When you're planning a wedding, entertainment can sometimes become an afterthought.
You've sorted the venue, photographer, flowers, food, music and all the other little details — and then suddenly realise you need to decide what your guests are actually going to do between the ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception.
If you're looking for something a little different from the traditional DJ or photo booth, here are 10 wedding entertainment ideas to consider.
1. Live wedding illustration
Naturally, this had to be first.. maybe I’m biased!
A live wedding illustrator creates personalised artwork of your guests throughout your wedding day.
It's particularly lovely during the drinks reception, when guests are mingling and have time to wander over and watch their illustration being created.
The best part? They get to take their artwork home afterwards, and they nearly always tell me “I’ve never seen this before!”
2. A photo booth
Photo booths have become a wedding classic for a reason.
They're easy for guests to use throughout the evening and give everyone an opportunity to be a little silly.
You can also personalise your backdrop, props and photo strips to fit your wedding style.
3. Audio guest book
Instead of asking guests to write a traditional message, an audio guest book lets them leave a recorded message for you.
You might get heartfelt messages, questionable singing and plenty of stories you weren't expecting.
It's something you'll be able to listen back to long after your wedding day.
4. Lawn games
If you're having an outdoor wedding or have a little time between your ceremony and reception, lawn games can be a great way of keeping guests entertained.
Giant Jenga, croquet, garden games and ring toss can all work particularly well for relaxed summer weddings.
5. A wedding caricaturist
If you love the idea of personalised entertainment but want something a little more playful, a caricaturist could be a fun alternative.
Guests can have exaggerated portraits created while they mingle, giving them another personalised keepsake to take home.
6. Live music
Live music doesn't have to mean a full wedding band.
A solo acoustic musician, pianist, saxophonist or string duo can provide atmosphere during your drinks reception without overpowering conversations.
It's a lovely option if you want entertainment that feels elegant and understated.
7. A cocktail-making experience
For couples who want something interactive, a cocktail-making experience can be a fun addition to the drinks reception.
You could have a signature cocktail created especially for your wedding and let guests learn how to make it themselves.
8. A wedding content creator
Wedding content creators have become increasingly popular for couples who want plenty of behind-the-scenes footage from their day.
Rather than replacing your professional photographer or videographer, they can capture the little moments on a phone and provide social-ready content much sooner.
9. A personalised wedding guestbook
Your guest book doesn't have to be a traditional book.
You could ask guests to sign illustrated cards, contribute to a piece of artwork or leave messages on something you'll display in your home afterwards.
This is particularly lovely if you want your guest book to become part of your home rather than being packed away in a cupboard.
10. A live artist or painter
If you love the idea of having artwork created during your wedding, you could also consider a live painter.
They might capture your ceremony, first dance or reception as a piece of artwork created throughout the day.
The finished piece can then become something you display in your home for years to come.
How do you choose the right wedding entertainment?
Think about the type of atmosphere you want to create.
Do you want something energetic and interactive? Something relaxed while guests mingle? Or something that gives everyone a keepsake to take home?
You also don't need to choose just one.
A wedding illustrator during your drinks reception, live music during dinner and a DJ in the evening can all work together without competing for your guests' attention.
Most importantly, choose something that feels like you.
Your wedding entertainment doesn't have to follow a formula — it can be another opportunity to add a little personality to your day.
Looking for something personal and creative for your wedding?
