IT’S PARTY TIME

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT It’s party time

The ultimate guide to wedding entertainment

Wedding entertainment is vital for keeping guests entertained, so we’ve asked some experts from around Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire for advice to keep the celebrations going all day.

BEAUTIFUL MELODIES

Firstly, do some research and chat with suppliers as they’re there to help. Choose a few songs that are special to you both but allow the team to create a playlist if you want background music or a party set; they’ll know how to build the atmosphere so the party or energy doesn't crash.

Your entertainer will take breaks, so ask them in advance the approximate timings so you can relay this to your photographer for the group photos – this way, no one misses out on the entertainment.

Pick music that is suitable for each part of your day. You don’t want the songs so loud during the drinks reception that no one can talk, but you want it loud enough to create a good vibe and atmosphere.

Have you covered all-weather options? Remember, acts will often need access to power and won’t perform outside unless cover or shade is provided; make sure to check this with them.

Live music is the way forward, but we know people have budgets. Why not have live music for your ceremony and drinks reception but opt for a playlist during the wedding breakfast when people are chatting to one another? Then get a live band for the evening and perhaps a DJ who can also play instruments for a real party. Most suppliers will be able to advise on what package will work best for your budget. Lizzie Roberts | LR Violin | www.lizzierobertsviolin.com

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TIME FOR FUN www.em-j.co.uk Entertainment is one of the most important elements of your day. It creates individuality and a lasting memory of your wedding – plus, everyone wants to add the wow factor to their day. Rather than spending huge amounts on traditional wedding items, spend some of your budget to add some extra fun! What’s better than seeing your loved ones laughing in your pictures, plus your photographer will thank you for it too? This is your opportunity to add extra fun while bringing all your guests together for the perfect icebreaker. Whether it be garden games, a magician, singing waiters or any type of entertainment, be as creative as you can.

We have a huge selection of fairground-inspired and pastel-coloured garden games at Dolly Dimples Weddings – all of which are handmade with weddings in mind. We can entertain loads of guests at one time, and our items are massive décor elements too. For the untimate package, we also offer candy floss and popcorn! Annabel Hopkinson| Dolly Dimples Weddings & Events Hire www.dollydimplesweddings.co.uk

www.em-j.co.uk

MEMORABLE MUSIC

Select four or five must-haves from the band’s repertoire and then give the band license to read the room and choose music accordingly – let the professionals do what they do best and entertain. Look for bands or acts that offer an all-day music solution; this will make your big day so much easier to organise. Communication is essential and if the supplier doesn’t reply within 24 hours to an enquiry, they’re not serious!

Go direct or tread carefully as agencies host and represent many bands that are all the same but with exclusive names. At least check that the singer you see in any video footage is the one you’ll get on the night.

Finally, guests go where the bride is! So if you’re not going to dance, which isn't a crime, save your money and don’t book a band! Sam Lewis | Sam Lewis Music | www.samlewismusic.com

Even more inspiration

ABRACADABRA

There’s a reason why magic has been so popular throughout the years, magicians can capture audiences of all ages and create astonishing shows that will be a talking point long after the dancefloor has cleared. MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Keep your mini guests occupied all day with a craft table or enlist the help of a professional wedding creche company to ensure they’re all safe and having a whale of a time with a whole parade of super-fun activities.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Make the most of your venue’s grounds and lay out some vintage garden games such as croquet, giant Jenga and hoopla. Your guests will have so much fun while they wait for the wedding breakfast, they’ll barely notice their tummies rumble. SAY CHEESE

Photo booths are a fantastic way to capture fun and goofy photos of all your guests. Not only do the images create a hilarious guest books to treasure for years to come, but loved ones can keep the images as a reminder of the day.

TIME TO BOUNCE BABY YOU’RE A FIREWORK