How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Entertainment for Your Drinks Reception

A wedding drinks reception and meal are among the key moments in your big day – so it’s important that they go well! Most couples select wedding entertainment for a drinks reception to ensure that all attendees enjoy themselves throughout the event and to underscore all other activities.

If you’re planning a drinks reception, wedding entertainment options abound! But which is best for your own unique occasion? 

Here, the team at Twisted Entertainment – experienced booking agents representing the very best in drinks reception entertainment, will offer some advice.

 

 Should I Book Wedding Drinks Entertainment?

If you’re asking yourself “should I book entertainment for my drinks reception?”, the first step is to decide whether this option chimes with your own preferences and those of your soon-to-be spouse.

Most people arrange some form of entertainment to go with their wedding drinks, but in the end, what happens on your special day is entirely up to you. 

When it comes to the specific type of entertainment you choose, live music is exceptionally popular – but there are other options besides.

The best way to start selecting your ideal wedding drinks reception entertainment is to consider the overall feel of the day. If you want a high-class, traditional wedding, perhaps you’d like to enjoy drinks and conversation underscored by a string quartet or other acoustic entertainment.

A pianist, harpist, or acoustic guitarist are also popular choices.

For something a little more quirky or unique, why not consider a jazz band or a capella group? Roaming bands are becoming ever more popular too; these musicians mill around with the guests, striking up performances in different spots for a really dynamic experience.

If you have a theme, why not pick entertainment to match? Swing bands work wonderfully to take a vintage feel further – while a folksy outfit will create chill music festival vibes. You could even invoke Oktoberfest with a rousing brass band!

Another consideration should be the range of ages present. If most of your guests are in the same age bracket, you could select an act that does fun covers or mashups of music they will recognise.

However, if you have many attendees who are much older or younger, you may decide to choose musicians who perform crowd-pleasers that appeal to all generations.

Other practicalities to consider should include whether your reception is taking place indoors or outdoors, whether there are usable power outlets nearby and whether there is a noise limit at your venue.

Ideally, any act you choose should be able to alter their sound levels so that guests can comfortably talk while they are playing.

 

Tips to Ensure Your Guests Don’t Get Bored in Your Drinks Reception 

There are plenty of other ways to keep guests engaged throughout your reception while they are chatting and having pictures taken. Why not choose:

  • A live caricaturist
  • A magician
  • Lawn games
  • Face painting
  • A photo booth
  • Balloon artists
  • Fire breathers
  • Food vans or a cocktail stall

How Much Does it Cost?

So, how much does wedding reception entertainment cost? With so many options to choose from, you should be able to find the right act for your big day no matter your budget.

Generally, bands for drinks reception cost a minimum of £1,500, while single acts and DJs are priced at £600 or above.

 

How Long Should Wedding Reception Entertainment Play?

If you decide on a live band for your wedding drinks reception entertainment, you’ll need to discuss set lengths with your chosen performers. Usually, they’ll have a specially crafted package to offer.

Generally, wedding bands play no more than a two-hour set. They can then be replaced by a DJ once they’re done, so you can keep the vibe going way into the night!

The most common arrangements include two one-hour sets, four half-hour sets, or three 40 minute sets.

For a thoroughly successful event, your drinks reception wedding entertainment could consist of live or recorded music along with a range of other activities to keep guests of all ages happy and engaged. 

Whatever you choose, it should reflect your tastes and help to create the perfect atmosphere for you, your future spouse, and your cherished guests to enjoy.

To enquire into the acts that Twisted Entertainment has available for wedding receptions, simply contact our team today and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements with you.