Crowd Pleasers: Unique Wedding Entertainment Options
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY (top row left to right): Audrey Grace Photo, Ashlee C. Photography, Madie Ice Photography, Darian Reilly Photography, Meli & Chris Wedding Photography
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY (bottom row left to right): River Wild Photography, Audrey Grace Photo, Raven Shutley Studios, Heirloom Foto, Andrea de Anda Photography
Whether you’re taking a breather from the boogying or planning a celebration for guests with two left feet, wedding entertainment doesn’t have to begin and end with the dance floor. From live art to interactive performances, today’s weddings are full of creative ways to keep the party alive. These ideas are perfect for sparking conversation, filling reception lulls, and giving your celebration that unforgettable “something extra.”
CHOREOGRAPHED FIRST DANCE
Want to wow your guests right out of the gate? Kick off the reception with a choreographed first dance. Whether you go classic and romantic or opt for something upbeat and unexpected, working with a dance instructor ahead of the big day helps you feel confident and coordinated. It also gives you a fun pre-wedding date night!
GUEST PORTRAITS
Give guests a personalized keepsake they’ll actually want to frame. Hire a live illustrator to set up a station for quick guest portraits. Depending on your vibe, choose from a variety of styles, ranging from cheeky caricatures to chic fashion illustrations. This option is a charming mix of art and interaction.
Photo: The Painted Party, shot by Meli & Chris Wedding Photography
CIGAR BAR
Add a touch of indulgence with a cigar lounge setup, perfect for an outdoor patio or a designated chill zone. Whether you offer pre-cut selections or bring in a cigar roller for on-site craftsmanship, this is a luxe experience your guests won’t forget. Pair it with aged whiskey or craft cocktails for an extra snazzy touch, and you’ve got a sophisticated hangout.
LIVE WEDDING PAINTING
Turn your ceremony or first dance into a literal work of art. A live painter sets up on-site to capture a meaningful moment on canvas, blending into the background while creating something beautiful. Guests will love watching the process unfold, and you’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind heirloom.
Photo: Art by Anna Claire, shot by Kristen Thomison
WANDERING MUSICIANS
Add a melodic flair with musicians who roam the crowd instead of staying on stage. A saxophonist hyping up the dance floor or a violinist winding through tables creates an immersive atmosphere. Think of it as a private concert in the middle of your party.
YARD GAMES
Classic yard games — like giant Jenga, cornhole and ring toss — give guests of all ages a reason to get outside and mix it up. Ideal for casual outdoor weddings, these nostalgic favorites are both playful and social. Set them up among pretty signage and cozy seating to maintain the wedding vibe.
COSTUMES AND MASCOTS
Inject a dose of pure joy by inviting a special character to crash the dance floor. Whether it’s your college mascot hyping up the crowd or a beloved movie character making a cameo on the dance floor, these costumed guests bring instant energy and photo-ready fun. It’s a playful way to nod to your shared interests or personality without stealing focus from the wedding celebration itself.
Photo: Rêver Weddings
MAGICIAN
Turn your wedding into a trip to The Magic Castle with a close-up magician. Moving from group to group, a magician can perform sleight-of-hand tricks and illusions that are equal parts impressive and entertaining. It’s an unexpected delight that gets guests laughing and asking, “How did they do that?!”
LIVE POETRY
For couples craving something intimate and delightfully unexpected, add live poetry to your reception. Poets armed with typewriters craft custom poems on the spot, typing out artful bursts of wit or tenderness for your guests to take home.
Photo: Haikuists, shot by Heirloom Foto
DRAG ARTISTS
Nothing lights up a room like a drag performance. Whether it’s a dazzling number during dinner or a surprise emcee moment, drag artists bring zest, humor and charisma. Their presence adds a bold dose of personality that guests will remember long after the last lip-sync.
TEMPORARY TATTOOS
Give your guests a playful way to wear the celebration with custom temporary tattoos. Whether you feature your pets, your initials or inside jokes only your crew will understand, a temporary tattoo station adds an alternative, interactive twist.
Photo: Raven Shutley Studios
PHOTO BOOTHS
A wedding classic that keeps evolving, photo booths are still a crowd favorite for a reason. From glam-filter studios to 360-degree video rigs to vintage- style booths with printed strips, there’s an option for every aesthetic. Add custom props or a branded backdrop, and you’ve got an entertainment moment that doubles as a party favor or addition to your guest book.
DISPOSABLE CAMERAS
Channel some throwback charm with a table stocked with disposable or instant cameras. Encourage guests to capture the night from their candid viewpoint throughout the night. At the end of the party, have everyone drop their cameras in a collection box. Develop and enjoy the reel of behind-the-scenes moments that await!
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