22 Alternative Entertainment Ideas for a Unique Wedding Reception

By Lauren Pardee
November 07, 2017
Emily Wren Photography

Make your party stand out with more than just a band or DJ.

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Emily Wren Photography

Great entertainment is one of the key elements to any memorable wedding—traditionally, big-day entertainment consists of either a band or a DJ. And while hiring a musical headliner is important, it's not the only way to get guests off their feet during your celebration. Sure, a packed dance floor makes for a great party, but it hardly allows for your friends and families to converse and get to know one another. Offering entertainment alternatives is guaranteed to get guests mingling.

When considering alternative entertainment for your wedding, pick something that speaks to your event's theme. If you're celebrating a specific culture (or multiple cultures), hire dancers to perform a traditional number. A hula or Chinese dragon performance, for example, will add to the ambience of your wedding and teach guests about your heritage. Plus, it could be a first-time experience for so many, giving attendees plenty to bond over. If music is a shared interest between you and your fiancé—and one that you wish to highlight—think outside of the classic musical accompaniments. We still recommend hiring a DJ or band for the night, but consider featuring a saxophonist, harpist, or even a mariachi or marching band for other portions of the day. By switching up the tunes (and the vibe!), you'll guarantee that your reception stands out.

Although the night will fly by, there are plenty of moments to feature one of these alternative entertainment ideas throughout your celebration. Even if you wait until the very last minute to surprise guests with a fireworks display, your unexpected, one-of-a-kind party will be one they won't soon forget.

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Acrobats

Liz Banfield
25 Cocktail Hour Ideas from Real Weddings

Take your cocktail hour to new heights by hiring trapeze artists to perform overhead. An acrobatic number is the perfect way to kick off your evening.

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Marching Band

Liz Banfield
What You Should Know Before Hiring a Band for Your Wedding

If you're marrying your high school or college sweetheart, enlist the help of your alma matter's marching band to pump up the crowd. This couple paid tribute to their grade school love story by doing just that, much to the delight of their guests.

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Synchronized Swimmers

Peaches & Mint by Pia Clodi
30 Fun Ideas for a Poolside Wedding

If your summer wedding venue has a pool, consider hiring synchronized swimmers. It's an unexpected way to celebrate the season—and entertain your attendees.

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Fire Dancers

Dominique Bader Photography

After the sun sets, open up the dance floor to fire performers to liven the mood after dinner. This Cirque Indigo performer's dazzling routines did just that, thanks to sparkling batons.

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Caricatures

Sandra Åberg Photography
50 Creative Wedding Favors That Will Delight Your Guests

Hiring a caricature artist to sketch cartoon drawings of your friends and family will bring people together to capture the moment while offering them a forever keepsake.

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Hula Dancers

KT Merry
Every Wedding Dance You Should Consider for Your Reception

If you're hosting a destination event, look towards your big day's location for authentic entertainment. Take this Hawaiian wedding, for example. Guests were welcomed to the ceremony with a traditional hula dance performance.

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Carousel

Dominique Bader Photography
25 Delicious Ways to Serve Carnival Food at Your Wedding

A vintage carousel not only makes for a unique décor element, but it adds a nostalgic element to your event that guests of all ages can enjoy.

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Jazz Band

Jillian Mitchell Photography
What You Need to Know About Stages for Your Wedding Band

Musical entertainment can come in all different forms. A jazz band, like The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys, can rock the party with high-tempo songs or more relaxed renditions, accommodating all wedding moments.

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Ferris Wheel

Kate Osborne Photography

Interactive activities, like a Ferris wheel, allows for the fun to last all night. Thrill-seeking attendees can take in your venue's view as much or as little as they'd like.

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Ceremony Band

Heather Waraksa
Get Ready to Hit the Dance Floor! 27 Wedding Bands to Hire for Your Big Day

Keep your guests entertained during even the most unexpected big-day moments. At this event, friends and family danced in the streets as they followed the Neapolitan Claudio Band from the ceremony to the reception.

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Photo Booth

Elizabeth Messina Photography
20 Inventive Ways to Revamp Your Wedding Photo Booth

Photo booths are an easy way to gather attendees together for snapshots that will last a lifetime. For an elevated feel, work your theme into your prop selection, like this theater-loving couple did with stage masks.

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Carnival Act

Dominique Bader Photography

If your big day's theme is nontraditional, then your entertainment can be, too. This circus wedding is the perfect example: The couple hired Cirque Indigo performers to interact with guests during the cocktail hour.

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Mariachi Band

Sylvie Gil Photography
How to Make Sure Your Band or DJ Is Taken Care of During the Wedding

Another musical element that differs from your average band or DJ? A mariachi group. The group's lively music will elevate the ambience of any cocktail hour or reception.

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Live Painter

Jordan Thompson at Landon Jacob Photography
Your Wedding Vendor Etiquette Questions Answered

Anyone would be mesmerized by a live painter working to translate a favorite wedding scene onto paper. Plus, the painting makes for a priceless keepsake.

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Pianist

Jesse Leake
Your Guide to Tipping Vendors Who Own Their Businesses

Hiring a pianist is a more traditional means of entertainment that all attendees can appreciate. Find a way to make your musical moment unique, like this couple who staged the performance during their ceremony in the woods.

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Bocce

Shewanders

Get guests up and onto your venue's sprawling lawn by setting up a fun yard game. Bocce, for example, will keep friends and family relaxed and having fun.

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Harpist

Amy Fanton Photography
A Foolproof Guide to Finding Your Wedding Vendors

A harpist brings a refined musical element to any ceremony or cocktail hour while still allowing guests to converse over the soft, sweet melodies.

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Fireworks

Aaron Delesie
Everything You Need to Know About Having Fireworks at Your Wedding

End your big day on a high note with a firework display you'll never forget. It'll bring your whole evening full circle.

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Saxophonist

Abby Jiu Photography
How to Let Your Vendors and Guests Know Who Your Wedding Point Person Is

Just because the reception is over doesn't mean the celebration is. This couple hired EDM DJ and sax duo, Cafolla and Engel to play as guests danced their way to the after-party.

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Poker

Dez and Tam Photography

For a casino-themed soirée, allow guests to partake in an authentic poker game. This not only adds an upscale feel to your night, but your friends and family will have a blast testing their luck.

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Mixologist

Braedon Photography
30 His and Hers Cocktails to Inspire Your Own Signature Drink

Hiring a mixologist to headline your cocktail will get the drinks flowing. Attendees can try out custom creations while learning how to put together the ultimate beverage.

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