Image via ruffledblog.com, by Justin and Keary Weddings
Across in our brilliant and busy Brides Up North Facebook group (are you a member yet? click here to join) a regular discussion thread concerns unique ideas for keeping little relatives (never mind the bigger guests!) entertained.
As much as it’s an enjoyable occasion a wedding can be a long day with little lulls here and there that need filling to avoid guest becoming bored and or restless. While a few disposable cameras and a recommended DJ once sufficed as adequate entertainment, many couples are now looking for more imaginative ideas to make their big day not only fun for their guests, but unique and memorable too.
This is easy during the summer, but in the winter months it can prove more of a challenge. So, to cut boredom off at the pass we’ve asked Brides Up North Sponsor Rich at Alive Network Entertainment Agency for some top tips for family-friendly wedding entertainment ideas that everyone can enjoy together, whatever the weather.
Over to the experts…
car park carnival
Set the mood right from the moment your guests arrive at your venue by creating a mini carnival in the car park. Let costumed ice-themed characters guide guests to the door, where Frozen-styled characters stand in the middle of illuminated ‘living’ tables to serve child-friendly cocktails in sugar-frosted glasses.
it must be magic
If you enjoy TV street magicians like Troy and Dynamo, imagine the thrill of them performing at your wedding drinks reception, stunning guests with seemingly impossible tricks and illusions right before their very eyes. Look also at iPad magicians, who combine digital tablets and old school magic into a visually stunning and logic-defying show. What’s more, magicians are like Piped Pipers for kids; if you lose the little ones, they’ll have disappeared to watch that trick just one more time!
lookalike mc
Spice up the speeches with a celebrity lookalike who can also act as your master (or mistress) of ceremonies. Image the best man introduced by Marilyn Monroe, your Dad applauded by Prince Charles, or your bridesmaids and pageboys given their thank-you gifts by David Beckham – now that’ll really leave them speechless! For even better value, look for professional lookalikes who offer more than one character, such as John Clees or Prince Charles, or hire two to work together as a double act, such as Basil Fawlty and Manuel.
silence is golden
Let’s face it, wedding days should be filled with chatter, music and laughter, but sometimes a little peace and quiet goes a long way! Hear nothing but laughter when your professional mime artists entertain, combining the skill of classical mime with the much-loved antics of Mr Bean type characters, for a wonderful post-meal show everyone can enjoy – and understand.
comedy musical acts
Unless your pre-teen relatives are buddy classical musicians, chances are a traditional string quartet is not going to hold their interest long. So, keep those little eyes glued to the antics of a comedy string quartet, that turns classical music into classic comedy at the twitch of a bow. Look for other comic style groups as well, such as Ukulele bands, Oompah bands, or strolling mariachi bands as seen in those savoury snack commercials.
shadow art and sand art
We’ve all done it, held our hands in front of a torch to project the image of a cute bunny, but that’s about our limit. Professional shadow artists take it to a whole new level, creating an animated show of animals, scenes and even celebrities from just their hands and light source. Or hire a sand artist to create swirling pictures and scenes from just a trayful of sand in seconds. If requested in advance, some artists offer a chance to ‘have a go’, something the younger generation will particularly enjoy.
take your partners
Ditch the disco and get everyone up and dancing with a ceilidh band, regardless of age, agility or the complete absence of any dancing talent whatsoever. You caller teaches the steps, everyone does the dance, and then it’s on to the next, swapping dancing partners as you go, for guaranteed smiles all round.
I told you that these guys were the experts! For more winter wedding entertainment ideas, call the team at Alive Network on 0845 108 5500 or visit their website; they’ll be happy to help with free advice and even more suggestions!
