Category Archives: Ideas

Mad Hatter Wedding ideas

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Invitations

The maddest guests needn’t be invited, they will simply fall through the rabbit hole and stumble across your party by chance.

 

Dress code

Colourful, bold and avant-garde.

 

Hair code

No one is allowed to have similarities in wedding hair colour or style, other than that, anything goes.

 

Wedding Décor

Matching furniture is forbidden; the more quintessentially Wonderland, the better.

 

Guests

Be specific when choosing your guests based on personality, if they aren’t at least slightly crazy, they won’t fit in.

 

Tea

Earl Grey is the only tea to be served. It needn’t be high quality and can be of any origin, just make sure it’s Early Grey.

 

Sandwiches

There are three sandwiches which are appropriate for a Mad Hatters Tea Party; minted cucumber, egg mayonnaise and mustard cress, and smoked salmon and cream cheese. Cutting your sandwiches into heart shapes is cute, but would Alice approve of your allegiance to the Queen of Hearts?

 

The Chelsea Bun

The Chelsea bun is known predominantly for throwing, so get involved, it’s what Tea Parties are made for.

 

Shortbread

Height should not be discriminated against; therefore, shortbread is totally acceptable at the tea table.

 

Floristry

Wedding flowers perfection should be avoided at all costs. If you have a budget for plants, stick to twigs, decaying leaves and fungi.

 

Hospitality

Being hospitable is essential. This can be achieved through planning a range of unrecognisable party games.

 

Weather

If you’re worried about being outside and it raining, it doesn’t matter too much as the best Mad Hatters Tea Parties are set in very little sunlight. For big budget tea parties, rain and mist machines are encouraged.

 

Seating

If you can’t get bums on seats, bums on anything is fine. Stools, shelves, giant mushrooms; anything goes.

 

Cheshire cat

One ginger cat is required as ‘purr’ its Cheshire heritage.

 

Timekeeping

This is banned as there is no time in wonderland. However, we would only suggest this tip as optional as if adhered to it can cause havoc, after all, you don’t want your guests to be late for this very important date.

Jewish Wedding traditions

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If you are planning a wedding and it has to be a traditional Jewish wedding, you may be feeling overwhelmed. There are many traditions to uphold, but they are also lots of fun! So don’t worry. From the kidushin to the chuppah, we’ve got you covered.

Before the Ceremony

The ceremony for a traditional Jewish wedding generally takes place after sundown on Saturdays, or any time on Sundays. The bride and groom are not allowed to eat until after the ceremony is over.

Before the wedding takes place, the ketubah is signed by the groom, in the company of two witnesses. This is a legally binding Jewish contract, and outlines what the groom is expected to give the bride in the marriage. This includes food, clothes, marital relations, friendship, love, and communication, and outlines that all of these things are necessary to a happy union. Many ketubahs are beautiful pieces of art and are framed and hung in the home.

Next, in a tradition known as badeken, the bride’s face is veiled (usually by the groom) and a prayer is said for her. The couple hasn’t seen each other in at least 24 hours (sometimes up to 7 days) at this point, so it’s usually an emotional moment for both the bride and groom.

During the Ceremony

The ceremony takes place under a chuppah, or wedding canopy, and is officiated by a rabbi. The chuppah symbolizes the new home that the bride and groom will build together. When the ceremony is starting, the groom is led into the chuppah by the two fathers, while the bride is led by the two mothers, in a tradition called unterfirers. Finally, the bride circles the groom seven times when she arrives at the chuppah. This may come from Jeremiah 31:22 which says “A woman shall surround a man.” The number seven is said to mean perfection or completeness in the Bible.

A traditional chuppah where the Jewish bride and groom will take their vows.

A traditional Jewish wedding has two distinct parts, with the first known as the erusin (betrothal) or kiddushin (holiness). First, two blessings are given before the betrothal. The first is over a cup of wine, which the couple then tastes. The second is the betrothal blessing. Next, the groom is required to give something of value to the bride (usually a ring). The ring should be a plain gold band, to symbolize the simplicity and purity of their love. Lastly, they both exchange rings and vows.

In some ceremonies, the ketubah is read out loud in traditional Aramaic text and given to the bride to keep for the rest of her life. Following that, the second part of the ceremony begins. This is known as the nissuin, and contains seven blessings that are meant to highlight the new partnership and commitment. The blessings are given by the rabbi, or by individuals who are specially selected. To be selected to recite a blessing is a big honour in this ceremony. After the blessings, the groom drinks from the cup of wine, and the bride follows suit.

The ketubah is presented to the bride as a promise from the groom.

Finally comes the part that almost everyone is familiar with…the breaking of the glass. After the rings and blessings, the groom crushes the glass (usually wrapped in cloth) with his right foot and guests shout “Mazel tov!” which means “congratulations.” In some contemporary weddings, a light bulb is used instead since it’s easier to break. This signifies that the ceremony is over and is greeted with loud cheers and applause from the crowd.

After the Ceremony

In order to complete the ceremony, seclusion is necessary, so yichud is practiced. This means leaving the bride and groom alone for 10-20 minutes in a room. It can take place in any room, from the rabbi’s study to a synagogue classroom. Husband and wife take some time away from family and friends to reflect on their new vows and the ceremony.

Now the celebration can begin! Wedding food is served as well, so this is a great time to hire wedding caterers that is familiar with Kosher and traditional Jewish dishes. Several special dances are customary in Jewish weddings, with the hora being most recognized. The bride and groom are raised on chairs for anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on the energy from the crowd. DJs or wedding entertainment are great to have on-hand to get the party started and keep the crowd excited.

In short, a Jewish wedding is all about love, family, and commitment. They’re a beautiful blend of tradition and romance, and end with a huge party. What a perfect day!

Alternative first dance songs

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When planning a wedding, the first dance song is something that is very important to them and has a certain sentiment, either from a particular time it was played – maybe on a first date or due to the lyrics. But for other couples, it’s a way of showing their personality either via the style of song, which would highlight their musical tastes or style of day they have planned, for example they be hoping for a very relaxed affair and go with a more humorous first dance choice.

For those that don’t want to take it too seriously and are brave enough to add a little comedy to proceedings, we’ve provided 5 songs that are certain to raise a few eyebrows and hopefully get everyone in the spirit for lots of fun at the evening reception… You may need to get someone to hijack Granny and Aunt Maud for a few minutes though and possibly give your folks a little warning!

1. AC/DC – ‘Highway to Hell’

Whilst the title suggests getting married is like a ‘Highway to Hell’ actually the lyrics are about having a awesome time and partying with friends… Isn’t that exactly what you want to do??

‘Ain’t nothin’ that I’d rather do, Goin’ down

Party time, My friends are gonna be there too‘

2. Bloodhound Gang – ‘The Bad Touch’

So, this is pretty hardcore and to the point but some people do make a big deal about the whole consummating the marriage on the wedding night thing. You’d have to make sure you have fairly open-minded family and friends for this one maybe!

‘You and me baby ain’t nothin’ but mammals

So let’s do it like they do on the Discovery Channel’

3. REM – ‘It’s The End Of The World’

This song is great on two levels – when you first listen it can be perceived as  a ‘stereotypical’ groom worrying that his life is over because of the old ‘ball and chain’ but actually on the chorus it ends with ‘and I feel fine’ so it brings it right back round to actually being a really nice sentiment.

‘It’s the end of the world as we know it,It’s the end of the world as we know it,

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine’

4. Bob the Builder – ‘Can We Fix It’

This song would be great for any couples who may have been through a rough patch and want to show friends and family  that it doesn’t have to be a taboo subject – they acknowledge it and are over it! Or if the groom’s name is Bob… and ever better if he’s a builder and the bride is called Wendy and they have any friends called Travis or Packer or even Farmer Pickles?!

5. Flight Of The Concords – ‘The Most Beautiful Girl In The World’

Try listening to this song and not laughing… it’s near impossible! This is definitely for a bride who is happy to laugh at herself or for a groom who is particularly un-romantic. The sentiment is kinda there but there’s a lot of work to be done!

‘Cause you’re so beautiful, Like a, tree

Or a high-class prostitute, You’re so beautiful-ul-ul…

Mmm, you could be a part-time model’

So, there you have it. Not for the faint-hearted maybe but definitely some ideas to create a stir and shake things up a bit! We’d love to hear and ideally see proof of any brides and grooms who chose controversial first dance songs for their big day!

 

An Indian Wedding

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India is a country with a rich cultural heritage. With the level of diversity on offer in terms of ethnicity and religion, it would be wrong to pinpoint a specific wedding styling as the authentic Indian wedding format. However, there are general bits that are present in most Indian weddings which when combined, can make for a perfect Indian themed wedding. This piece takes a look at them.

Invitations

The invitation cards are your perfect way to communicate what guests should expect from your wedding celebrations. You can print standard wedding cards with notifications to guests on your plans for an Indian theme. If you would like to hint on extravagance, pick jewel coloured invitation card design with lots of embellishments.

Wedding Venue

The standard location for an Indian wedding is a Palace property. Take a look at your options and find one that offers the most space within your budget. Where you can’t find a Palace property, you can talk to a wedding décor company to help put together the perfect Indian scenery. This typically involves plentiful elegantly coloured drapes, chandeliers, pillars, and artificial lighting.

The Priest

Prayers are a strong part of Indian wedding. You need to arrange for an authentic Indian wedding priest or at least find someone that can stand in. The stand-in should be able to do the Ganesh Puja (Prayer to Lord Ganesh) which is vital for the opening of the wedding ceremony. Flowers and sweets are offered alongside prayers by the priest and bride and groom’s parents.

Dressing

The main theme in most Indian weddings is heavily ornamented flowing wedding dresses. You should be able to find designers that can put together something close to the standard fare. You can take inspiration from Bollywood images online but do not go over the top with embellishments. Fabrics that can be used are Batik, Lehriya, Ikat and Bandhini.

Venue Decoration

The fabrics mentioned above can fit in nicely when it comes to venue decorations. A touch of your selected fabrics should be used as table runners, napkins, cushions, around signage and other wedding stationery. Block prints, mirror works and embroidery can be equally be used in the same way. This is a what you will need to do for a standard location for an indian wedding and make sure that the space looks authentic and fabulous.

Table Arrangement

For the table arrangements, try using traditional urlis filled with flowers and diyas. The table settings can include brass crockery and cutlery to give it a more Indian look and feel. Candles with henna designs are a beautiful addition to the decor. Additional elements like peacock feathers, Indian embellishments, colorful bangles etc are also interesting props that can be added. Incorporating Indian motifs, bright Indian colors and Indian prints into your stationery and signage are also a great idea. Think about having Indian motifs and designs on your wedding cake.

Wedding Food

The food is one of the things guests look forward to in an Indian wedding. You should ensure everything is in place to pamper your guests with high quality Indian cuisine. Guests can be adequately catered for by offering a variety of options ranging from very spicy options to non-spicy options like chaat. Indian sweets, (Dal and Mithai) should not be left out.

Music

As already mentioned above, the music is an integral part of the Indian wedding and you therefore need to find the right bands. Book a wedding band that understands Indian music properly and your wedding will truly be one that will be talked about for quite a while!

 

A break from the norm

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Weddings have changed from traditional formats into something where people are looking for unique wedding entertainment ideas to make their wedding stand out and also reflect their own personalities.

If you’re looking for something for your guests to help break the ice at a suitable point during the day, the thrills of a themed Laser shoot certainly won’t disappoint. Versatile enough to operate inside or outside, during the day or at night, Laser Shooting is a fun and completely safe way to make sure your guests have a blast!

Perhaps you like the idea of Laser entertainment, but want something a little less interactive? With a performance that can turn any environment into a fully fledged light show to music.

If you’d like to add some humour during your wedding breakfast, then a comedy waiter will bring some slapstick fun to your meal. Timed to fit between courses, this is a calamitous and hilarious piece of wedding entertainment that will get fantastic feedback from all kinds of events.

How about some ‘undercover singers’ who will provide something a little more discreet to your breakfast… for a little while anyway! Dressed to blend in with the venue staff, these singing wedding music performers will become familiar to your guests as staff waiting at tables before a perfectly timed burst into song, which will both surprise and entertain your guests. Perfect for bringing the West End to your wedding.

The dinner table is not the only opportunity to surprise your guests. Living statues can attend your wedding in a number of themed costumes. They’re perfect for surprising the unwary by suddenly springing to life and a perfect talking point to any part of the day.

 

Play it cool

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So what is a casual or informal wedding and how can you achieve that laid-back feeling on your big day? It’s the new carefree craze among couples, waving goodbye to the formality and pageantry of the traditional wedding, and hello to a more informal and fun-filled celebration.

1. Invitations

There are practical things that you can do to set the right casual tone, and it can stem from the initial invitations that you send out to guests.

A really popular thing to see at the moment is more of is handmade invitations, as opposed to the regular way of printing them. Creating your wedding accessories this way can add that personal touch and it also gives your guests a massive signal straight away as to what kind of wedding they will be attending.

2. Venue & Location

Start to think outside the box when it comes to finding the right wedding venue. Many hotels and manor houses that have been converted to operate almost exclusively as wedding venues will often have set rules and regulations – and other guests to consider. For some this can make things easier, but it can be a bit of a party-pooper if you’re looking for a bit of freedom.

We’re at a time now where couples want to put their own identity and stamp on their wedding. Hotels and such will tend to offer set packages, which again can make things easier, but can also undervalue your personality. Consider more quirky and free spaces such as farms and country houses. If you’re able to hire these kind of spaces exclusively, you won’t have to share it with any guests and your party can finish as late as you want it to!

Lots of space is important for your guests to roam, especially outdoor space in Summer. Be smart about it though! You can utilise this space in all kinds of wonderful ways. One great way to lighten the mood and keep things interesting is to consider different ‘lawn games’ or fun ideas like sack races or a fun game of rounders with your guests! These small touches don’t cost much to set up and are invaluable in encouraging that idyllic childhood atmosphere that is so important to informal weddings.

 

3. Food & Drink

 

Keep things as simple as possible here for that informal feel.

The wedding food you choose and how you present it can be a really important measure of how casual you wish your wedding to be. BBQ’s and buffets are a fantastic choice for those balmy Summer evenings. It’s real, down to earth food that everyone can enjoy without having to be directed towards a proper sit down meal.

Another thing to consider is your seating plan for your meal. Or, lack of seating plan! It can be a scary thing to imagine but try to embrace that sense of community and family by letting people stand and sit where they like. Your guests will appreciate this loose approach to the meal and will feel unshackled and able to enjoy themselves.

4. Music

There are so many ways you can use music and wedding entertainment to augment your casual feel. There are a plethora of musical acts that can provide great entertainment, without intruding on that relaxed feel that you’ve spent the whole day getting right.

Many ‘walkabout’ acts or ‘roaming’ acts are able to perform completely unplugged without the need for a PA or even a stage. This means that they will be able to mix and mingle between your guests, performing personally for groups of family and friends with a real intimate feel.

5. Children’s Entertainment

Keeping the kids entertainment is really important with this style of wedding. If you get it right, it can also add a fun and childlike flavour to your day.

Face painters are great fun to have on days like this, they take up hardly any space and are easily able to add a splash of colour and something a bit different to the wedding. With anything like this, it might be intended for the kids but adults will always end up getting involved too!

6. Photography

Typical staged wedding photographs can often feel too choreographed and have to adhere to certain schedules and timings. What happens if your guests are mid conversation and are getting along like a house on fire, only to be taken out of that moment for photographs.

Alternative ways of capturing everyone’s emotions and key parts of the day are worth bearing in mind here. Photobooths are an incredibly funny way to get guests enjoying in photographs. You will find that with an optional place to pose, props to utilise and fun to be had, guests will be more willing to get involved.

So that’s the lowdown on informal and casual weddings, remember to stay laid back and approach things in a lenient manner. At the end of the day, this vibe that you are creating begins with you – the couple!

 

Just chill!

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Keep calm and marry on! Wave farewell to wedding worries with these six steps. Wedding day nerves may be natural, but that doesn’t make them nice. Planning a wedding certainly hits the nerves, these are the commandments to wed by if you want to keep those niggling thoughts at bay. You’ve got this!

Between friends

For many brides, the moment you walk down the aisle is like marmite – you either love the idea or are filled with nervous dread. All eyes will be on you, but remember that they are those of friends and family. Your guests are all there to wish you well and to celebrate your marriage, and definitely not to be critical. Try to keep this in mind.

And if you’re worried about tripping? Don’t be. You’ve got someone’s arm there for physical support, you’ll be walking slowly, and your dress has already been altered for the perfect fit. You’ve got nothing to worry about.

Forgo formalities

If familiar faces don’t still your nerves, then consider forgoing some of the formalities that might make you unnecessarily anxious. If either of you can’t bear to be the centre of attention, ditch the speeches and receiving line, perhaps even the top table, to relax things. Round tables will be more convivial and prevent you from feeling on show during the wedding breakfast. Your conversation can then flow as freely as the Champagne, without any pressures, and you can stop and say a few words if and when you please.

Sharing is caring

If people don’t know what you’re feeling, they won’t always be able to help, so be sure to tell them. This applies both during the run up and on the day. Are you nervous? Stressed? Excited? Tearful? You’d be surprised how much just saying it out loud will help. When the day comes, remember that you’ll be surrounded by the people that you love the most and who love you in return – we bet they’ll be able to keep you smiling and feeling steady.

Mind over matter

Maintain this mantra for all elements of your wedding, through the wedding planning to the day itself. You can practise mindfulness techniques to keep your head happy and clear. It can be as simple as focussing on taking slow, deep breaths for a few minutes or pausing to acknowledge the things that make you happy each day.

It’s about being aware of each moment and not wrapped up in other worries. Try these techniques at night for better sleep, and, if you’re still struggling to switch off, grab a sleep-nourishing pillow mist to spritz over your cushions just before you turn in.

What wedding?

Yes, you might have a lot to do to put your wedding together, but you absolutely must make time for other things. Plan date nights, dinner with friends, girly nights in or out. Don’t let every minute, conversation or social visit become about your wedding otherwise it will consume you. Make sure exercise is part of your schedule too for a happy and healthy you – yoga will be especially good for clearing your mind and aiding relaxation.

 

Alternative wedding entertainment

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Some wedding guests like to get down and boogie all night long, while others prefer to prop up the bar. Get your guests mingling and having fun with these top ideas for entertaining guests who don’t like dancing.

Fantastic fete ideas

Are you having an English country garden themed wedding? If the weather is nice then how about an outdoor fairground with old-fashioned stalls like a coconut shy, hoopla and swings?

Play ball!

How about a massive volleyball contest with a big soft ball. You could have the bride’s party on one side, the groom’s on the other. Be warned – this could get a little competitive!

Drum roll please

A drum tutorial. Everyone is able to beat the drums in some sort of unison, even if they don’t have any rhythm. This would be especially fun for any children attending your big day.

Line dancing fun

Although some guests are not keen on dancing, it may just be that they lack confidence in their skills on the dance floor or feel that their moves are a little out-dated. In that case, why not get everybody line dancing? It’s not enormously energetic (so good for the oldies), it’s great fun, you don’t need a partner and everybody will feel they are doing it as a group.

Picture perfect

How about a caricature artist? You know, the type of artist you see working on pavement stalls near city tourist attractions. People enjoy watching a caricature coming together; the person being drawn will wonder what it’s eventually going to look like and at the end of the evening they have something to take home with them. Maybe you could offer caricatures instead of wedding favours?

Crazy karaoke!

Although your guests may not like dancing, they may be karaoke fiends! You could set up a separate room with karaoke and watch the fun unfold. Sometimes even the most shy and retiring individual really comes to life behind a karaoke mike!

Spin the wheel

Set up a casino with a roulette wheel and a blackjack table. You can hire casino equipment and it’s a good idea to have somebody in charge of proceedings. Your male guests will enjoy channelling their inner James Bond fantasies and the women can pretend they are Bond girls!

Quiet chit-chat

Don’t forget that many of the guests at your wedding will probably just want to talk. Some people may have not seen each other for ages, particularly if they have flown in from abroad. So to keep them happy you’ll just need to provide a quiet area away from the music (like a chill-out room) where they can gossip to their heart’s content.

Magic moments

Magicians are great for multitasking at weddings. They can mingle with guests at the wedding reception and then entertain the non-dancers when everybody else has hit the floor.

Forget dancing

If you know that the majority of your guests aren’t interested in dancing and you’re not that keen yourself, then why don’t you rethink the time of your wedding? Instead of doing the standard afternoon/evening ceremony reception thing, you could get married in the morning and have a lunch instead. Then dancing won’t even come into the equation.

Anyone for croquet?

If you’re getting married in a country house wedding venue, then check if there is a croquet lawn. A croquet tournament is the perfect way of keeping all ages happy – it’s not particularly energetic but a match will absorb both the participants and spectators.

Snap happy!

Wedding photo booths will appeal to all ages and have the added attraction that they are a good source of wedding photos for you. Grandparents can be snapped with grandchildren, everybody can dress up in silly hats, moustaches and glasses… a photobooth is almost certainly going to be a winner.

 

Keep your guests entertained

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While planning a wedding you should take some special consideration when thinking about the wedding entertainment. We’ve got some great ideas to help you keep your wedding guests entertained…

Want your big day to go out with a bang? A grand finale fireworks display is a surefire way to give your day the star treatment. Cuddle up under a midnight sky to a chorus of guests’ ‘oohs!’ and ‘aaahs!’’

For sultry sounds and an electric atmosphere, nothing beats a live band on the day. Treat your guests to a themed musical bonanza, with Rhythm ‘n’ Blues and old-school Jazz guaranteed to give guests the dancing fever. To pack a real punch, go for an eight-piece band!

Give guests sparklers to write out their names and take pictures, or even better, have guests synchronise the bride and groom’s married name and take a picture for your thank you cards!

There’s something deliciously naughty-but-nice about fairground games when you’re dressed up to the nines! Team with a circus theme wedding and some cotton candy and sit back and watch the smiles spread!

A beautiful twist on the classic firework display, round off the day by lighting up the night’s sky with lanterns to mark a newlywed couple’s lives together. With such a romantic gesture, full of serenity and grace, guests might just steal a midnight kiss under a blanket of stars themselves!

Keep an ace up your sleeve and magic up some after dinner wedding entertainment with a professional magician to keep guests guessing. And if he comes dressed as the Artful Dodger, even better!

While the bridal party is busy with the wedding photographs, strategically placed giant Connect 4 and Jenga games are bound to provide plenty of entertainment while guests wait for the wedding breakfast.

There’s a myth going around that bouncy castles are strictly for the under 12s. Tell that to grown-up guests after a few glasses of the bubbly stuff! An absolute winner with old and young alike, take advantage of a marquee setting and a typical English lawn and invest in one of these little beauties. Perfect for diverting little ones during the speeches. Absolutely essential, though, remember to keep some disposable cameras close by!

Every black-tie Bond-themed wedding deserves a Roulette table to keep guests occupied. For casino cool, invest in a Martini bar and a cocktail waiter (preferably one who looks like Daniel Craig!)

 

Indoors or outdoors weddings?

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With summer here – the preview was obviously the weather last week – many start to ponder whether they should have their wedding indoors or outside at their wedding venue. Of course, if you decide to go with the latter option, you might also decide to theme your big day and with that in mind, we’ve put together a few acts that are perfect for a festival themed wedding.

A capella

A capella is classic with songs ranging from classics through to modern hits. Giving off a summer vibe, you’ll will find all your wedding guests fall in love to the dulcet tones of an A Capella group long after the sun sets.

Face Painting

A superb choice if you have children attending your wedding, this is also a fun idea if you have adults who enjoy letting their hair down every once in awhile! From butterflies to tigers and many other designs, our incredible face painters will be able to paint your face in a matter of minutes. Calling to mind summer days in long grass, we love this idea and it’ll certainly liven up your wedding photos!

Circus wedding entertainment.

If you decide to hire some circus entertainment for your festival wedding then it’s probably best to go with a strolling act because it’s a lot more likely that the majority of your guests will be able to see their show. A circus act like Acro-Jugglers are great fun and will certainly enhance the enjoyment of the day, whilst also providing some spectacular moments for Instagram and Facebook. Other circus options include unicyclists and balloon artists (to name just a few).

Photobooth

If you can give us one good reason why you wouldn’t want to have a photobooth at your wedding then we’d like to hear it! They are easily one of the most popular forms of wedding entertainment that are booked for weddings and the best bit is that they can often be customised to suit you! There are so many different types that there is bound to be a booth that best represents the personality of the bride and groom from Tuk Tuk to Camper Van and many more besides!