WEDDING RECEPTION ENTERTAINers
You ever been to a wedding with special guests doing special numbers? I’ve seen all sorts of entertainers at wedding receptions. From magicians for adults, hypnotists, belly dancers, singers, to circus performers. It is not a requirement to have entertainers at wedding receptions, but if you can afford it, why not? Having entertainers add oomph to your wedding. You know what I mean right? Extra flair. That’s it. It’s extra. So it’s really not necessary especially if your wedding is already too long, but if you really want to, then know that it’s your choice. However, you don’t just get performers for the heck of it. You have to choose wisely, otherwise, it will make your wedding reception really tacky and, how do say this, without being offensive? Hmmm cheap?
Have you seen the news lately where Keanu Reeves came over to a wedding because the groom saw him at the bar where they are having the wedding ,and where Keanu was also stating at, and invited him to drop by at his wedding? Wouldn’t that be enough? I mean, if I were a guest at that wedding and I saw Keanu Reeves, I am good. I don’t need food, I don’t need drinks, I don’t need performers, I don’t need entertained. I am GOOD. In answer to Maximus Desmus Aurelius’ question at the movie Gladiator, “ I am entertained!” LOL!!
5 factors to consider when looking for wedding reception performers:
Culture - it depends on the cultural background of the bride and groom. Being a Filipino, I’ve seen Tinikling dancers at Filipino weddings Tinikling is a traditional Filipino folk dance where a couple dances in between two bamboo sticks being tapped together. A Lebanese wedding I’ve been to had belly dancers performing during dinner. So it’s up to you as a couple if you want to hire performers based on your culture, to somewhat honor your traditions. Another thing that fall into the culture category is the guest list. What are the ages of your guests? IF they are mostly on the older side, then find someone appropriate for the audience.
Theme - Hire performers according to the theme of your wedding. Let’s say your theme “Old Hollywood Glam”, you can look for tap dancers or if you want a singer, hire a crooner, somebody that can do Frank Sinatra songs and the like. If your theme is winter wonderland style, maybe hire an ice sculptor than can do a live performance, while everyone having dinner. Or if it’s a gothic wedding, then maybe that’s where magicians or hypnotists come in.
Some performer suggestions depending on wedding type:
Halloween wedding - gothic ballet dancer or mime artist
LGBTQIA+ wedding - drag dancers or singers and comedians (those are the most talented and funniest people you will ever meet)
30s - 50s themed wedding - tap dancers, crooners
90s themed wedding - boyband cover artists, rock bands covering 90s songs.
Paris themed wedding - ballerinas
Venue - almost all of the aspect of your wedding comes down to the wedding venue, right? NO matter what you want to do, if it doesn’t fit your venue, then you can’t do it. If you have a small venue and your wedding is kinda intimate, then do a big performance, hire an acoustic guitarist, or pianist, violinist. someone who doesn’t really need a big space to perform. Someone who can be accommodated easily. Someone fit for the location and the feel of the wedding.
Budget - hiring professionals can be expensive depending on their status and type of performance they will be doing. But the money is almost always worth it. Do you research to make sure that you get what you will be paying for. Look at their google reviews and make sure the reviews are legit. Most of the performers have a membership somewhere where they are registered. So make sure to look into that. Don’t just get the first person you see on Facebook marketplace. If it’s a performer, like a signer or dancer, watch them first to see if they really fit with what you are looking for.
Need - this is the part where you ask yourself if you really need to have a performer because sometimes the shorter the reception, the better it is for everyone especially the guests. Once the program is done, everyone can start having fun, and dance the night away. If you program is already super long, with all the toasts and speeches , garter and bouquet etc., then you probably don’t need to squeeze in a performer just for the sake of having one.
Those are the only factors you need to consider if you’re looking to get performers. Going back. to the budget factor, if you don’t have an extra money to spend but still want to have performers, maybe someone in your family has a talent worth showcasing? Someone who can sing, or dance, or perform a traditional number. Ask around from your family and friends. That will be a huge saving for you, if you don’t have to pay them.
Whatever you decide on, make sure that it fits your whole wedding feels.
