Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Ceremony & Reception Wedding Reception Ideas 21 Alternative Wedding Entertainment Ideas for Your Unique Reception By Lauren Pardee Lauren Pardee Lauren is a former associate digital editor for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 7, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: 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. 01 of 21 Acrobats Liz Banfield 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. 25 Cocktail Hour Ideas from Real Weddings 02 of 21 Marching Band Liz Banfield 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. 03 of 21 Synchronized Swimmers Peaches & Mint by Pia Clodi 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. 30 Fun Ideas for a Poolside Wedding 04 of 21 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. 05 of 21 Caricatures Sandra Åberg Photography 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. 50 Creative Wedding Favors That Will Delight Your Guests 06 of 21 Hula Dancers KT Merry 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. Every Wedding Dance You Should Consider for Your Reception 07 of 21 Carousel Dominique Bader Photography 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. 25 Delicious Ways to Serve Carnival Food at Your Wedding 08 of 21 Jazz Band Jillian Mitchell Photography Musical entertainment can come in all different forms. A jazz band, like The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys seen here, can rock the party with high-tempo songs or more relaxed renditions, accommodating all wedding moments. 6 Ways to Make Sure Your Band Looks as Good as They Sound at Your Wedding 09 of 21 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. 10 of 21 Ceremony Band Heather Waraksa 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. Get Ready to Hit the Dance Floor! 27 Wedding Bands to Hire for Your Big Day 11 of 21 Photo Booth Elizabeth Messina Photography 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. 20 Inventive Ways to Revamp Your Wedding Photo Booth 12 of 21 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. 13 of 21 Mariachi Band Sylvie Gil Photography 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. 14 of 21 Live Painter Jordan Thompson at Landon Jacob Photography 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. 15 of 21 Pianist Jesse Leake 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. 16 of 21 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. 17 of 21 Harpist Amy Fanton Photography A harpist brings a refined musical element to any ceremony or cocktail hour while still allowing guests to converse over the soft, sweet melodies. 18 of 21 Fireworks Aaron Delesie End your big day on a high note with a firework display you'll never forget. It'll bring your whole evening full circle. Amazing Fireworks and Sparklers from Real Weddings 19 of 21 Saxophonist Abby Jiu Photography 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. Traditional Wedding Vows for Your Ceremony 20 of 21 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. 21 of 21 Mixologist Braedon Photography 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. 30 His and Hers Cocktails to Inspire Your Own Signature Drink Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit