Entertainment ideas for a winter wedding

From light-up letters and photobooths to festival stages and after-parties, wedding entertainment is now a full-blown showstopping production.

As well as music from DJs, bands and soloists, couples are booking choreographers for their first dance, singing waiters, magicians, fun casinos and caricaturists to keep their guests happy. 

Christopher Bowley, company director of Kent based entertainment, DJ and music company, Classic Country Weddings says: “A disco still remains one of the great forms of entertainment for weddings, however a live band can bring a real sense of fun. A mix of the two works also works well as many bands do a two hour set and then you require a disco to fill the evening.

"With a winter weddings, remember that it will get darker earlier and may well be cold, wet or even snowy outside. Unlike summer weddings, where your guests are likely to spend time outside, sipping bubbly and enjoying the sun, in winter your guests are likely to be inside seeking the warmth. With that in mind, consider indoor entertainment like a table magician or photobooth, especially if you are choosing a venue to accommodate the entire day from service through to the evening.

"Fireworks can provide a fun spectacle or finale to enjoy with your guests, however be mindful that as it gets colder it’s not so much fun to be stood outside for long, especially for the elderly. Fire pits and lanterns add a sense of warmth and romance.

"Weddings are a joyous time already but add the Christmas festivities into the mix and you are onto a good combination. I have seen Christmas venues dressed with Christmas trees and festive décor and I have even helped out with a certain appearance of the big bearded man himself, delivering presents to the bridesmaids and kids, and who knew he could lead the party in the Macarena before heading off on his reindeer.

"Snow is magical, but is usually in short supply not withstanding this last year. I have two snow machines which were used at a recent winter wedding. We installed one machine outside to greet the guests on their arrival to the evening reception as the wedding breakfast was in a different building. The other machine was fitted over the dancefloor so that during the first dance it would gently snow down on the happy couple providing a stunning wow factor."

Sister harpist duo, Adel and Karina Wilson, based in Kent, formed 2 Of Harps after finding their passion when playing the Clarsach - a lever harp.

"It's important for couples to find the right entertainment for their winter wedding. As the only harp duo in the UK who sing, perform with the flute, Scottish fiddle and piano, we offer something completely different.

"Winter is such a magical time for weddings. During the festive season, couples can personalise their music playlists with popular Christmas songs and Carols. Uplifting songs and cheery Carols on the harps around a blazing fire or during a drinks reception can help create a warm atmosphere and draw people together.

"Live music is a must for your winter wedding, not just for the ceremony but also during the wedding breakfast. Other popular trends include live music for the first dance, choosing the song together as a couple whether an acoustic cover or sung.

"Our harps are very versatile and the music we offer ranges from pop, rock, jazz, traditional and classical.”