Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - July/August 2025 (Issue 111)

WEDDING BREAKFAST ENTERTAINMENT The wedding breakfast is your guests’ first chance to sit, eat, and chat – so your entertainment here should be warm and ambient. Continue the musical thread with soft background music: live piano, a mellow acoustic set, jazz trio or instrumental covers all work beautifully. Curated playlists are great too, just keep volume low and tempo mellow. Looking for a twist? Surprise wedding singers disguised as waiting staff add humour and wow-factor with an impromptu performance that guests will remember for years to come. Between courses, entertain tables with personalised quizzes, advice cards, wedding bingo or a slideshow of photos or video messages from absent loved ones. Sometimes, the quietest moments carry the most emotional weight – don’t underestimate the power of a small, heartfelt surprise. unsplash.com/@troytaylor unsplash.com/ @andywatkins unsplash.com/@kaboompics unsplash.com/@m_malkovich unsplash.com/@aurathephotobook1 SIP, MINGLE, PLAY – IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE! Picture the scene: you’ve just tied the knot, confetti is flying, and your guests are beaming with joy. As the celebrations flow into the drinks reception, it’s time to relax, grab a canapé, and raise a glass. This in-between moment is more than just a time filler, it’s a key part of the day where laughter begins, bonds form and memories are made. Keep guests engaged and happy by planning entertainment that fits all personalities and energy levels. FOR THE LAID-BACK GUESTS • Garden games: A crowd favourite! Think Giant Jenga, ring toss, croquet, cornhole, hook-a-duck, or giant Connect Four. Guests of all ages will love getting involved. • Furry alpacas: These adorable animals are selfie gold and conversation starters in one fluffy package. Ensure a handler is present and that the animals have a shaded chill-out area. • Talented magicians: Nothing brings people together like gasps of amazement. A close-up magician roving through the crowd is interactive and memorable. FOR THOSE UNIQUE GUESTS • A tarot reader: Add a mystical, playful edge to your event. Tarot adds curiosity and connection. Opt for a light-hearted reader with a gentle approach to entertain loved ones. • A perfume bar: Let guests blend essential oils and design their own signature scent. Provide custom-labelled mini bottles as take-home favours as a reminder of the day. • Temporary tattoos: Custom wedding tattoos are a hit, especially with younger guests! Create ones with your initials, date or cartoon versions of you two! FOR THE ACTIVE BUNCH • Crazy golf: This addition is playful, nostalgic, and encourages friendly competition between guests. Look for suppliers with wedding-themed obstacles for a fun twist. • Fairground rides: Carousel? Ferris wheel? Bumper cars? Go big and bring in the magic of the fairground. Prioritise safety, check venue access, and make sure you have enough space. • Bouncy castles and rodeo bulls: Yes, adults can bounce too! Bouncy castles are great fun, and the addition of a rodeo bull makes for hilarious photo ops. Provide flat shoes or soft zones nearby for guests to feel comfortable joining in. FOR THE CREATIVE CROWD • Craft station: Offer flower crown-making, friendship bracelets, mask decorating or DIY keepsakes. A perfect bonding activity! Have assistants on hand to help less confident crafters. • Poetry on demand: Hire a poet with a typewriter who can write personalised poems on the spot. Place them in a visible but calm area. • Caricaturists: This type of supplier will create unique keepsakes that are lighthearted and fun. Guests will love watching others being drawn too! Display completed pieces on a table nearby for extra fun. FOR THE MUSIC LOVERS • Acoustic music: From a mellow string quartet to a solo singer, soft music lifts the mood without overwhelming it. • Curated playlist: Not hiring live music? No problem. A carefully curated playlist sets the tone perfectly. Ask a friend or DJ to manage it live to avoid awkward silences or skipped tracks. • Pop-up choir: This growing trend is where the team blends in as guests or staff, then surprises everyone with a spontaneous performance. 66

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