One-of-a-kind reception entertainment can be the cherry on top of an already memorable occasion. It’s a surefire way to show appreciation to your guests for celebrating with you—and to create an unforgettable wedding experience they’ll buzz about for years to come.
SAY CHEESE (WITH INTENTION)
A reception experience and a favor in one? Sign us up. Natalie Allsup-Edwards, founder of The Hand-Drawn Photo Booth, takes a moment of inspiration and turns it into a one-of-a-kind keepsake station for events of all kinds.
With Natalie’s vision, The Hand Drawn photo booth delivers both reception entertainment and party favors of the most personalized fashion. From the classic four-pose photo strip to a full-body ‘prom’ portrait, each sitting produces an image capturing memories and artistic flair that add to the day’s guest book as well as the guest’s scrapbook.
There is so much laughter and silliness in our ‘photo booth,’” Allsup-Edwards says. “There is an intimacy to it that you don’t get with traditional photo booths— it’s an interesting and unusual experience to share with your guests.”
MAGIC MOMENTS
While guests are waiting for their meal or standing in a photo line, why not have the entertainment come to them?
Doug Roy is a mentalist who loves to be in the middle of every party. What is a mentalist, you ask? According to Roy, he focuses on “simple tricks of the mind to inspire awe and amazement—no flashy tricks or pulling rabbits out of hats.”
Roy’s brand of entertainment is not your typical staged “magic show,” nor does he aim to take away from the big day. Rather, he acts as an accent, to engage your guests when you can’t—often making for fantastic photo opps.
“Before I approach guests, they are often on their phones or in their own worlds, not chatting with the people around them,” Roy shares. “After I leave, everyone is always discussing. It’s a catalyst for social engagement, and I love creating a dynamic where guests are all interacting with each other.”
For his grand exit at the end of the evening, Roy performs a special reading for the couple, often highlighting their love story, most romantic moments and compatibility. Now that’s wedding-day magic!
BRING IN THE BAND
Utah is home to some of the most talented event entertainers around. More specifically, band agency Utah Live Bands represents more than 50 high-level bands and entertainment groups who add a touch of luxury and musical energy to any wedding, rehearsal dinner or shower.
“We are very well connected,” says owner Michael Tobian. “We are an organization run by musicians, so we know how music and crowds work. We know the theory and can speak intelligently on it. We put bands together that will make you forever celebrities in the memories of your wedding guests.”
Whether your event calls for an elegant ceremony quartet, a crooning cocktail combo or the ever-popular reception party band, Utah Live Bands represents the highest level of talent in Utah and beyond, and they have the know-how to get your guests in that celebratory mood. Tobian’s advice for a successful party? Trust your entertainers.
“The more flexibility you can give the band, the better,” he says. “Of course we want to know your preferences and favorite songs, but I highly recommend clients give the band the wiggle room to read the crowd, create medleys and mashups and let the music flow.”
Making your event as seamless as possible is also high on the priority list. Planners love a simple timeline, and a company like Utah Live Bands is a top choice simply because alongside providing top-notch entertainment, they also have the capabilities to set up stages, audiovisual and lighting for the perfect performance.
Get more musical inspiration here.
