Spice things up with these steamy flicks.
Updated Oct 14, 202442 Wedding Entertainment Ideas That’ll Instantly Level-Up Your Affair
Lion dancers, tarot card readers and magicians–oh my!
Photo: Erin Wilson Photography and Films
There are plenty of ways to make your wedding an amazing experience, from trendy decorations to interactive food services. But one of the best ways to leave an impact is with unforgettable wedding entertainment. Providing another form of amusement, in addition to a live band or wedding DJ, is crucial because it keeps your guests occupied when or if they tire of the dance floor. So if hosting an engaging celebration is at the top of your to-do list, fun wedding reception activities and eye-catching spectacles are a worthy investment. Need some inspiration for your affair? From live wedding painters to celebrity impersonators, we've listed the most fun, unique and creative suggestions that take your reception entertainment beyond dancing.
And if you want to make your wedding day legendary, you'll need to hire out-of-the-box pros who know how to create a good time. (FYI: This is one of the biggest Gen Z wedding trends right now.) Head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find plenty of remarkable wedding experts to fit your needs.
In this article: Wedding Reception Activities | How to Book Wedding Entertainment | Wedding Reception Entertainment FAQs
Wedding Reception Activities
Sticking to traditional entertainment isn't a requirement. Instead, shake things up at your event by including one (or more) of these wedding reception entertainment ideas. Also, don't start scrolling unless you're logged into your account on The Knot. By doing so, you can add the wedding ideas below to Your Favorites by clicking the heart icon on each photo.
1. Drag Performance
Photo: LA76 Photography
,Performer: Alyssa Edwards
Liven up your reception with a wedding drag performance. You can even have your favorite queen officiate your ceremony. We have a feeling guests will be obsessed with this fun wedding entertainment idea.
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2. Interactive Champagne Servers
Champagne is one of the first things people will look for when they arrive at your reception, so consider having this beverage service as your unexpected wedding entertainment. Hire servers to creatively pass out prosecco—it'll wow your guests from the start.
3. Bouncy Castle
Tap into your inner child and rent a bouncy castle. It's one of our favorite fun reception ideas. We love how this couple decorated theirs with a balloon garland that matched their wedding color palette.
4. Oyster Shuckers
Whether you're mollusk obsessed or throwing a coastal celebration, you need to have oyster shuckers at your reception. We guarantee your guests won't be able to get enough of the luxurious service and these tasty, briny appetizers. Psst: Don't forget the mignonette.
5. Second Line
You don't have to get married in Louisiana to have a New Orleans wedding parade as one of your reception activities. After the ceremony, invite guests to be a part of this Southern wedding tradition so your nuptials will be the talk of the town.
6. Cozy Bonfire
If you're having a celebration during the colder months, consider some warm wedding entertainment ideas. A bonfire provides several fun things to do at the reception because you can have a s'mores station, ask people to tell stories around the fire or have instruments available if people feel musically inspired.
7. Vegas-Inspired Wedding Entertainers
Bring the glitz of everything you love about Las Vegas to your wedding reception with singers, dancers, acrobats or contortionists. An extravagant production is perfect for couples who want their wedding to leave a lasting impression.
8. Outdoor Lawn Games
Having an outdoor summer wedding? Then you need to have lots of lawn wedding games. Guests will appreciate having something to do during cocktail hour. Fill an open patch of grass with yard games like corn hole, Bocce ball, giant Jenga or even a scavenger hunt for younger kids.
9. Mariachi Band
Photo: Jodee Debes Photography
,Band: Mariachi Divas
No one will want to leave the dance floor if you have a live mariachi band. For this wedding entertainer idea, we suggest hiring a local performance group to support up-and-coming artists. It's a thoughtful way to involve the local community on your wedding day.
10. Wedding Donkey
Did you know you can have a donkey at your wedding that's a part of your bartending team? No, we're not joking. Consider booking a wedding burro ("donkey" in Spanish) to carry baskets full of beer or other lightweight drinks. It's a unique wedding entertainment idea no one will expect.
11. Photo Booth
Photo: Sabine Scherer Photography
,Photo booth: Traveling Photobus
A wedding photo booth is one of the greatest activities at a wedding because the photos act as wedding favors guests can cherish long after the celebration. Photo booths come with a variety of cute props and colorful backgrounds that your attendees will love. Plus, if you're having a themed wedding, use your photo booth to carry out your style. We love how this retro Volkswagen photo booth fits a vintage wedding theme.
12. Fireworks Display
Of all the best wedding entertainment options, fireworks are always a crowd-pleaser. Also, it's hard to think of something more romantic and special than watching a sparkling display with your new spouse and loved ones.
13. Amusement Park Rides
If you love a thrill, having amusement park rides as your wedding reception entertainment is a must. Don't forget: You'll have to discuss what rides are allowed (before renting them) with your venue and planner. If renting the rides doesn't work for your wedding venue, a great alternative is hosting your nuptials or wedding welcome party at an amusement park.
14. Hot Air Balloon Rides
This is definitely one of the most fun wedding reception ideas on our list. Let your guests get an aerial sunset view of your celebration. We can't stress enough how this would be the perfect opportunity for photo ops, and for you and your partner to have a private moment alone in the sky.
15. Printable Wedding Games
Printable wedding games are one of the most versatile things to do at a reception since they can be for kids and adults. You can find games that fit just about any color or theme, and they're great icebreakers.
16. Magician
Today's wedding reception trends are all about out-of-the-box vendors, which means it only makes sense to hire a magician that'll impress guests of all ages. A magician will elicit some "oohs" and "aahs" from you and your guests, but it will also provide the perfect opportunity for your wedding photographer to capture some memorable moments for your wedding photo album.
17. Wedding Shoe Game
Need fun things to do at a wedding reception that don't cost money? Try the wedding shoe game. You only need two things: The couple's shoes and a list of engaging questions.
18. Sparkler Exit
Need a wedding activity for your guests that happens during your wedding exit? End your reception on a fiery note with a sparkler send-off. Give every guest a sparkler to wave as you and your partner stroll into newlywed life.
19. Silent Disco
Photo: James x Schulze
A silent disco is an innovative way to groove to your wedding playlist. Instead of having a DJ blast tunes out loud, each guest gets their own curated tracklist playing through their headphones. And even if not everyone wants to join, we bet they'll still have a good time seeing everyone seemingly dance to no music.
20. Wedding Piñata
Whether you're honoring your Mexican heritage or want to add some child-like whimsy to your celebration, a wedding piñata is a perfect option for you. Fill it with tasty treats or prizes so this wedding activity can also be a vessel for your wedding favors. (Psst: Look at these life-size piñatas a couple got of themselves and their dog.)
21. Mini Golf
Who doesn't love playing golf on a miniature scale? Have your reception at a mini golf venue or rent the equipment needed so you can set it up at your desired location.
22. Karaoke
Start your wedding function by serenading your partner with a beautiful wedding karaoke song. Once you sing to your heart's content, invite guests to sing their favorite tunes.
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23. Celebrity Impersonator
Is there a famous person you'd love to have at your affair, but booking them would put you over your wedding budget? Hire a celebrity impersonator instead. If you find the right one, they'll go all in with their costume, singing, music playing, voice acting and much more.
24. Cultural Dancers
Incorporating your culture into your wedding day is one of the best ways to make it feel personalized. If you're searching for unique wedding performer ideas, consider hiring cultural dancers as this couple did. Guests were captivated by the lion dancers' performance, which honored a beautiful Chinese tradition.
25. Caricaturist
Guests will be particularly impressed if you have a wedding caricaturist. A custom portrait is a rare wedding favor that'll set your nuptials apart. Plus, it's a memorable wedding activity for guests to enjoy in between wedding party toasts and reception games.
26. Ballet Dancers
Those passionate about dance might enjoy a ballet performance on their wedding day. Hire a local troupe to choreograph a dance routine just for you. You can't go wrong with a classic performance either—guests will be delighted to watch a variation from Swan Lake or The Nutcracker (a perfect choice for a winter wedding).
27. Aerialist
Photo: Leslie Gilbert Photography
,Aerialist: AirPlay Entertainment
Looking for reception entertainment ideas that'll really wow your crowd? Invite an aerialist to perform during cocktail hour. Your family and friends won't be able to look away as they enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
28. Ping Pong
Photo: Person + Killian Photography
Not everyone is keen on spending all night on the dance floor, which is why you should offer some alternatives. Ping pong is a great option for those who are averse to dancing but still want to be on their feet and have fun.
29. Fire Show
We can't talk about unique wedding activities without mentioning fire performers. Since fire is involved, this idea is best for outdoor affairs and will most likely require wedding insurance, so contact your venue about whether you can have a fire dancer and what precautions you must take.
30. Tattoo Artist
Photo: Knott Studio
Do you love getting tattoos and want to share that passion with your loved ones? Then have a tattoo station with your favorite tattoo artist. With some help from the artist, you and your partner can create a couple of tattoo designs that revolve around your wedding. Then willing guests can choose whatever tattoo that speaks to them. If you would like to offer a less permanent option, have a temporary tattoo station or a henna artist do designs for your guests.
31. Tarot Card Reader
Photo: Abby Jiu Photography
You don't have to be an astrology expert to enjoy a tarot reading. When guests need a break from dancing, invite them to visit a tarot card reader as a unique wedding activity. But beware—this wedding entertainment idea may result in lines longer than those at the bar.
32. Synchronized Swimmers
Finding eccentric entertainment for wedding guests is a must if you want to surprise and delight them. Gather around the pool with your loved ones to watch a breathtaking performance that'll leave you speechless.
33. Belly Dancers
No one wants to sit through boring entertainment at weddings. Add wedding belly dancers to your list of must-have vendors for fun and unique cultural experience.
34. Petting Zoo
Photo: XSIGHT Productions
You might ask yourself, "What are some unique things to do at a wedding reception that people haven't seen before?" That's where petting zoos come into play. We promise every animal lover will be in paradise.
35. Friendship Bracelet Station
If you're a crafty couple, have some DIY areas at your wedding. Fun wedding activities like jewelry making will give guests something to do during the reception and let them leave with a keepsake.
36. Vintage Arcade Games
Photo: Randy + Ashley Studios
You don't have to stop playing video games just because you're at a wedding. We're sure renting out your favorite (or the most popular) arcade games will be a hit with your guests.
37. Pop-Up Casino
Are you planning on having an extravagant, luxe wedding? Then a miniature casino for your 21-and-over guests will fit your theme perfectly. It'll feel like you brought the Las Vegas casino floor right into your wedding venue.
38. Live Wedding Painter
You'll get plenty of bang for your buck by hiring a live painter for your wedding day. This is one of the best wedding entertainment options in our roundup because it'll keep guests occupied during the reception since they'll want to watch the scene come to life on the canvas. Bonus: You'll get a custom portrait of your wedding at the end of the night.
39. Poetry Writer
Photo: Laura Memory Photography & Videography
,Poet: The Biscayne Poet
Wedding entertainment doesn't have to be flashy to make an impact. Hire a writer to capture your celebration through poems that are created on the spot. Custom poetry is a sentimental keepsake that'll preserve the best memories from your wedding.
40. Kids Coloring Book Station
Photo: Adonis Kekidakis Photography
Ensure you have some entertainment for the kids in attendance. A coloring book station is one of the many parent-approved children's activities you can have.
41. Glitter Station
At this colorful wedding, the couple had a vendor add glitter to guests' faces to fit the upbeat energy at the reception. Whether you're a huge fan of sparkles or want your reception to feel like a rave, hire a glitter artist.
42. Phone Check
Photo: Lauren Scotti Photographer
It's technically not a wedding activity, but it's certainly a creative way to help your guests pay attention to any wedding entertainment you have scheduled later. Have your guests stow all their devices before starting your unplugged ceremony so there are no distractions during your wedding.
How to Book Wedding Entertainment
Once you and your partner settle on your entertainment, use The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find the best pros in your area. You'll find reviews from newlyweds, real wedding photos, cost details, vendor contact information and much more. Another way you can find and hire entertainers for your wedding is by speaking with your planner. Most likely, your planner has dozens of recommendations that'll fit what you and your partner want for your reception.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Reception Entertainment
Unsure how to start your wedding entertainment search? Check out these answers to common activity-related questions to put you on the right path.
Do I Need Wedding Entertainment at My Reception?
No, you don't need to have wedding entertainment at your reception. That said, it would prevent boredom among guests or people itching to leave early. We suggest at least having music at the reception, whether that be a live band or DJ so you and your guests can have something to dance to.
Besides that, it's up to you and your partner to decide if you want to add more. You can stick with having only music, add low-cost activities (like printable games or jewelry-making stations) or use The Knot Budget Advisor to see if you have room to book other vendors. You might be surprised what incredible entertainers are within your budget.
Do You Have to Have Dancing at a Wedding Reception?
Wedding receptions without dancing have been done. There are plenty of unconventional activities you can choose from. For example, some couples like to do a love story presentation as a first dance alternative.
What Considerations Should Be Made When Sourcing Alternative Entertainment?
The best way to find fun wedding activities is by thinking about your and your partner's hobbies or anything that you enjoy doing together. If you both like going to comedy shows, have a comedian perform at your wedding reception. If you're obsessed with everything Disney related, invite some of your favorite characters to arrive at your reception. No matter what activity you choose, just make sure your wedding entertainment represents something you and your partner love.
