WE LOVE TO BOOGIE

ENTERTAINMENT WE LOVE to boogie20 ideas for keeping your wedding guests entertained

1PHOTO BOOTH Since 2016, Booth Nineteen’s dapper photo booth attendants have been entertaining couples and guests across the region. Providing a nostalgic, vintage 1920s twist to your special day, while using high-quality DSLR cameras, Citizen sub-dye printers and LED lighting to ensure your online gallery is the perfect print quality on the day as well as to download and enjoy afterwards. With more than 200 five-star reviews across Google and Facebook, you can book knowing you’re in good hands. For further information head over to https://booth19.co.uk

Scan to view video www.london-weddingphotographer.com 2 GARDEN GAMES What could be better to entertain wedding guests on a balmy summer’s day than a selection of garden games? Ideal to spread out on the lawn as your loved ones mingle and sip on reception drinks – think quoits, giant Jenga, boules, giant Connect 4, croquet, we could go on... Check out www.valentinahire.com

3MINI GOLF Mini golf is a British institution and heaps of fun to boot. Sure to delight nearest and dearest of all ages, you can even enjoy wedding-themed obstacles. Why not set up a leaderboard for the day – who doesn’t love a bit of healthy competition?

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“We’re often asked if we can set up outside, which works well in good weather. We’ll always need a wet weather backup space too, but having the two options means we can be wherever the majority of your guests are, ensuring the booth gets maximum use. While this might not be possible with all venues and suppliers it pays to plan ahead to ensure your entertainment is located in the perfect place on the day, minus the last-minute stress.” – Craig Cherber, Booth Nineteen

4FIREWORKS Fireworks will literally wow the crowds at your wedding as your guests “ooh” and “ahh” at the display. Be sure to leave it to the professionals and you won’t be disappointed. Different packages are usually available to fit around your budget and be sure to check with your venue first, in case they don’t permit fireworks. Check out https://skyburst.co.uk

Getty Images 5 DJ We’d definitely recommend investing in a DJ rather than attempting to fill the dancefloor with your Spotify playlist. These folks have years of experience and not only do they know exactly what to play when, they can create the atmosphere you’re looking for during your big bash. Make an appointment to meet your DJ face-to-face before the big day, if possible, to discuss your likes and dislikes as well as any song requests you simply can’t do without, including the all-important first dance. Check out www.celebrationroadshow.co.uk

Getty Images 6 MAGICIAN It’s easy to avoid the awkward lull in proceedings while you scamper off for your photos when a magician is on hand. Brilliant at breaking the ice, a magician will have your guests enthralled and chatting as though they’ve known each other for years thanks to their exciting shared experience. Check out www.adamrichardsmagic.com

7CELLIST Jay Emme is a professional solo wedding cellist who specialises in performing her couples’ favourite music on their wedding days. Her 200-year-old cello, Sid, travels the world with her performing at weddings and elopements as well as providing the perfect background music for drinks receptions.

A solo cellist is an ideal fit for small, intimate events, and even without a PA system, Jay assures us that Sid can produce enough sound for weddings in large, grand venues. “Nowhere is too far, and no music is (as yet) too tricky; I’ve performed everything from Bach to GooGoo Dolls, Game of Thrones to Bridgerton faves, and my music library is constantly growing,” she shares. What’s more, if you’re looking for something to suit your cultural style, Jay has performed at many Indian, Polish, African and Caribbean weddings too. All that remains is for you to decide on your dream W-day soundtrack! Check out https://jayemme.com Scan to view video

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“If you have a piece of music that’s special to you and you want it to be part of your day, it’s always worth asking – the cello can do more than you might think!” – Jay Emme Cellist

8LIVE BAND Whatever your style there’s a band out there for you. Experienced musicians are adept at judging the vibe on the dancefloor, making sure they keep those dancing feet busy all night. Many will learn that special first dance song for you at your request and some offer super-flexible options to bring you suitable entertainment from low key drinks reception music to fullscale floor-fillers in the evening.

Our golden rule? Make sure you get to a live gig to see what they can do before you book. It’s well worth seeing what’s out there.

11 HARPIST Nothing beats the sound of a harp for oh-so romantic ceremony music. Gentle and melodic, it sets just the right tone as you prepare to walk down the aisle. A harpist is also wonderful for bringing an air of class to the drinks reception – you’ll be surprised at how good this instrument makes the Disney greats sound! Check out www.serenesounds.co.uk

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13 BOUNCY CASTLE Oodles of fun for big and little kids alike. Keep it classy with a wedding white version. Check out https://awinflatables.co.uk

14 COCKTAILS Make the drinks reception all the more fun and personalised with your own wedding-day cocktail, whether it’s your favourite or something of your own creation.

www.affinityqphotography.com

9CARICATURES Give your loved ones their own unique piece of artwork to take home. It’s easier than it sounds when you hire a caricaturist. Everyone will be so busy lining up for their turn, they won’t even notice when you disappear with your photographer. Check out https://demonpen.co.uk

10 SINGING WAITERS The looks on your guests’ faces will be priceless and worthy of tagging when singing waiters are in town. #Awks turns into joy, laughter and delight in a heartbeat. Check out www.1stcallsingingwaiters.co.uk

Getty Images 12 OWLS Invite some feathered friends to charm your guests. These clever creatures can act as ring bearers, or entertain as part of a falconry display alongside their avian pals. Check out http://prfalconry.co.uk/ experience

15 VOCALIST If you’re a fan of live music, why not hire an acoustic soloist for the parts of that day that aren’t necessarily suited to a full plugged-in band? Check out www.maebradbury.com

17 GLITTER BAR The perfect addition to a festival-themed wedding a glitter bar will bring all the sparkly fun. Keep it eco-friendly and look for a company that supplies biodegradable glitter. Check out www.luxuriousglitter.co.uk

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19 TRIBUTE ACT Wish ABBA could play at your wedding, but can’t quite stretch to it? There are plenty of uncannily accurate tribute acts around, so why not opt for the next best thing?

20 STRING QUARTET Most of us have been Bridgerton obsessed since it hit our screens, and it’s easy to recreate that oh-so romantic Georgian atmosphere with a string quartet. While the show’s innovative soundtrack of modern hits make it a standout, this is something our modern-day string musicians have been doing forever. Check out www.bristolstringquartet.com

THE PERFECT PLAYLIST

The first dance will be one of the standout moments of your big day, so choose a song that means the world to you. Do you go for a golden oldie or a current chart hit? Based on the analysis of 998 Spotify playlists found when searching for “wedding first dance,” here’s 2022’s top 20 most popular to give you some inspiration. 1. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran 2. Perfect by Ed Sheeran 3. All Of Me by John Legend 4. At Last by Etta James 5. Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley 6. Say You Won’t let Go by James Arthur 7. You Are The Best Thing by Ray La Montagne 8. Can’t Help Falling In Love by Haley Reinhart 9. Your Song by Elton John 10. Perfect Duet by Ed Sheeran & Beyonce 11. You Are The Reason by Calum Scott 12. A Thousand Years by Christina Perri 13. From The Ground Up by Dan + Shay 14. Everything by Michael Buble 15. I Get To Love You by Ruelle 16. Marry Me by Train 17. Stand by Me by Ben E. King 18. Die A Happy Man by Thomas Rhett 19. Speechless by Dan + Shay 20. Beyond by Leon Bridges Data compiled by www.reassured.co.uk 16 CASINO Bring a sophisticated touch of Bond to your big day with casino tables. Bristolbased Phoenix Fun Casino Hire offers a choice of blackjack, roulette and 3-card poker tables, which come complete with their own croupiers. Check out www.phoenixfuncasino.co.uk

18 SAXOPHONIST Lucy Harvey began playing the saxophone in 1995 and singing shortly after. Having spent many years perfecting her musicianship via exams and university, she worked in several bands, show teams and theatre shows across the UK and abroad. But weddings stole her heart back in 2010 and she made the decision to begin working solo, providing an affordable live music solution for wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions and more. Check out www.lucyharvey.co.uk

Scan to view video https://willmasonjonesphotography.com

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“Book early! If there’s a musician or band you really love, it’s never too early to enquire and get your date secured. Also, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Your music will be the soundtrack to your big day, and needs to be the perfect underscore to celebrate your love.” – Lucy Harvey Saxophonist