. Their parents are getting angry or embarrassed at what the 'little darlings' are getting up to. This is the most common reason for people leaving the celebrations early. There are a several options open to you, to try and avoid this. Engage the services of a Children's Entertainer. This can be in the form of a Magician, Face Painter, Clown or the old favourite, a Bouncy Castle.
The evening reception is usually the longest part of the day and also has the largest number of guests present so entertainment is essential. This could be as simple as a DJ or perhaps a live band or better still a combination af both.
When it comes to bands there is a huge choice from Jazz, Soul,Pop & Rock and many more beside. most bands will play 2 sets of music upto a max of 1 hour per set which leaves a few hours to fill hense the need for a DJ to fill in the blanks. Note some bands may even offer the DJ in with their packages which is worth looking into.
