WOW THE CROWDS

We round up the county’s favourite wedding entertainment options

Planning your wedding entertainment can be one of the most tricky elements to organise. How to keep guests of all ages happy all day long is something that keeps many a bride- and groom-to-be awake at night. But don’t worry just read on, as here we’ve gathered together our top crowd-pleasing ideas with help from some of Kent’s finest entertainers.

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SET THE TONE

From subtle, gentle music to fun, upbeat songs, you’d be amazed how the harp can create the right ambience throughout the day. With over 20 years of experience performing at weddings and events, Gwenllian Llyr can help you compile the perfect playlist to complement your celebrations. Walk down the aisle to your favourite ballad, entertain guests during the drinks reception with a mix of old and new, or have an extravaganza of songs based around your theme. Choose your favourites from a wealth of genres including opera, The Beatles, Disney and much more. With Gwenllian, you could www.davidmyersphotography.com save the harp for one special part of proceedings, or create a bespoke package to suit your needs. Beautiful music can truly ensure your wedding is unforgettable. Gwenllian Llyr Harpist www.gwenllianllyr.co.uk | @welshiewithaharp

LET THE MUSIC PLAY

You can’t beat live music, and after the year we’ve had most of us are itching to get out to a gig. So, why not turn your wedding reception into one and keep the dancefloor full all night? Any wedding band worth its salt will invite you for a consultation to make sure the set list meets your expectations and many will even learn a particular first dance song for you if it’s not already part of their repertoire. Best of all these folk are experts in reading a room and know just what to play to switch up the atmosphere and ensure everyone is having the best night ever.

Click play to check out this dancefloor-filler from Kent-based wedding band The Redfords, www.theredfords.com

SNAP HAPPY

We understand from the rave reviews received about them from our real wedding couples, that photo booths and selfie mirrors are fast becoming a wedding must-have. Not only are they enormous fun, and somewhat addictive, but they produce a super-fun guest book that guests will actually want to contribute to.

Check out www.photoboothhirefaces.co.uk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tol2Iv-01yU

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STEP UP

Imagine the looks on your loved ones’ faces as you surprise them with a choreographed first-dance routine! Margaret Preedy Dance Studios in Maidstone offers to choreograph something simple yet effective that you can perform to your chosen wedding song. Two to three lessons are suggested unless you’re feeling particularly ambitious and want to learn some more complex moves. Head over to www.margaretpreedy.co.uk to find out more.

SKY’S THE LIMIT

AJ Pyrotechnics was born of a love for fireworks. Every professional show the team produces is high impact, vibrant and designed with the newlyweds in mind. See a personalised display of your wedding colours exploding in the sky, along with pyro musicals and bespoke firework signs. You can even impress onlookers by starting proceedings yourself!

Fireworks are the ultimate way to round off a memorable day in style. Check out www.ajpyrotechnics.co.uk Stephen James is a professional close-up https://photos.everlastingmoments.co.uk magician. A proud member of The Magic Circle, he’ll amaze your guests in a drinks reception mix-and-mingle environment, as well as table hopping at the wedding breakfast. Most weeks Stephen can be found performing at weddings, astounding guests with close-up feats. Everyone will enjoy seeing impossible things happen with cards, money, fire and items borrowed from amongst their number. The act is a very interactive and personal experience for all, as guests watch each other being influenced or having their minds read. In fact, while you’re mingling or off for a photo shoot, you should be able to hear the gasps, laughter and applause as he works the room.

Stephen James Close Up Magician www.stephenjamesmagic.uk | @magicianstephenjames

www.thephotography.company

BOOGIE WONDERLAND

The Boombox UK is a team of talented, professional and enthusiastic DJs with more than 20 years combined experience in the industry. Their chilled, friendly and approachable nature has gained them many great client relationships and friends along the way. Each DJ has a passion for many genres of music from past to present and choosing the right one for your big day is important to them. After all, music has a huge influence on the day’s atmosphere.

Your experience will begin with a free face-to-face consultation. Founder Bruno says, “This allows us to get to know the couple, identify the best package for them, get started on their bespoke playlist and discuss the ins and outs of the day.” DJ packages cover up to seven hours as standard for receptions and can be extended to a full day covering the ceremony, guest arrival and background music for the wedding breakfast.

The Boombox UK also provides controlled intelligent lighting, smoke machines and light-up 4ft LOVE and MR & MRS signs to bring some extra magic. Attention to detail certainly isn’t lost on this wedding business since it offers theme-fitting setups such as the rustic La Chic option.

What could be more British and widely adored than vintage garden games on your venue’s lawn? They offer the perfect summertime entertainment. Think of all the old favourites: coconut shy, hook a duck, hoopla, croquet... all of these and more are available for hire at Finickity Fayre.

Check out www.finickityfayre.co.uk

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Orpington-based Halcyon Strings, part of Halcyon Entertainment, provides a variation of musical ensembles such as soloist, duo, trio, quartet and larger-scale orchestras to entertain with a bespoke soundtrack for your day. From walking down the aisle and signing the register to greeting guests over canapes, the sound of strings creates the most romantic of atmospheres.

Check out www.halcyon-entertainment.com

SPIN THE WHEEL

Dial the fun factor up to 11 with a wedding casino. It’s all the fun of vegas-style gambling with none of the risk as guests as try their hand at blackjack and roulette. We learned from one of this issue’s real brides Abby (see feature Love, Laughter and Happily Ever After) that the staff from Ace Casino Hire brought with them trophies and champagne for the winners, as well as customised fun money complete with a picture of her and her new hubby. She says, “They were amazing with the guests of all ages and really brought everyone together for lots of fun.”

Check out @acecasinohire

SLEIGHT OF HAND

Award-winning Kent-based magician Matty Evans has been mesmerising people up and down the country with this amazing sleight of hand, tricks and illusions for a number of years, complete with his trademark touch of wit and humour. A dedicated entertainer he devotes many hours to practice and makes his act as diverse as possible to ensure he amazes everyone he performs in front of.

In 2020 he auditioned to become a resident magician at the famous Houdini’s Magic Bar in Kent – only three were required and out of the many who applied Matty was one of the talented individuals asked to join the team. More than anything this is a testament to his ability to captivate and wow an audience. Leave your guests to be entertained by Matty’s astounding magic while you have your photos snapped and you won’t need to worry about them being bored for one moment. In fact, it’ll still be a talking point long after the last bit of confetti has been swept up. His wedding packages vary so you can fit his act into your day as you envisage, from drinks reception to full day.

Matty Evans www.mattyevansmagic.co.uk | @mattyevansmagic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChrduQP-k_E