PARTY TIME

Party timeA Your A to Z guide on how to keep your wedding guests happyFOR AGENCY It often pays to get expert help and an established entertainment agency will have a whole database of tried and tested acts, great for time-poor couples and stress-free planning. Entertainment Nation offers a one-stop-shop for all your live music, DJ and entertainment needs, everything from bands, soloists, string quartets and pianists to caricaturists, magicians and more.

“There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere created by live performers, whether that’s playing the perfect romantic serenade as you walk down the aisle or whipping the dancefloor into a celebratory frenzy.” – Steven Robertson, www.entertainment-nation.co.uk C

BFOR BAND Not just any old band – there may be a few to choose from but if you want high energy and high quality, Entertainment Nation offers a range of options from pop and rock to acoustic festivalstyle, Motown, soul and more to suit a whole range of musical tastes; sure to keep the dancefloor busy all night. Visit www.entertainment-nation.co.uk

FOR CASINO Enjoy all the buzz and excitement of a real casino with none of the risks. A professional fun casino set up, complete with trained croupiers, adds to the atmosphere for a truly memorable celebration. You could even have a bottle of bubbly or non-cash prize for the biggest winner on the night. A great icebreaker after the wedding breakfast and to help everyone to mix and mingle before the evening party gets into full swing. Check out www.funcasinonights.com D FOR DOUGHNUTS Who can resist a sweet treat? A doughnut wall or tower provides not only a great sugar rush to keep the party vibes buzzing, but plenty of Insta-worthy moments too.

“If your heart’s set on a wow-factor display for your big day then check first before booking your venue that fireworks are allowed or if they have any restrictions such as low-noise displays only.” – Vanessa White, www.fireworksdisplayteam.co.uk

EFOR EXTRAS It’s the special things that make a difference, like a statement bar to keep the whole gang happy. Not only terrific for tempting tipples, The Copper Tree Bar is a great attraction for fun photos too. Based in Cambridgeshire, the converted horsebox mobile bar is big on gin, especially artisan brands from local distilleries, and is sure to bring fun, fizz and fab flavours to any wedding

FFOR FIREWORKS A fabulous fireworks display is a winning way to wow your guests. Great for the photo album; it’s sure to party. Visit www.thecoppertreebar.com leave a lasting memory.

GFOR GAMES Think croquet on the lawn, traditional fête stalls like a coconut shy, hook the duck or splat the rat; ideal for an English country-garden theme. Or how about a mini sports day with egg and spoon or sack races to let off steam?

FOR ICE CREAM A traditional ice cream van; a surefire crowdpleaser post-vows or as an alternative to dessert for an al fresco reception. Polkadots and Moonbeams Bedford CF van is a picture-perfect classic from the ’80s, lovingly restored to its former glory and offering great artisan ice cream – you can I even have your favourite flavour handmade especially for you. Visit www.polkadotsandmoonbeams.co.uk HFOR HARPIST Many harpists are happy to perform inside or out, as long as there’s a suitable shady spot with a level surface where they can play. Wonderfully romantic for the ceremony, it can add a serene vibe to the post-vows drinks and reception too.

JFOR JAZZ The ideal accompaniment for a sophisticated al fresco drinks reception or swish Gatsby-style celebration. Don’t forget the cocktails!

KFOR KARAOKE If karaoke’s a step too far on your big day, how about marryoke instead? You and your loved ones can mime to your favourite tunes for great video footage without the fear of hitting any duff notes! M

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FOR LESSONS Not everyone’s a whizz on the dancefloor. For some, instead of a wedding highlight, it’s a moment to dread. Beat the fear factor and book some confidence-boosting prewedding lessons so you can step out in style to entertain your family and friends.

FOR MUSICIAN The soundtrack to your big day provides a lasting memory and a live musician can help set the mood from the get-go. Versatile professional Jonathan Cant covers a whole range of musical styles whether that’s playing the piano, keyboards, drums or guitar, he can set the tone for all parts of the day from the ceremony to the reception. He’s happy to learn favourite songs too ‒ great for a magical firstdance moment. Visit www.jonathancantmusician.co.ukNFOR NO-KIDS-ALLOWED If you want your day to be an adults only affair, make it clear from the get-go and include a polite note on the invites. It might raise a few parental eyebrows at first, but providing you allow enough time for them to make childcare arrangements, guess who’ll be the last ones still on the dancefloor at the end of the night! P FOR PHOTO BOOTH Grab your friends, some cool props and hey presto; create unforgettable memories with a fun photo booth. Norfolk-based Capture Lounge offers a classy cream booth, draped in flowers, with top of the range equipment and a whole range of funky accessories. Check out www.capturelounge.co.uk Q FOR QUARTET If you’re looking for that extra something special to add to the soundtrack of your day, a string quartet is a great idea. Ideal for the ceremony to create the perfect mood, during the drinks reception O

FOR OWLS or at any point of the day.

Surprise everyone with a

Harry Potter moment and have your rings delivered by owl. Check out www.owlringbearers.co.uk “If you have a favourite song that you’d like to have in the ceremony but it’s not in our current repertoire, just let us know as we can get it arranged for you!” – Steve Ballard, www.kavolini.com

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RFOR RESEARCH It always pays to do your homework to avoid disappointment on the big day. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, your venue will probably have a list of trusted suppliers too. When it comes to live acts, check them out online, read reviews, but best of all try to meet face-to-face or see them perform to make sure they’re the right fit for you and your guests

TFOR TRIO A trio of talented professionals with a varied playlist is a great way to keep the dancefloor busy. Look for personal recommendations and try to catch a live performance before booking.

SFOR SAM THE MAGICIAN Surprise your loved ones with a magician for memorable moments to treasure. Sam Christian is a seasoned professional, sure to bring extra sparkle to the big day. Great for the post-vows drinks reception, at the tables during the wedding breakfast or for any lull in the proceedings before the evening party kicks off. His brand of UFOR UMBRELLAS Don’t let the weather spoil your fun. Have a few brollies to hand so rain doesn’t stop play. close-up magic is the perfect ice-breaker to help get people talking. Visit www.samchristianmagician.com

VFOR VOCALIST A professional singer can work wonders at all stages of the day, interacting with your guests and creating a buzz. An experienced versatile singer should be able to cover a range of different musical tastes from traditional favourites to latest hits to suit your big-day style and theme.

XFOR X-CITEMENT Build up the fun-factor with unexpected surprises like a fireworks finale, singing waiters, a rap or flash mob routine. To really impress, you and your best girls could even book a class to practise some moves as a fun hen-party activity. W FOR WHEEL A Ferris wheel that is! Enjoy all the fun of the fair on your big day and be sure of plenty of fabulous photos. Hire a ferris wheel or other fairground rides, with candy floss and coconut stalls to make your day one to remember.

Y ZFOR ZONE A chill-out zone is a great idea for those that want time out from the hurly burly to chat and relax. A kiddies’ corner can also be a godsend for parents looking to cut some shapes on the dancefloor. You could even hire a professional child-minder or book a crèche to keep the little ones safe and happy for hours! FOR YAWN If it’s getting late and it’s time to go, make sure your guests have transport and accommodation booked well in advance. Include details of local hotels and car hire companies with the invites so no one’s left stranded. 83