From pimping up your prosecco to retro candy bars, comedians and circus tricks, these 110 wedding entertainment ideas are sure to wow your guests and give them something to remember.
110 Wedding Entertainment Ideas for 2020 That Will WOW Your Guests
1. Fireworks
Everybody loves a dramatic display of fireworks –
2. Sparklers
Tone it down a notch and go for sparklers to get your guests involved!
Gather your guests around campfires or fire pits and enjoy these sweet treats. Whether a blast from the past or something new, s’mores are a winner every time.
4. Whisky bar
Curate a glamorous collection of Scotland’s finest whiskies, complete with ice, soda and glasses to serve.
5. Cigar bar
Another way to continue the gentlemanly theme is to cater your wedding with cigars complete with vintage boxes and accessories.
6. Photo Booth
Can you really have a wedding reception without one? Provide your guests with all the photo booth props they need to create those Kodak moments.
It’s a party essential – choose a playlist that spans as many decades as your guests for a full dance floor all night long.
8. Table Chefs
Nominate a guest to become the chef and carve the meat at the table. Not simply an excellent ice breaker, this is actually an efficient way to serve the food too.
9. Advice Cards
Leave an advice card with each place setting and see what words of wisdom your guests extoll.
Ideal for entertaining younger guests during the wedding breakfast, a magician can also work the room with card tricks for your drinks reception.
11. Caricaturist
For a fun take on wedding favours!
12. Live Painter
Another way to capture the magic, which you can forever treasure when hung on your wall.
13. Dove Release
This tradition might be less prevalent than your something old and your something new, but it is tradition nonetheless, and a breathtaking one at that…
14. Butterfly Release
For similar style on a smaller scale!
15. Table Trivia
Stock up on trivia cards or host a Mr & Mrs quiz to entertain guests between courses.
16. Croquet
It’s a garden game classic that comes with easy instructions, easy set up and a whole lot of fun.
Kids will love to get involved with this one! Check out Sid & Olive for a gorgeously vintage range of garden games, from rustic ring toss to skittles and, of course, several sizes of Jenga. They also offer a beautiful range of decorations, signs and lighting to hire…
18. Pets at Weddings
Perhaps your dog will be your ring bearer, or maybe your new puppy will join you after the ceremony. Any which way, we’re sure your guests will love to cuddle furry friends on the day.
19. Giant Chess
Thanks to its size, this game is fun and functional, zoning the different outdoor spaces for drinks, photos and play.
20. Bouncy Castle
Embrace your inner child!
21. Space Hoppers
May we refer you to the previous point? Purchase some space hoppers and watch the madness unfold.
22. Picnics
Embrace the trend for relaxed, rustic weddings and dine alfresco. Pack up hampers of charcuterie, freshly baked bread, cheese, salads and drinks to serve up a low-key feast.
23. Birds of Prey
For a more dramatic entertainment option, why not take to the skies? You don’t have to do this literally – simply enlist the help of your local birds of prey centre, and have a golden eagle soar or an owl swoop past.
24. Bake off
A budget friendly and interactive way to fill your dessert table for less! Guests will love to be involved. It’s a lovely touch to give out prizes, medals or awards for the best bakes at the end.
25. Awards Ceremony
Host one during your speeches and cover as many people as possible… from the best-dressed guest to the best man.
26. Couple’s Cocktails
Make your pitcher perfect with adorable paper straws, Mason Jar cups and garnishes galore.
27. Pimp Your Prosecco bar
Because there’s only one thing better than prosecco, and that’s prosecco with extras! Pimp your drinks with Popaball’s fruity bursting bubbles and drink shimmers. Simply add a spoon of fruity bubbles to your fizz, or watch your tipple transform with Popaball’s drink shimmers.
28. Ice Cream Stall
This one’s perfect for summer weddings. Having a vintage theme? Hire an old-school ice cream cart rather than a modern-day van to enhance the vibe.
29. Cake Buffet
Simply ask your nearest and dearest to bake and bring, to stock up a cake buffet fit for a king!
30. Sweet Cart
A sweet cart offers a satisfying finish to your evening buffet and can continue to be picked at throughout the night. Sweet bags can also double-up as your wedding favours that appeal to kids and adults alike. Opt for a family-run business like, Sweetheart Moments, as they’ll tailor the glassware, decor and sweets to your colour and wedding theme.
31. String Quartet
If your budget will stretch a little further, the enchanting notes of a string quartet such as Status Cymbal, will give your ceremony so much atmosphere. There’s nothing quite as romantic as your procession music played by a professional string quartet.
One of the most romantic sounds of all time, harpists are perfect for ceremonies and sophisticated drinks receptions.
33. Opera Singers
One of our featured couples recently had opera singers as she walked down the aisle. We think they’d make a dramatic feature at a drinks reception, too.
34. Jazz Band
One of the easiest ways to ensure a packed dance floor is to choose a genre that people just can’t help but dance to. A live band like Oompah Brass are a sure-fire way of getting your guests up on their feet. Read our guide on how to choose a band for your wedding.
35. Casino
One for the grown-ups! You’ll find many hire options, from roulette wheels to cards tables and more.
36. Fancy Dress
Now we’re not saying fancy dress is the best wedding dress code, but it does make for great fun in a photo booth.
37. Comedian
Make your guests laugh with the help of a comedian, who can entertain you during the wedding breakfast.
38. Karaoke
Save this one for later in the night and you’re bound to get even more brilliant, hilarious and enthusiastic results!
39. Mr & Mrs Quiz
Just how well do your guests really know you? It’s time to find out with this wedding entertainment idea!
40. Ballroom Dancing
If you love all things grand but don’t want to be the star of the show, ask other couples to join you for a traditional waltz.
41. Ceilidh
Whether you’re Scottish or not, ceilidhs are one of the best wedding entertainment ideas to get all of your guests involved. Plus, they’re not something that everyone will have seen before.
42. Fire Breathers
While we absolutely love them, you might well have already attended a wedding with a fireworks display. Choose fire breathers, on the other hand, and you’re sure to stand out.
43. Circus Show
For wedding entertainment ideas that you don’t see every day, look to the circus. You could hire all manner of performers to put on your very own big day circus show.
44. Fairground Rides
Tying the knot in a venue with expansive, rolling grounds? You could hire a ferris wheel to make your guests smile and take some super cute snaps.
45. Singing Waiters
These are the go-to performers for a surprise during your wedding breakfast. You guessed it… one minute they’re serving Bellinis, the next they’re belting out a ballad! We recommend The Three Waiters. With 11,000 shows under their belt, they’re sure to make your wedding surprise go without a hitch.
46. Confetti Canons
Give your first dance the wow factor with a shower of colourful confetti. Give your guests the fun of setting them off with these confetti canons.
47. Lights Show
If you’re including up-lighting in your venue decor, you could ask the lighting gurus to create a custom light show too, so that, come evening, your dancing gets a buzzing backdrop of colour.
48. Surprise Talents
Add an element of surprise to your entertainment ideas for your wedding. Maybe you’re a secret rock goddess? Or your husband has always dreamed of DJing… We’re taking inspiration from our featured couples on this one, who we’ve seen do everything from sing during the ceremony to play in the band at night and even a dressmaker who also DJs!
49. Flash mob
Not limited to dance routines (although they’re an ace option), your maid of honour could coordinate a surprise sing-a-long during the speeches, or your bridal party could join you for a surprise first dance routine.
50. Choreographed Routine
Dance lessons won’t just help you look great on the day, they’ll also help you to relax and enjoy your first dance. Take this quiz to find your first dance song.
51. Piñata
You could match it to your theme. Think a suitcase piñata for a travel-themed wedding, or a giant rose for a more traditional big day. Or you can opt for a classic wedding pinata like this one.
52. Sack Races
These will only become more fun as the party progresses! Be sure to purchase adult sized hessian sacks.
53. Welly Hurling
Tying the knot in a rural area? Embrace your countryside setting with a series of countryside games, starting with a Wellington boot throwing competition.
54. Hook-a-duck
Or, why not hire in fairground icons for a dash of nostalgic fun for all ages? You can’t go wrong with a classic like hook-a-duck.
55. Balloon Artists
Here’s one for the little ones! While you might have giant balloons for photo props, hire in a balloon artist to create equally exciting balloon entertainment for children at your wedding.
56. Face Paint
Another one for smaller guests. Create a dedicated face paint area to amuse the kids. Just make sure they know that under no circumstances can the face paint transfer onto anyone’s outfits, not least your dress.
57. Glitter bar
Festival weddings and glitter bars go hand in hand. Coordinate the colours to your bridal party outfits so everyone stays stylish, if you like. Try and be a little more conscious of the environment and opt for biodegradable glitter.
58. Finger Print Guest Book
Interactive although a little messy, create a guest book that couldn’t be more personal.
59. Advice Cards and Predictions
An alternative to place names that will keep guests busy, why not invite them to share their words of wisdom for your marriage, or to guess when your next landmark moments might be.
60. Clay Pigeon Shooting
Who’d have thought this was even an option for wedding entertainment? One of our featured grooms recently proved us wrong, choosing this as his favourite entertainment option for the big day.
61. Afternoon tea
Mismatched crockery, bite-sized bakes and yet more bubbly – what’s not to love about an Afternoon Tea?
62. Pass the Parcel
Take a trip down memory lane as you revisit all those birthday parties of your earliest years. You could do a gift per table for a fun twist on favours.
64. Treasure Hunt
Another of our entertainment ideas with nostalgia! Leave clues around your venue’s grounds to keep guests busy. You could theme the treasure hunt around local myths, tales from your time together or even the venue’s history.
65. Disco With a Difference
Compile a playlist from family and friend’s requests – ask them to each RSVP with a song. While you’re at it, add these 10 party songs to your wedding mix tape too.
66. Video
Why not swap a traditional videographer for a package with Shoot It Yourself? Give your guests the camera and let them film your big day for you.
67. Dance-off Competition
This one’s for later in the night, and one for all ages!
68. Foodie Favours
All that dancing can be quite demanding. Help your guests refuel with cookie favours.
69. DIY Cocktails
Serve a range of spirits, mixers and garnishes to rival even the best-stocked bars, then let your guests get stuck in.
70. Chocolate Fountain
Gooey and delicious, serve strawberries, marshmallows and biscuits to coat in chocolate. Save this one for after the photographs though, just in case. Buy your own chocolate fountain here.
71. Waffle Stand
A simple sweet treat that can be cooked in minutes and customised with toppings to your heart’s content.
72. Burrito bar
Spice up your evening buffet with a Mexican masterpiece and your food will be remembered.
73. Burger Station
Go for luxury, serving buffalo or steak burgers with sumptuous garnishes like stilton…
74. Gin bar
One of the trendiest tipples right now, ultra cool gin bars are popping up across the country. Will one appear at your wedding, too?
75. Live Band
Whatever genre you’re into, nothing beats the experience of music played live.
76. Confetti Balloons
Pop them as the night draws to a close and shower your final dance in confetti!
77. Animals
One of our favourite wedding venues, Gwel an Mor in Cornwall, has resident reindeer, foxes and birds! Give younger guests the chance to meet and greet animals for entertainment they’ll remember.
78. Coconut shy
This is super easy to set up and a game guests of all ages can enjoy.
79. Bouquet Throw
Or embrace tradition and throw your bouquet for a single lady to catch!
80. Table Charades
It’s a family favourite at Christmas and New Year, so why not your wedding party too?
81. Champagne on Wheels
Vintage vans, converted horse boxes, quaint carts… your fizz can be delivered in all kind of forms. We’re fans of them all, so long as it comes perfectly chilled.
82. Rocking Wedding Dance Routines
Whether your bridesmaids surprise you with a pre-planned number, or your guests hotfoot it onto the dance floor for the Cha Cha Slide, dance routines are always heaps of fun.
83. Drummers
Vibrant and rhythmic, people won’t be able to resist dancing to the beat of these drums.
84. Duck Racing
A Great British classic, perfect for countryside weddings.
85. Maypole Dancing
Charming and traditional, your guests will love to watch this dance.
86. Guess who?
Leave cards on each table to give guests a game to play between courses.
87. Vodka Luge
Impressive ice sculpture meets alcoholic beverage in statement style – this is definitely one of our favour catering and entertainment ideas for weddings.
88. Doughnut Tower
Delicious, decadent and easy for guests to grab between songs, doughnuts will always go down a treat.
89. Silent Disco
Worried about there not being enough variety in the music? Want to carry on the celebrations into the wee hours of the morning without prolonging the noise?!
Silent Noize has your problem solved! With 3 channels to choose from you can be sure to satisfy every taste from younger sibling to Nan and Granddad with their unique Silent Disco experience. Grab your headphones and keep dancing!
90. Steel Pans
Whether you’re getting married abroad or at home, give your wedding entertainment a destination flair, with the cheerful tunes of steel pans played live.
91. Wedding Crackers
A fun twist on the festive tradition!
92. Easy Origami
Your guests can get crafty creating pretty paper cranes.
93. Line Dancing
Great for getting all your guests involved and giving your party atmosphere.
94. Slideshows
Everyone is there for you two, so make them laugh with slideshows of photos, showing you at every age.
95. Silhouette Artist
A lovely keepsake to remember the day by, and great fun while they pose.
96. Pamper Packs
Leave a selection of products in baskets in each bathroom so your guests can feel fresh and fabulous.
97. Champagne Tower
Glamorous, sophisticated and totally decadent, this one’s perfect for budget-blowing brides.
98. Candyfloss Stand
Embrace the fun of the fair with spun sugar treats.
99. Father-Daughter Dance
A classic we’re borrowing from across the pond, fill your venue with ‘awws’ as you dance with your dad.
More alternative wedding entertainment ideas
100. Juke box
Let your guests take control of the dance floor!
101. Celebrity Lookalikes
Who doesn’t want a bit of red carpet glamour for their big day?
102. Horse and Carriage
Traditional and still totally fun, enjoy your moment feeling like royalty with a ride in a horse drawn carriage.
103. Helicopter Arrival
Wow your guests by flying from ceremony to reception, so long as there’s space for you to land.
104. Boat Trip
Take your drinks reception to the water!
105. Wine Tasting
You’ve chosen wines for each course, so why not make an event of it, with waiters introducing each bottle?
106. Midnight Feast
A great twist on the evening buffet if you plan to tie the knot later in the day, or if you’ll be dancing ’til dawn.
107. Popcorn Stand
Because freshly popped popcorn is pretty hard to beat…
108. Hangover kit
While this may not be one of the most exciting entertainment ideas for weddings, you and your guests can party harder, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be well looked after in the morning.
Buy your hangover kits here.
109. Talent Show
Do your guests have any hidden talents that could enhance your entertainment? Create a line-up of acts and let them take centre stage so everyone has fun.
110. Tribute Band
If you’re serious super fans of a certain band, hire a tribute act for a party you’ll love. Here’s everything you need to know to book a band for your wedding.