15 Ideas for Entertainment at a Wedding to Keep Guests Smiling and Having Fun

15 Ideas for Entertainment at a Wedding to Keep Guests Smiling and Having Fun

Planning your wedding means thinking about more than just the ceremony. You want your guests to have a great time during the celebration, too.

Finding the right entertainment helps keep everyone happy and makes your day feel special.

Guests enjoying a wedding reception outdoors with live music, dancing, photo booth, and lawn games under string lights.

Wedding entertainment ideas are about creating fun and memorable moments for you and your guests. Whether you want something simple or a little out-there, there are plenty of ways to make your wedding stand out and keep the energy alive all day long.

1) Live jazz band during cocktail hour

Live jazz band playing music outdoors during a wedding cocktail hour with guests mingling nearby.

A live jazz band sets a relaxed, classy mood for cocktail hour. Guests feel welcome as soon as they arrive and start mingling.

The smooth sounds help conversations flow. If you want to add a special touch, a jazz band is a great way to set the mood right from the start.

For ideas on jazz music, check out this wedding playlist.

2) Photo booth with fun props

A wedding photo booth setup with colorful fun props like hats, glasses, masks, and feather boas arranged on a table with a floral and light-decorated backdrop.

A photo booth with silly props lets your guests get creative and have a laugh. Quirky hats, glasses, or themed signs can fit your wedding style.

These props make the photos way more memorable. You can even DIY some props for a personal touch.

Check out ideas for unique props to make your photo booth stand out. More ideas can be found at wedding photo booth props.

3) Interactive caricature artist

A caricature artist drawing a happy couple at a wedding while guests watch and smile in a decorated banquet hall.

Hire a caricature artist to entertain your guests. They’ll draw fun, exaggerated portraits your friends can take home as keepsakes.

This sparks conversation and adds a lighthearted vibe to your celebration. It’s a unique memory from your special day.

Learn more about using a caricature artist at weddings here.

4) Fire dancer performance

A fire dancer performing with flaming poi at an outdoor wedding reception with guests watching.

A fire dancer performance brings a wow factor to your wedding. Your guests get to watch skilled performers handle flames safely and with style.

This kind of show creates a captivating, exciting atmosphere. It works best for outdoor celebrations but some fire dancers can adapt to indoor spaces, too.

Hiring pros means you get a memorable experience people will talk about long after. Learn more about fire dancer shows for weddings here.

5) Ferris wheel ride experience

Couples and guests in wedding attire enjoying a Ferris wheel ride decorated with lights and flowers at an outdoor wedding.

A Ferris wheel at your wedding? That’s a bold move, but it’s so much fun. You and your guests get beautiful views from the top and can share a few special moments together.

The ride encourages laughter and conversation. At night, the lights create a perfect backdrop for photos you’ll want to keep.

Consider this if you want something interactive and memorable. For ideas, see Ferris wheel rentals for weddings and events.

6) S’mores station by a bonfire

An outdoor wedding s'mores station by a bonfire with guests toasting marshmallows around a wooden table.

A s’mores station by a bonfire brings warmth and a bit of nostalgia. Set up a fire pit so guests can toast marshmallows and build their own gooey treats.

String lights or lanterns add a cozy glow. Guests can relax, chat, and enjoy a sweet, interactive experience together.

For ideas, check out a s’mores bar wedding food station.

7) Silent disco with wireless headphones

Guests at a wedding dancing outdoors wearing wireless headphones during a silent disco.

Surprise your guests with a silent disco. Everyone gets wireless headphones and can dance to music of their choice.

They can switch channels for different music styles. No loudspeakers needed, so it’s great if your venue has noise limits.

Silent discos make dancing more fun and personal. Learn more about silent disco weddings here.

8) Live painter capturing the ceremony

A live painter creating artwork during a wedding ceremony with guests seated in the background.

Hire a live painter to capture your ceremony as it happens. Guests can watch the artwork come to life right before their eyes.

You’ll end up with a beautiful keepsake that reminds you of the best moments from your day. Live painting adds a creative, personal touch and gives everyone something to talk about.

Learn more about live wedding painting for your day here.

9) Custom cocktail mixing station

A bartender preparing cocktails at a decorated mixing station with fresh ingredients and wedding guests in the background.

Set up a custom cocktail mixing station so guests can make their own drinks. Offer different spirits, mixers, and garnishes for everyone to experiment with.

This interactive idea keeps people engaged and suits all sorts of tastes. Add simple recipe cards or a bartender to help if you want things to run smoothly.

For more ideas on drink setups, check out creative wedding drink stations.

10) Karaoke contest for guests

Guests at a wedding enjoying a karaoke contest with a woman singing on stage and others clapping and smiling around her.

A karaoke contest lets guests show off their singing skills. Offer prizes for the best solo, duo, or most creative performance.

It adds energy and gets people involved. Setting up a karaoke contest is pretty simple and keeps everyone entertained.

Check ideas for running a karaoke contest at your wedding for more inspiration.

11) Giant lawn games like Jenga and cornhole

Outdoor wedding with guests playing giant Jenga and cornhole games on a green lawn.

Add giant Jenga and cornhole for some laid-back outdoor fun. These games are easy for all ages to join.

Giant Jenga can double as a guestbook if you want people to sign the blocks. Cornhole brings out a bit of friendly competition and helps everyone loosen up.

You can find more ideas for outdoor games here.

12) Magician strolling through tables

A magician in a tuxedo performing a card trick for smiling guests seated at decorated wedding tables.

Hire a magician to walk around your reception, performing close-up tricks at each table. Guests don’t even have to leave their seats to be entertained.

Sleight-of-hand tricks make for fun, personal moments your friends and family will remember. It’s a cool way to add a unique touch to your celebration.

See how a strolling magician can bring magic to your event here.

13) DIY flower crown crafting booth

Guests making flower crowns at a decorated outdoor wedding crafting booth with fresh flowers and supplies on a wooden table.

Set up a flower crown booth for a hands-on, creative activity. Just provide fresh or faux flowers, wire, and some tools—guests can make their own crowns.

It’s simple and gives people a chance to chat and relax while crafting. For guidance, check out how to create a flower crown and set up a crafting station.

14) Flash mob dance surprise

Wedding guests dancing together in a flash mob surprise while the bride and groom watch and smile.

Surprise your guests with a flash mob dance during the reception. Get your wedding party and close friends to learn a simple routine.

It adds excitement and gets everyone involved. You can even rope in some unexpected folks—like older relatives—for an extra memorable twist.

A little planning and practice will help the dance go smoothly. It’s a unique way to make the night unforgettable.

Learn more about how to plan a wedding flash mob dance surprise at thedancelabus.com.

15) Video guestbook for heartfelt messages

A wedding guest smiling and speaking into a camera set up on a tripod at a decorated video guestbook station.

A video guestbook lets your guests share personal messages on camera. You get to capture their voices and smiles, which just feels more alive than a typical guestbook.

You can replay these messages whenever you want after the wedding. It’s a fun, interactive twist, and honestly, most guests seem to love jumping in front of the camera.

If you want to set one up, check out this wedding video guestbook guide.

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