If the thought of a wedding with a predictable playlist, awkward group dances, and the same old reception formula makes you cringe, you’re not alone. Your wedding should be a celebration that reflects you, not a copy-and-paste version of every other big day. If you’re looking for entertainment that’s fresh, fun, and unforgettable, here are some alternative wedding entertainment ideas to keep your guests talking long after the last dance.

Live Music That Feels Like You

Forget the cheesy wedding band or a generic Spotify playlist. Hire a live act that truly represents your taste! Think indie bands, punk rock groups, jazz trios, or an acoustic folk duo. If you and your partner love going to gigs, why not bring that energy to your wedding?

If you have a favourite local band or an act that’s part of your love story, see if they’re available to play. It’ll add a personal touch and make your wedding feel like a mini music festival.

My fave recommendations are Lily Kerbey, an elder emo who covers all manner of rock and pop acoustically, Emelia Rose who is your self-described ‘friendly neighbourhood alternative singer’ and The Hype who are a three-piece rock band covering the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and The Weeknd.

Hands are raised in the air in this black and white photo of a full dancefloor. — by Erin Marton Photo

Silent Disco: The Ultimate Late-Night Party

Perfect for an all-night dance party without annoying the neighbours, hitting venue noise restrictions, and allowing for sensory breaks if anyone needs one. Guests wear wireless headphones and can switch between different music channels, so everyone gets to dance to their favourite tunes. It’s quirky, interactive, and guarantees some hilarious dance moves.

You can check out companies like The Silent Disco Wedding Company or Silent Disco Stars to get the ball rolling.

A white bride in a short feathered dress grins with glitter on her face and headphones. In the background, a group of women in matching purple dresses also wear headphones and are dancing and smiling. — by Paige Vaughn Photo

Tattoo Stations for a Permanent Wedding Memento

Temporary tattoos are fun, but real tattoos? Now that’s next-level cool. If you and your guests are up for it, hire a tattoo artist to set up a station at your reception. Guests can get small, simple designs (like your wedding date, initials, or a shared inside joke) as a lasting memory of the night. My favourite tattoo artists are Katy Howarth (based in Bristol) and Susanne König (Based in Manchester) who both create amazing art whilst being mindful and caring of the people they tattoo.

If real tattoos are too much commitment, opt for custom temporary tattoos featuring your wedding logo, a meaningful phrase, or an illustration of your pet! I can help you with those!

A bearded white males with tattoos down his arm is tattooing a bride in a short whit dress, veil and sunglasses and a tattoo parlour. — by Ashlee C Photography

Drag Performances or Burlesque Shows

If your wedding needs more flair, why not bring in a drag queen or burlesque performer? A lip-sync performance, comedy act, or drag bingo will pump up the crowd and keep the energy levels high. It’s perfect for couples who love a theatrical element and want a reception that feels like a cabaret-style party. You can never be too extra, babes.

A fabulous red-haired drag queen in a white outfit laughs and sprays champagne over a table filled with breakfast goodies. — by NashCo

Circus Acts, Fire Dancers & Aerial Performers

Want to wow your guests the second they walk in? Think fire dancers, stilt walkers, contortionists, or aerial silk performers. These types of performances create a festival-like atmosphere and add an unexpected edge to your celebration. They are especially perfect if you’re getting married somewhere like Circomedia in Bristol or your celebrations are festival-style in a big top tent.

A fire dancer proceeds through a crowd wearing a headdress and carrying flames. In the background, there are tropical plants and people watching, and it is nighttime. — by AK Studio

Karaoke & Lip-Sync Battles for a Crowd-Powered Party

If you have guests who love to perform, why not let them take centre stage? Set up a karaoke station or a lip-sync battle with a prize for the best performance. Bonus points if you and your partner open the show with a duet! This is definitely more of an idea for rowdy crowds and show offs (like me, soz).

Three Asian people, one woman and two men, hold microphones and are giving it their all in a fairy-light-lit marquee. One of the men is down on his knees singing and they're all wearing formal attire. — by Lada Jensen

Games & Activities for the Non-Dancers

Not every guest will want to dance all night, or at all, so having alternative activities keeps everyone engaged. These can also be tailored to folk with additional sensory needs, kids and older guests to make sure everyone feels comfortable and looked after. Some fun ideas include:

Arcade games: Rent classic arcade machines or set up a gaming area.
Photo booths: Use a vintage campervan, a glittery backdrop, or a themed setup that’s meaningful for you two
DIY Craft Stations: Let guests create their own wedding keepsakes, like custom tote bags or personalised vinyl records.
Outdoor movie screenings: Play your favourite cult classics or music videos on a projector.
Bespoke puzzle books that have riddles, quizzes and brainteasers about you two
Board games with classics like Scrabble, Cluedo, Battleship and Connect 4 for different levels of engagement
Garden games like giant chess, hoopla, bowling and a coconut shy. These are very fun in the sun and make for great wedding photos in the action shots!

A black bride and black groom are dressed in beautiful wedding wear and are playing Pac man in an arcade. — by George Liopetas

Final Thoughts

Ditching the traditional wedding entertainment doesn’t mean sacrificing fun but that your celebration actually reflects you. Whether you go for a silent disco, a tattoo station, or a punk-rock band, the best wedding entertainment is the kind that makes you and your guests feel excited to be there, and that they see you two smiling and happy. Forget the rules and create a party that feels authentically yours.