LIVE WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT
“IT LOOKS LIKE REAL ART THAT I GOT TO SEE PAINTED!” (Ashlynn)
“Literally all my guests are obsessed!” (Olivia)
“The guests were FLOORED!” (Molly)
^^actual comments from literally every bride I have worked with.
Creating an unforgettable wedding experience for YOU AND YOUR GUESTS is about so much more than just *the details*…
It’s about using the details, your destination, your aesthetic, your love story, AND your guests to create the most wonderful experience that truly thanks your guests for being part of this momentous celebration.
Does that sound like you? Someone who wants to FREAKING WOW your guests an immersive experience and live wedding entertainment? Give them an experience that will live *rent free* in their minds forever?!
From unique culinary experiences (helloooooo making spaghet in Italy) to live wedding painting (I had to add this one in, obvs), I’ve come up with some very custom and unique wedding entertainment and experiential ideas to elevate your wedding celebration and make it unforgettable.
Stick around until the end for a must-know tip that will transform your wedding event production.
Let’s dive into how to create an unforgettable immersive event — your destination wedding!
Culinary Workshops as Wedding Entertainment
Can you EVEN IMAGINE creating PESTO or CACIO E PEPE in ITALY with ITALIAN CHEFS? Talk about an experiential event and wedding ENTERTAINMENT!
It would be the most amazing experience — and that’s just what hotels like Castello de Vicarello offer their guests. If you’re offering this for your guests? You could probably create your own space or utilize one from your venue.
*THIS IS WHY YOU NEED A WEDDING PLANNER*…
Host a cooking class (my personal favorite idea because I’m not much for mixology) or mixology workshop led by local chefs or bartenders.
**Sidenote– I will say, my husband and I did a Margarita making class on our honeymoon (it was that or tequila tasting to which I respectfully said WHEN PIGS FLY, and it was so much fun!)
It’s a tasty way to entertain and educate your guests, and provide them with an amazing experience related to the destination you’re in.
Because who DOESN’T want pasta in Italy or a margarita in Mexico?
Benefits:
Guests get to enjoy and experience local flavors and learn something new. Plus, it’s a great icebreaker.
Implementation Tips:
Organize these workshops during the welcome event or as a midday activity. Ensure you have all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
Entertain your Guests with Live Wedding Painting
My favorite form of live wedding entertainment…
Imagine this: As you’re enjoying your reception, a talented artist captures a very special magical moment with brushstrokes of watercolor.
Live wedding painting isn’t a trend when you choose an artist who creates art that actually looks like art. It’s a beautiful way to create a timeless piece of art that encapsulates the essence of your day. And guess what? Your guests get to witness the process, turning it into a delightful form of entertainment. It’s an experience they’ll RAVE about for years to come (just ask my brides)!
One couple I worked with had an immersive guest experience and an incredibly beautiful wedding in Nice, France. They now have a stunning piece of art hanging in their living room, and they love looking at it everyday. Trust me, this is a keepsake you’ll cherish forever.
With a slightly abstract Impressionist live painting that captures the love and joy of your story, showcases the beauty of your wedding day, and allows everyone who enters your future home to feel the magic of that moment, you’ll have the ultimate touch that makes your wedding truly unforgettable.
It’s an experience your wedding guests will be absolutely entertained by!
Selecting the Right Artist:
Look for a painter whose style matches your vision. Check out their portfolio and maybe even book a trial session.
It’s like matchmaking, but for art!
Seamless Incorporation:
Place the artist where they can capture the best view without obstructing the event. Think about lighting, backdrop, and space – you want them to be part of the action, not in the way.
Entertain Guests with Interactive Art Exhibits
I saw this recently on Instagram and was OB 👏SESSED👏. And for this, it could go one of two ways.
The first way, is like this!
And I mean, come on! These dresses? This setup? What a COOL immersive experiences for guests to be part of and enjoy!
The other side of this coin is more along the lines of a painterly art exhibit that guests get to be a part of — an interactive piece of art where someone like me (the artist) has created a piece or the outlines of a piece, and guests come and add to it.
My in-laws did this for their 30th wedding anniversary, and this beautiful painting includes footprints of both of my kids, brushstrokes from everyone in the family, and special dates and Bible verses.
It’s fun, engaging, and everyone gets to leave their mark on your special day.
Benefits:
Something SUPER COOL about this idea is that this fosters a sense of community and collaboration among your guests. Plus, you get a unique piece of art as a keepsake (whether it’s actual painted art or a photograph of the immersive experience).
Implementation Tips:
Provide all necessary materials and perhaps a theme to guide your guests. Think about placing this in a central, accessible location to encourage participation.
Immersive Performances for Live Wedding Experiences
Jordan Kahn Orchestra? Freaking amazing. Elan Artists? Kills it. Monocle NYC? One-of-a-kind.
Immerse your guests in the magic of live performances. These companies create custom productions for your event — like Monocle who uses Broadway artists to make the perfect CUSTOM production for your event or wedding.
This could be interactive theater, dance routines, or even roaming performers who mingle and entertain.
If you’re wanting to *give them something to talk about* — then THIS is IT.
Benefits:
These performances create unforgettable moments and add a dynamic element to your wedding.
Practical Tips:
Coordinate with performers to ensure their acts fit seamlessly into your schedule. Ensure there’s enough space for performances and clear communication about their timing.
An Welcome or Farewell Pool Party Experiences
What a great way to LET LOOSE and begin to enjoy yourself? Host your very own pool party — and you can even bring in synchronized swimmers to put on a performance for you and your guests. I’m looking at you Aqualillies!
Benefits:
It’s novel, exciting, and adds a unique touch to your wedding.
Practical Tips:
Source reliable pool equiptment and choose a pool close to your venue (maybe so guests can walk or you have a ferry?). Consider having a helper on hand to guide guests.
Live Music and Dance Lessons (HOW FUN!)
This kinda goes hand in hand with the immersive experiences from above, but it’s a little different. Like Carly had an entire experience for her guests with a custom plaza and pizza, she also had musicians playing to entertain.
Hire local musicians for live music sessions! You could also incorporate dance lessons as a welcome event. Imagine learning to tango in Argentina or hula in Hawaii!
Benefits:
Live music enriches the atmosphere, and dance lessons are a fun way to engage your guests.
Implementation Tips:
Schedule lessons before the reception or as a part of the welcome event. Choose music and dances that reflect the local culture for an authentic touch.
Stargazing Parties or Light Shows
Are you like my husband and I and spent HOURS and HOURS and MORE HOURS looking at the stars together when you were dating? This is a sweet way to bring that part of your story into your immersive wedding celabration.
Organize a light show for guests to enjoy or a stargazing event with telescopes and a guide to explain the constellations. This is perfect for a romantic and awe-inspiring evening. Obviously this would be something you enjoy as a couple.
Another thing Carly did that was SO COOL along with Diana Sorenson of Sugokuii Events, is they puton a custom light show for their guests at the reception. It’s something they will never forget!
Benefits:
It’s a serene and magical experience that guests will remember.
Practical Tips:
Choose a clear night and a location with minimal light pollution. Provide blankets and maybe some hot cocoa to keep guests cozy.
Adventure Excursions as Immersive Experiences
Horseback riding on the beach in California? Hiking the mountains in Vail or Moonlight Basin? Enjoying tea at Dior in Paris? Sailing in Charleston or Martha’s Vineyard?
Plan group activities like hiking, sailing, or guided tours. These adventures are perfect for bonding and exploring the destination.
Like this destination wedding in Tulsa, Oklahoma where the guests toured the Historic Greenwood District.
Benefits:
Shared adventures create lasting memories and deepen connections among guests.
Implementation Tips:
Coordinate with local tour companies, ensure safety, and cater to different fitness levels. Schedule these excursions during downtime between wedding events. And if you have a wedding planner? They’ll help you with all of this.
Personalized Wellness Experiences
Oh, the spa, yoga, or meditation, you say? Your guests will be all over it.
Offer wellness activities such as yoga sessions, spa treatments, or meditation classes. These can provide a relaxing break from the festivities, give YOU a hot second to relax and be present, and give your guests some time to enjoy each other’s company in a very stress-free environment.
And let’s be real, WHO doesn’t love being pampered?
It’s *forever* on my bingo card.
Benefits:
Guests will appreciate the chance to unwind and rejuvenate.
Practical Tips:
Hire certified instructors and set up peaceful spaces. Schedule these activities in the mornings or late afternoons for maximum relaxation.
Live Guest Portrait Painting/Sketching as an Experiential Event
This is now one of my MOST REQUESTED offerings.
Let’s take the live art idea up a notch. Imagine giving your guests a personalized memento of your wedding – a live portrait or sketch! This adds a personal touch and doubles as a fantastic conversation starter.
Literally, every single bride I’ve done this for “MY GUESTS ARE OBSESSED! THEY CAN’T WAIT TO FRAME THIS!”
And I do things a *liiiiiitttle* bit differently because I ensure every guest that wants a painting — GETS A PAINTING. CHYUP.
That’s why I take photos of all the guests and then paint them in order. If they’re not all done? I’ll take them home and finish them, and bring them to your next wedding event or farewell brunch.
Benefits:
Guests will adore taking home a piece of the celebration that’s uniquely theirs. Plus, it’s a great way to keep them entertained during cocktail hour.
Logistics:
Set up a cozy station for the artist. Make sure there’s good lighting and comfortable seating for your guests as they pose.
Creative Features: Have the portraits done during the reception or even as a part of the welcome event. This way, guests have something special right from the start.
Now you know these amazing entertainment ideas, let’s get your immersive event going.
And there you have it—ten fabulous, unique wedding ideas for live entertainment and immersive guest experiences that will make your destination wedding truly unforgettable! Personal touches, unique experiences, and a bit of creativity can turn your wedding into a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that you and your guests will cherish forever.
Remember, this is your moment to dream big and create a wedding that reflects your love story in the most beautiful way possible. So, go ahead and let your imagination run wild. Your dream destination wedding awaits!
Ready to make your destination wedding unforgettable? Let’s stay connected!
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Looking forward to helping you create the wedding of your dreams!
