MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

Fun, games and entertainment for a standout big day

To help make your wedding stand out for all the right reasons, it pays to get the entertainment right. For the happy couple, the big day may go by in a flash, but for family and friends, especially travel-weary guests or those with young children, any lulls in the proceedings can dampen the feelgood factor. To make sure your celebration is one to remember, read on for some handy hints and a snapshot of just some of what’s on offer locally.

TOP TIPS

 As Shakespeare famously said, ‘If music be the food of love, play on’! The soundtrack to your day can really set the mood and help people get into the spirit of things. Whether it’s a romantic harpist or string quartet playing during the ceremony and post-vows drinks reception or a lively jazz band setting the tone, the music can reflect the style and theme of the wedding and boost the whole atmosphere.

 If you’re opting for live music at any stage of the day, before booking try to see the act perform first to be sure it’s the best possible fit for you, your guests, the time and place. Online research and personal recommendations are great, but nothing quite beats a firsthand experience.

 Rather than packing all the entertainment into the evening, try spreading it throughout the day. A close-up magician is ideal for helping people to mix and mingle during the drinks reception and if the weather’s fine, outdoor garden games are fun for young and old alike. Pick them to match the style of your wedding, with a coconut shy and hook-the-duck for a country-fete theme or croquet on the lawn for a sophisticated garden-party vibe.

 A prime time for guests to start getting restless is after the ‘I dos’, while the photos are being taken. Why not lay on a few distractions to keep them engaged, like a caricaturist? Not only fascinating to watch, but the drawings also provide a lasting memento.

 If you’re tying the knot early in the day, help keep the hunger pangs at bay with a traditional ice cream van, serving up cooling treats before the wedding breakfast or as an alternative to dessert – fabulous for fun wedding photos too.  Throw in a few surprises like singing waiters during the meal, a flash mob dance or choreographed routine with you and your best girls or boys to kick-start the evening party. You could even wow your family and friends with a dazzling first dance by having professional lessons in the run-up to the big day.

 Be prepared for a lull while changing over from the daytime events to the evening entertainment. Provide a chillout zone for people to relax and take time out before the party gets underway. A supervised creche or children’s entertainer to keep the little ones amused is also a great idea for parents wanting to cut some moves on the dancefloor.

 Trust your professionals – even if you’ve been working on your playlist for ever, if you’re hiring an experienced DJ be open to their expert input, it’s what you pay them for after all! They will know how to work the room and what to play when, to keep the mood buzzing all night.

 If you’re having a live band, check if your venue has a sound limiter as nothing puts a dampener on party vibes quite like the power cutting out.

 End on a high with a breathtaking fireworks display, if your venue allows, or a sparkler send-off. Even if you have it earlier in the evening, it’s still a great thing to do and the perfect finale for the wedding album.

Here in Yorkshire, we’re blessed with a wealth of talented suppliers catering for all your big-day entertainment needs. Choosing businesses close to home makes it easier to develop a personal relationship and build trust so you can relax and enjoy yourself, safe in the knowledge that your celebration is in good hands – happy planning!

www.jimpoyner.com

https://lucydennisphotography.co.uk SOUND WAVES

With the beautiful sound of the harp, the experienced, warm and friendly Emma will perform memorable music of your choice for your wedding.

The harp is indispensable when it comes to the ceremony, creating an enchanting entrance for the bride. For drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts, couples often request a selection of hand-picked romantic songs, intertwined with delicate classical favourites. https://emmayatesharpist.co.uk

FIT FOR A PRINCESS

Wow your friends and family with one of these beautiful white bouncy castles! Sure to keep the party going! These elegant castles can add a fun spin to any wedding day. If it’s little one’s you’re interested in keeping amused the company also offer a stylish white soft play set and the cutest tipis filled with blankets and cushions for small people to nap, rest and play inside. www.thebeverleyeventscompany.co.uk PIMP YOUR PROSECCO!

GinFizz Bar is a self-contained mobile bar, housed in a vintage horse box that’s been cleverly converted to enable speedy chilling of hundreds of bottles of fizz at a time (or lots of beer or tonic, etc., if that’s more your thing!). The bar - and drinks menu - can be customised to suit your event vision and budget and is perfect to cater a hen or stag do, or to rock up to your wedding venue for welcome drinks or outside reception party vibes, or easily handle full bar service for the whole event; it’s entirely up to you how you want to add some fun and fizz to your special event! www.ginfizzbar.co.uk

SNAP HAPPY

Traditionally, disposable cameras have been used at weddings to capture images throughout the day. Technology has now moved on and you can hire a modern digital camera package at a similar cost of disposables with so many more benefits. Place a camera on each of your tables and let your guests snap away. www.takeapic.co.uk

Entertainment Nation is a leading supplier of wedding bands, musicians and entertainers. Whether you’re looking for a folkinfused acoustic band, a rousing rock band or a funky soul and Motown band, you’ll discover an act that will ignite your dance floor and create lasting memories. You can’t beat the thrill of live entertainment!

Perhaps you’d like some chilled out background music for your drinks reception or wedding breakfast? Browse through hundreds of acoustic soloists and duos, classical musicians and jazz performers to provide a stunning musical backdrop to your celebrations. They’re also a fabulous choice to accompany your wedding ceremony and give it the magical feel it deserves.

You can also choose from a vast selection of wedding entertainers such as magicians, caricaturists and singing waiters, who’ll delight your guests and help bring your special day to life.

We provide unrivalled customer service and a safe and secure booking process for your peace of mind. www.entertainment-nation.co.uk

www.darrensandersonphotography.com

ROLL WITH IT!

What do your guests do between the daytime and evening do or while they're waiting for the photos? What about guests who don’t want to dance all night? Cards or Die brings a massive array of board games to your wedding and helps get people off their screens and connect face to face. There are retro games to reminisce with and modern games to create new memories with. Give them a call to discuss a bespoke selection of games for your guests. www.cardsordie.com/weddingentertainment BULLSEYE!

BattleAxe Sheffield loves to entertain your guests and have lots of ways to make the set up fun and engaging. You’ll be taught the ways of the Viking (it’s more skill than power) as well as having fun, banter and camaraderie with family and friends.

All packages come with a minimum of two highly trained ‘Axeperts’, throwing range, axes, throwing equipment and safety netting. It’s a great way to fill the gap between the ceremony and evening event and to bring people together. www.battleaxesheffield.co.uk

THE SOUND OF STRINGS

India Rose Strings is an award-winning string quartet comprised exclusively of young, professional musicians who all hold a degree in music and have an extensive background in performance. When you plan your music with their brilliant cellist and manager, Chloe, it’s stress-free and fun, and all about making your wedding day feel like you. With their impressive repertoire featuring a massive selection of modern, classical and film music, India Rose Strings will have your guests talking about your big day for years to come… and you can even ask for a bespoke arrangement to make your day totally one of a kind! https://indiarosestrings.com