The Life of the Party // Unique Wedding Entertainment Ideas

We’re excited to see so many couples add unique and varied entertainment options to their wedding!  A continually growing (and fun!) trend, in addition to having a band or hiring a DJ to provide music and emcee services, a second or even third artist or group of artists are booked for the wedding event.  Or a surprise performance is arranged to wow guests during the cocktail hour or reception, often performed by a friend in the wedding party or even by the bride or groom.

We've seen an abundance of Elvis impersonators, live event painters, bagpipers, caricaturists and songs written and sung by our newlyweds over the years.  So many couples are looking to provide a more full, fun and memorable entertainment experience for their guests… and we think it’s fantastic!

Let's take a look at just a few of the many ideas for adding unique and memorable entertainment to surprise your wedding guests!

• Hire a strolling magician or illusionist, comedian, caricature artist, jugglers, belly dancers or other talented performance artists to thrill guests at your reception.  Serena and Dave chose to have the amazing fire artists, Cirque De Light, wow their guests at their wonderland wedding. Cynthia and Dan had wonderful Polynesian dancers perform at their luau inspired wedding event.  Dorothy and Ken hired a hilarious Joan Rivers impressionist and a spot-on Cher impersonator and had other fun, interactive elements such as a 'Saturday Night Fever'-inspired dance floor. And Melissa and Tobi had a fantastic Hora Loca (“Crazy Hour”) at their fabulous reception!

• Add a live event painter.  We wrote about these talented artists last year… not only do they provide a beautiful finished memento to commemorate your special day, they also provide hours of entertainment for guests as they watch a blank canvas transform into a remarkable piece of art, all before their eyes.

• Order interactive food or drink options.  DIY or customized food stations, like a chocolate fountain, a smashed potato bar or a build-your-own taco or nacho stand, always keep guests engaged and satisfied.  Grazing stations are a big hit, offering guests large tables with a variety of food selections throughout the evening. Roaming oyster shuckers and attendants wearing amazing champagne drink hoop skirts also serve dual purposes as food servers and entertainment that guests won’t stop talking about.

• Bring in a photo booth to provide hours of enjoyment for guests.  These self-serve photo stations give friends and family the chance to dress up with silly props and pose for cute pictures with each other.  The best part is that they have a fun keepsake to take home to remember your day, years after your wedding is over.  And photo booths aren’t always just boxes anymore… we’ve even seen several Volkswagen buses transformed into fantastic and fun photo booths!  Check out the fun VW bus photo booth at Maura and Ryan’s amazing Newport, RI wedding!

• Have additional musical talent there to entertain guests, especially during your cocktail hour.  A strolling violinist or accordion player, or a solo saxophonist or guitarist, provides lovely background music to help set the mood.  A small jazz or Caribbean steel drum band can also add splendidly to the atmosphere.  And here in the Philadelphia area, we know the Mummers really know how to kick off a reception!  Be sure to see Julia and Michael’s wedding for a perfect example.

• Consider choosing a venue with built-in entertainment.  Weddings that take place in museums, arboretums and zoos, etc. often come complete with their own activities and amusements for guests.  For example, Philadelphia museums that double as wedding venues, such as the Please Touch Museum, The College of Physicians of Philadelphia and The Franklin Institute, allow wedding guests to either take a tour or visit some of their galleries and exhibitions.  Our clients, Lindsay and Zach decided to have their wedding ceremony and reception inside The Franklin Institute where guests were able to tour the exhibitions and experience the museum as they’ve never seen it… after hours!

• Finally, be your own talented artistic addition!  If you can sing, play an instrument or dance professionally, show off your skills at your reception!  Not only did Serena and Dave have those fire artists and an illusionist at their reception, but Serena also entertained guests with her amazing belly dancing skills!  At Ann Marie and Sean’s wedding, Sean got up on stage to rock the house, then sang a love song he wrote just for Ann Marie.  Larissa wrote a secret song just for her love, Bill, and also sang with her a cappella group on her wedding day.  Lucy did the same thing when she sang a song she wrote for Chase, then got on stage with her band to sing and play some more!  And Patrina was treated to a surprise, 'impromptu' rendition of a Les Mis classic by so many of her theater friends at her and Charlie's beautiful reception.

www.cord3films.com