Wedding Reception Entertainment Ideas

Wedding receptions are like giant parties for all of the most important people in your life. Besides the food and the alcohol, you also need some excellent entertainment to keep your guests from sitting in their chairs and getting bored. You definitely don't want your guests checking their watches after you spend more than $8,000 (the average cost of the reception).

Choosing entertainment for your wedding reception can be a challenge, so let's look at some ideas that can help get you started.

First, you need music. You'll probably want to include your first dance as a couple in your reception activities, and music is great to have in the background during your entrance, the cake cutting, and during the meal. For your music needs, you have a number of choices. One is to hire a deejay; the other option is hire a band. Both options can be great fun for your reception, but you'll need to do some try-outs until you find the right fit for your needs. Remember that you're not just looking for sheer talent either. You want a deejay or lead singer who can basically emcee your reception. Their job will be to make the announcements and move the activities along so they need to be fun-loving, energetic, outgoing, and well-organized.

If your budget is tight, you might consider renting a jukebox or having a friend act as deejay for the night instead. The problem though is without a professional to guide the festivities your reception could easily end up dead in the water.

While having some great music is important, it may not be enough to keep your guests entertained all evening. Comedians, magicians, and acrobats could all be great entertainers at your reception. Most local areas have at least one person who handles these types of gigs so you wouldn't have to look very far. If you're not sure who to contact, ask some of the bands or deejays you interview for recommendations. They've probably worked with a few other performers.

Of course, your entertainment doesn't only have to come in human-form. Firework displays can be another tremendous example of entertainment, especially near the end of the festivities. If you're having an outdoor reception, you could pass out sparklers to all of your guests, too. You might be surprised to learn that ice sculptures are another popular form of wedding entertainment. While they basically just sit and melt, guests can become mesmerized by the beauty and intricate details of these sculptures, plus they double as decorations.

Some forms of entertainment can be more interactive. A chocolate fountain is usually very entertaining for guests who have a sweet tooth, for example. You could also play a round of “Name that Tune” with your deejay and your guests. Make sure to provide a gift for the winner though.

Meeting new people is also part of the entertainment for your guests, but if you seat them only with people they already know you'll be depriving them of the fun. When you create the seating charts, try to arrange the tables so people who would have something in common but who haven't necessarily met before are sitting together. In fact, while your guests are waiting for your arrival, you could have them play some type of getting to know each other game. For example, have each guests at a table take a number of mints or candies to eat later (use something small like an M & M). For each piece they take, they must reveal something about themselves to the rest of the table. Make sure your emcee, wedding planner, and other family volunteers are on hand to make sure the game goes off without a hitch.

When you're planning entertainment for your reception, don't limit yourself to just the traditional options. Try to think outside the box and brainstorm some fun possibilities. The more creative your entertainment choices are the more fun your guests are probably going to have.

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