Your wedding entertainment sets the tone for your entire celebration. The right music, activities, and performers get guests laughing, dancing, and bonding. Unfortunately, it’s easy to make missteps when booking wedding entertainment. Avoiding common mistakes will ensure your reception is fun, flawless, and completely you.
This blog reveals the top 5 mistakes couples make while choosing fun options and entertaining wedding games and how to avoid them. From DJ disasters to ill-planned games, we’ve got you covered. Follow these tips for wedding entertainment that wows your guests and creates memories for a lifetime. Let’s get this party started right!
It seems like simple advice, but booking your wedding entertainment far in advance is crucial. The most popular bands, DJs, and performers get snapped up quick. If you wait until the last minute, you'll have to simply make do with whoever is still available.
Aim to book your entertainment at least six months in advance, and up to a year for more elaborate acts. This ensures you get your top choice performer with enough lead time to plan the details.
For a DJ, first make sure they have your wedding date open. Then arrange a longer planning call 4-6 months out to review your wedding vision, music tastes, and lighting ideas. They'll craft a personalized playlist that flows perfectly.
Bands may need several months to learn special song requests. Unique entertainers often have set routines that require coordination too. Don't leave things until the last minute!
Your DJ or band acts as your wedding's musical director. But if you don't provide clear guidance, you may end up with songs that don't suit your taste or vision.
During your planning call, provide your performer with a must-play list of songs you definitely want featured. This ensures your favorites make it into the lineup. Include:
- Special songs for key moments like your first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, etc.
- Genres/artists you want to hear
- Songs that hold significance in your relationship
- Upbeat dance tracks that will get everyone moving
Don't just list song titles either. Share details on what each song means to you and when you want to hear it. This context helps your entertainer craft a playlist that reflects your love story. Needs more attention than planning entertaining wedding games, doesn’t it?
Just as important as listing must-plays is sharing restrictions. Every couple has different tastes, traditions, and sensitivities to consider. Be very clear about any music or content that needs to be avoided.
Examples include:
- Songs with profanity/explicit lyrics
- Religious restrictions on certain artists
- Cultural traditions that prohibit specific songs
- Ex's favorite songs that hold bad memories
- Topics like divorce or infidelity to steer clear of if roasting or games occur
Give your entertainer written guidance they can refer back to. Don't assume they'll just know what's off limits - create a blacklist they can work from. This ensures peace of mind that your celebration stays tasteful.
You likely have a diverse guest list with a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and tastes. Make sure your entertainment appeals to young and old alike. Don’t just plan unique and fun wedding games for guests; plan something more interesting to keep young and adults entertained alike.
A band that exclusively plays heavy metal or obscure indie hits won't get grandma tearing up the dance floor. Similarly, hiring a retro DJ may confuse millennial guests.
Look for versatile entertainers skilled at reading the room and playing across genres. Provide your guest demographics so they can build a balanced set list. The right mix of new hits, old favorites, slow jams, and line dances keeps the party going strong.
Reception games and contests can be a blast... in moderation. But some couples go overboard transforming their wedding into a cheesy game show. Indulging your guests in too many so-called entertaining wedding games starts feeling like a company retreat or summer camp.
Keep games targeted and meaningful:
- Limit them to two or three total spaced throughout the reception.
- Pick ones that tie into your relationship or wedding details.
- Skip repetitive games guests have played multiple times.
- Have your emcee gently encourage (but not force) participation.
Make sure there's plenty of time for Open dancing too. Find the right balance between activities and unstructured celebration where guests can just mingle and let loose.
How much reception time should be structured vs. open?
Aim for just 30-45 minutes max of structured activities. 2-3 hours should be open dancing, mingling, dinner, etc.
How long should the band or DJ perform?
4-5 hour sets are typical, with breaks worked in. Cocktail hour + 3-4 hours for reception dancing is usually sufficient.
When should we meet with vendors for planning?
Have an introductory meeting upon booking, then follow up 4-6 months out with your vision, playlist, and logistics.
What entertainment options work for small weddings?
A solo pianist or acoustic guitarist set a lovely ambiance without overwhelming. Simple reception games also shine.
Should we have a band AND a DJ?
It depends on your budget! Having one for cocktails and the other for reception dancing can offer the best of both worlds.
Your entertainment is arguably the most important element for creating a fun, festive reception. By hiring pros and planning thoroughly, your music, contests and performances will create sensational memories. Help your entertainers shine by providing detailed guidance, playlists and restrictions.
If you need assistance coordinating flawless and entertaining wedding with games and lots of fun, the experts at Vow Timer are ready to help! Contact us today to bring your wedding vision to life. Let's work together to throw a bash your guests will never forget!
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