The evening do It’s party time! entertainment-nation.co.uk BIT OF A GAMBLE Bring the glamour and sophistication of Monte Carlo to your wedding day with a casino table. Local suppliers offer a choice of games, complete with a croupier, personalised fun money and prizes. Don’t worry, your guests won’t lose the shirts on their backs as no genuine currency changes hands; they’ll compete to win a bottle of Champers for example. It’s all in the name of fun. For something a little more quirky, how about a retro video games corner? The children will have to fight off the adults for a turn! From arcade machines to PS1s, shop around to see what brings the two of you the most nostalgia. Alternatively, round up a board game haul from local charity shops and boot fairs, or borrow from friends. Stack them up on a table and invite guests to help themselves – roars of laughter will be music to your ears! HIT THE DANCEFLOOR Nothing quite beats a live band when it comes to your evening entertainment. If you use an entertainment booking agency, it’s like having a supermarket of options right in front of you. Simply pick the band that suits your style. From country and folk to retro or tribute acts, you’ll find it all here. If it’s possible, we recommend grabbing any opportunity to see your preferred band live so you can see them in action and form a better picture of whether they’re the right act for you. If you’d rather opt for the traditional DJ, do chat to your venue first to find out their recommended or resident choices to ensure you’re booking with someone trustworthy. Take your dancefloor to the next level by booking a live saxophonist or percussionist to play along with your DJ’s set. They’ll weave in and out of dancing guests as they play creating a fun, interactive memorable experience with an Ibiza vibe. Furnish guests with a glitter bar and glow sticks to take the atmosphere that extra mile! Why not surprise and impress your guests with a choreographed first dance routine or a flash mob routine performed by your bridal party? BEST WISHES Guest books are a lovely memento but getting loved ones to fill one out can be quite the challenge. The good news is that there are now plenty of fun versions on the market that not only provide a keepsake for you but a source of entertainment for your guests – win-win! Photo booths are becoming a wedding staple and available in a myriad of versions including the selfie mirror, vintage camera style, 360 booths, as well as your classic booth. They all come with heaps of props that you can often customise according to your theme for the most zany pictures. Your guests will get a copy to take home and you’ll get one to stick into your guest book. Many companies will offer an attendant to supervise this process by asking guests to write a message alongside their pic. Audio guest books are the latest format to arrive. Guests record their well wishes on a retro phone or in a telephone box. Imagine the hilarity when listening back to messages recorded when guests were clearly a drink or two in! How wonderful it is too to immortalise the voices of your nearest and dearest. Finally, we adore a painted guest book where an artist will come along to your wedding armed with a canvas for loved ones to adorn with their artwork. They’ll then take it away with them at the end of the night and turn it into a cohesive painting. Et voila, a work of art your guests contributed to that can be displayed pride of place in your together home. Barry Wong for Unsplash OUTSIDE THE BOX For the most fun you’ll ever have in one night, we highly recommend a ceilidh. This promises everyone a rip-roaring time, regardless of their prowess on the dancefloor, as a caller will guide them through each step. Guests collectively enjoy the participation, whether it be joining in the routines or clapping along and laughing at all the hilarious missteps! Ben Iwara for Unsplash Edward Cisneros for Unsplash PLAYING WITH FIRE If you’re keen to make a statement and end the night with a bang, a firework display is a great way to achieve this. Gather guests in your venue’s grounds to ooh and ahh at the pyrotechnics or grab some sparklers for a send-off to remember with great photos to boot. 40
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