Image courtesy of Denisimo Photography

Entertainment has come a long since having to decide between just a band or a DJ. Now there are some more options to consider like having a belly dancer, an Elvis Impersonator, or even a Living Table!

Image courtesy of Josh Lynn Photography

Photo by The Studio Photographers.

Have fun at your wedding and get involved. Don't be afraid to jump on stage and play with the band!

Choose Your Wedding Day Entertainment

The Finishing Touch shares ideas on choosing your Wedding Day Entertainment. "Prince William and Kate Middleton recently announced that they will have two choirs and an orchestra perform at their Wedding ceremony on April 29th," says Candice Benson MBC, president and founder of The Finishing Touch. "The music and entertainment for your wedding plays a major part in how your guests experience your event. Your choices can either make the day traditional or more unique. Have fun when selecting your entertainment and make sure it enhances the feel of your day."

Left Photo courtesy of Abacus Wedding Studios; Right photo courtesy of The Studio Photographers

Have Someone Go Solo:
Having a soloist perform one of our favorite songs during your ceremony always adds a very special touch. The song can be religious like the "Ave Maria" for a traditional Catholic ceremony, or a popular song for a non denominational ceremony. Our bride Tara had her sister sing acapella rendition of "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson at her outdoor reception and it was a very special addition to the day.

Play The Strings:
Hiring a string quartet or even a string duo to play during your ceremony or even your cocktail hour is always a very elegant touch. You can find many local string bands on gigmaster.com.

Spice Up Your Cocktail Hour:
If you are having your wedding down the shore, or even on an island, nothing is more fun than a steel pan band to get your guests warmed up for the reception. Have them play some of your favorite tunes and you will see your guests enjoying the island flavor.

Let The Band Play:
Nothing sets the tone for a magical reception like the sound of a full band. Hire a band that is recommended by your Wedding Planner, or one that is suggested by a family member or friend. Hire a group who can perform everything from the standards to jazz to Motown. A great band like one from Craig Scott Entertainment is sure to have your dance floor packed all night.

The DJ Plays Your Song:
Sometimes you just want to hear your favorite song by your favorite artist. In this case, hiring a DJ will be your best option. Meet with your DJ before your wedding to finalize the playlist of the key songs throughout the event, and feel free to make suggestions as well for the playlist. A good DJ will be willing to play what you want to hear most.

Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds:
A fun twist on wedding entertainment is to have a band and a DJ. They will work together to play at different times throughout the night, and sometimes a drummer or percussionist can accompany the band to enhance the sound.

Watch Them Dance:
As a special surprise for your guests, hire cultural dancers to perform during the reception. The dancers can be belly dancers or even dancers from African or Indian traditions. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that will make your event even more memorable.

About The Finishing Touch:
New Jersey based The Finishing Touch, is a full service Wedding and Special Event planning company specializing in designing, planning and coordinating our clients' most special events. No matter the vision, The Finishing Touch will work to create the day of their dreams. In planning great events it is the details that count, from the perfect location down to the place cards on each table. The Finishing Touch has an eye for those special details and understands that it is what makes the day truly unique. Expert Wedding Consultant Candice Benson MBC is available for interviews to discuss ideas for wedding entertainment.

Party Up Productions transformed Danny and Mia's wedding reception from decadent to breathtaking with their precise lighting and decor techniques. The room had a complete makeover with pipe and draping, while the walls were washed with color changing LED lighting to create a soft and elegant lounge effect. Guest’s danced the night away while enjoying entertainment from Emcee Chris, DJ Jeremy, Percussionist Bopa King, and the other staff members of Party Up Productions. Guests were enthralled by the instant photography provided on plasma televisions that were wrapped around the room. Before anyone realized, the end of the night had come and left nothing but everlasting memories of a wonderful wedding.

Wedding date: November 12, 2010 • New York Wedding Reception: Smithtown Landing Country Club • Photographer: Christopher LaDez • Entertainment: Party Up Productions / Pipe & Draping, Lighting (LED washes and custom GOBO), Plasma televisions, Disc Jockey (Jeremy), Emcee (Christ), and Percussionist (Bopa King Carre).

Danny & Mia's Wedding Video "Teaser"

Mia & Danny 11.12.10 from AJ Ingoglia on Vimeo.