How to find entertainment as spectacular as your wedding venue

So, you’ve found a spectacular venue, your menu is set, your decor is arranged and your wedding is shaping up to be an impressive affair – but what about your entertainment? Whether you’re aiming for a fun, laid-back atmosphere or a sophisticated yet toe-tapping evening, your choice of music and entertainment can add the final touches to your day and take it from memorable to phenomenal.

Here’s a quick guide on how to find entertainment as spectacular as your wedding venue.

Match your theme

By the time you start looking for your show-stopping wedding entertainment, you’ll need to have a solid understanding of your theme and the kind of atmosphere you want to create. Chances are, you’ve already been through this process when choosing your venue, so lean on the attributes of your location for inspiration. Are you planning a classically romantic wedding in a stately manor, or hosting a more eccentric celebration in an enchanting woodland?

While a string quartet may suit the daytime proceedings perfectly for a traditional wedding, followed by a DJ in the evening, you may prefer magicians or caricature artists to entertain your guests before finishing strong with a live band of an alternative genre. For a retro theme, jazz works brilliantly; whereas for a countryside wedding, authentic country music may be what you need to put the proverbial icing on the cake.

Know your limits

Typically, couples spend around 10% of their wedding budget on entertainment. With this in mind, you can calculate how much you’re willing to splash out on music and fun additions. Be realistic about your budget and try to find a compromise that suits both you and your partner.

Remember that venues can also place restrictions on the type of entertainment you hire. Some may be unable to allow explosives such as fireworks due to being situated near livestock or residential areas, while others may have a sound level limit or space restrictions – so discussing your entertainment plans with your planner or venue before booking is key.

Canvas potential bands and performers

If you have a band or performer in mind, reach out to them as soon as you’ve confirmed it would be feasible to hire them. If you are open to ideas, ask friends and family for any personal referrals of good wedding bands. You can check online for independent reviews, as well as researching the band on social media platforms, to ensure they offer a professional and reliable service.

If you can, go in person to see a live gig. This will help you gain a sense of the energy they deliver, to confirm it’s right for your wedding day – you may even be able to speak to them in person, too.

Ask the right questions

Once you’ve settled on your chosen performers, there are a number of things to discuss. As well as confirming their availability, you’ll want to discuss fees, contingency plans and accessibility.

Will the band expect food? Are there any potential additional costs? What happens if they can’t make it at the last minute? Before signing a contract, make sure you are crystal clear about all of the details that could cause significant stress on the big day.

Finding the right wedding entertainment for you and your chosen venue is a challenging yet manageable task. By defining your style, sticking to your budget and researching your chosen performers carefully, you can ensure your entertainment will be a true highlight of your day.