PARTY TIME

AParty timeYour A to Z guide on how to keep your wedding guests happy FOR AGENCY It often pays to get expert help and an established entertainment agency will have a choice of tried and tested acts, great for time-poor couples and stress-free planning. Hampshire-based The Hit Squad has a team of handpicked professionals providing a one-stop-shop for all your DJ, live music and entertainment needs; everything from singers to a balloon artist and more. Visit www.hitsquaddjsandentertainment.co.uk

BFOR BAND Not just any old band – if you want toe tapping, interactive, dancefl oor-fi lling, interactive fun check out seasoned professionals the Black Sheep, Dorset’s popular barn dance and ceilidh band. Great for all ages and a sure-fi re party-starter for a wedding reception to remember. Visit www.blacksheepband.co.uk

D

FOR DJ Award-winning Dorset DJ Iggy Davis knows how to make your big day stand out from the crowd. As a Cfull-time professional he dedicates himself to creating memories to treasure through years of experience, ideas and a range of extras to personalise your celebration. Visit www.iggyweddingdj.com Top tip FOR CARICATURIST A caricaturist can help your guests to mix and mingle at the drinks reception and is sure to draw a crowd as family and friends have their pictures done. Great as an ice-breaker at the tables too during the wedding breakfast or before the evening celebration kicks off. Visit www.hitsquaddjsandentertainment.co.uk

“ Ask your venue for recommendations. The manager or staff will have experience of working with different

DJs and will know who does a good job and who to stay clear of.” – Iggy Davis FOR FIREWORKS A fabulous fi reworks display is a winning

Eway to wow your IS FOR EXTRAS It’s the little things that make a difference. Think popcorn cart, a chocolate fountain or table quizzes with a bottle of fi zz for the winners. Activity packs are a great idea to keep the little ones amused too, especially during the wedding breakfast and speeches. guests. Great for the photo album; it’s sure to leave a lasting memory. Check with your venue though, to make sure they’re allowed and avoid disappointment. F 53

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

IFOR ICECREAM Whip up extra magic on your big day with creative ice cream freshly prepared while you watch. Bournemouth-based The Ice Chef brings a dash of live-action theatre to this popular treat, adding to the entertainment and providing a visual and taste sensation. What’s more the happy couple can try their hand as

JFOR JAZZ The ideal accompaniment for a sophisticated al fresco drinks reception or swish Gatsby-style celebration. Don’t forget the cocktails! Check out www.acousticjass.co.uk well – great for fab photos. Visit www.theicechef.co.uk K FOR 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 cringe! L 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 pre-wedding lessons so you can entertain your family and friends with a showstopping routine. Check out Bournemouthbased Kiri Cullen of www.allstepsfirstdance.co.uk FOR MAGICIANM A magician can keep your loved ones enthralled during the post-vows drinks, before and after the wedding breakfast or during any lulls in the proceedings. Great for all ages, Marcus Bailey is one of the region’s long-established professionals and can design a bespoke package of liveaction, interactive magic to thrill your family and Joshua Robertson friends. Visit www.marcusbaileymagic.com

FOR 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 when the party vibes Nget going, guess who’ll be the last ones still on the dancefloor at the end of the night!

PFOR PHOTO BOOTH Grab your friends, some funky props and hey presto; unforgettable memories to treasure! Party Delights Photo Booth has all your needs covered when it comes to state-of-the-art photo booth hire in and around Hampshire. There’s a whole range of fun options and on the day everyone in the photo gets a print to take home! For extra wow-factor check out their flower and foliage walls too on their website: www.partydelightsphotobooth.co.uk OFOR OWLS Surprise everyone with a Harry Potter moment and have your rings delivered by owl. Check out www.csrfalconry.co.uk

QFOR 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 or at any point of the day.

RFOR RELIABILITY Make sure your reception is in safe hands by choosing reliable local suppliers. The music is key for an unforgettable evening party and if you want a legendary night full of all your favourite tunes, The Hampshire Event DJs is an establish team ready to help. And if you’re not that into music, no problem – their Perfect Party Playlist tool will help you to select songs to keep the dancefl oor busy all night. Visit www.hampshireeventdjs.co.uk SFOR SELFIES Who can resist a selfi e or two, especially when the party’s in full swing? Throw in a few funky frames from www.neonandblushweddings andevents.co.uk for extra special fun shots.

TFOR TOASTMASTER A professional toastmaster can be a godsend at a wedding, taking care not just of the formal parts, but relieving pressure and dealing with any issues, so you don’t have to. After decades in the business, Peter York has a world of experience and a joke or two in his repertoire to help keep guests smiling and make sure everything runs smoothly. Visit www.peteryork-mc.co.uk

UFOR UMBRELLAS Don’t let the weather spoil your fun. Have a few brollies to hand so rain doesn’t stop play. VFOR VOCALIST Looking for a professional vocalist for your special day? Singer Alice

WFOR 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 fl oss and coconut stalls to make your day one to remember. Manville can cover every aspect of your day. Having performed professionally both abroad and in the UK for the past four years, she’s built an extensive repertoire to fi t every occasion. So whether it’s for walking down the aisle, during the post-vows reception, or all out party classics for the evening celebration, Alice fi ts the bill! Not only that, she’s happy to take on any requests for those special moments like the fi rst dance too. To fi nd out more visit www.alicemanville.com

XFOR XCITEMENT Build up the fun-factor with unexpected surprises like singing waiters, a rap or fl ash 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.

YFOR 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. Z

FOR 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 blessing for parents looking to cut some shapes on the dancefl oor. You could even hire a professional child-minder or book a crèche to keep the little ones safe and happy for hours!