Wedding Entertainment in the UK
Wedding entertainment extends far beyond music and dancing, encompassing everything that keeps your guests engaged, surprised, and delighted throughout the celebration. From the drinks reception through to the end of the evening, thoughtful entertainment ensures there is never a dull moment and gives guests experiences they will remember long after the day.
The UK wedding entertainment industry offers an extraordinary range of options to suit every style and budget. Whether you want sophisticated close-up magic during cocktails, lawn games for an outdoor celebration, spectacular fireworks for a grand finale, or something completely unique and unexpected, there are professionals who specialise in creating unforgettable wedding moments.
Find Wedding Entertainment by Location
Browse wedding entertainment in popular UK locations:
How to Choose Wedding Entertainment
Think about the flow of your day and identify moments where entertainment would enhance the experience. Drinks receptions benefit from interactive entertainment like magicians or caricaturists. Evening gaps between dinner and dancing suit casino tables or games. Late evening might call for a dramatic fireworks display or sparkler send-off.
Consider your guests and what they would enjoy. A mix of ages and interests might benefit from variety, while a specific crowd might appreciate entertainment tailored to their tastes.
Research entertainers whose style matches your wedding. Watch videos of performances and read reviews from previous wedding clients. Wedding entertainment requires professionalism, reliability, and the ability to engage with guests appropriately.
Discuss logistics with your venue. Some entertainment has specific requirements—fireworks need space and permissions, circus performers need ceiling height, outdoor games need suitable ground. Ensure your plans are feasible before booking.
Get recommendations from your venue, planner, or other suppliers. They often know which entertainers work well and deliver consistently.
Popular Types of Wedding Entertainment
Close-Up Magicians
Intimate magic performed tableside or during mingling, creating astonishment and conversation.
Caricaturists
Artists creating fun, personalised portraits of guests as unique keepsakes.
Lawn Games
Giant Jenga, croquet, garden games, and outdoor activities for relaxed celebrations.
Fireworks & Pyrotechnics
Spectacular displays creating memorable finales and stunning photo opportunities.
Casino & Games Tables
Fun casino nights with roulette, blackjack, and poker for guest entertainment.
Performers & Acts
Fire performers, circus acts, dancers, and speciality performers for unique entertainment.
Costs & Budgeting (UK)
Wedding entertainment costs vary enormously depending on the type of entertainment and duration. Close-up magicians typically charge £300 to £600 for a few hours. Caricaturists range from £250 to £500. Fireworks displays start around £500 and can reach several thousand for elaborate shows.
Consider entertainment as part of your overall guest experience budget. One well-chosen, high-quality entertainment option often has more impact than multiple cheaper alternatives.
Some entertainment can double as wedding favours or gifts—caricature drawings for guests to take home, for example, or personalised items created by craftspeople.
FAQs
When during the wedding should entertainment take place?
Drinks receptions and gaps between dinner courses are ideal for roaming entertainment like magicians. Games work well for afternoon celebrations. Fireworks suit late evening as a spectacular finale.
Do we need to feed wedding entertainers?
It is courteous to offer meals to entertainers working through mealtimes. Many include this requirement in their contracts. Check when booking.
Can we have fireworks at any venue?
Venues need to permit fireworks and may have restrictions on timing and display size. Always check with your venue first and ensure your fireworks company has appropriate insurance and licenses.