Photography: Miami Beach Photography - Camera Studios (For illustration purposes only)
There are weddings and then there are Weddings! Celebrations with a certain X-factor that elevate your wedding from cookie-cutter to one-of-a-kind. If you've got a bit of spare cash lying around, here are 10 sure-fire ways to up the ante of your big day, and get guests raving about it.
1. Wedding emcee
There's a difference between a professional emcee versus getting friends to make announcements on stage. A good wedding emcee doesn't just act as announcer, he or she will ensure things run smoothly, and knows how to draw energy from your guests, and when to rev up the atmosphere to keep the mood uplifted. More importantly, a professional emcee will ensure the bride and groom are the stars of the show!
2. Roving magician
While the wedding band is on break, how about hiring a roving magician to break the ice among your iciest guests? Nifty card tricks are always well-received and so are the multiplying sponge ball-in-hand moves or ones that involve money! Magic is always a guaranteed show-stealer for both the young and old.
3. Photo booth
While photo booths are de riguer at weddings these days, ones all decked out to your wedding theme will surely have guests talking and posing! To get them in the mood, outfit the booth with a fun backdrop and themed props (wigs, sunglasses and bandanas for a retro party or snorkelling gear and a buoy for a beach wedding) and present them with on-the-spot prints. For social media junkies, they can tag themselves when the photos are released on Facebook.
4. Table ushers
In addition to the lovely bridesmaids helping out at the reception table, you could assign the groomsmen the task of table escort. This luxe touch gives your wedding a nice upscale restaurant vibe.
5. DIY flower station
Here's a fun way of getting your guests involved with the wedding decoration – that's if you trust them! Create a DIY flower station where they can assemble their own corsage, boutonniere and floral centrepieces. Ask your florist to put out some unwanted flowers or extras that didn't make the table settings, and supply colourful ribbons and pins or bottles and baskets. This is a great activity for both women and children.
6. Kiddy corner
If you have lots of nieces and nephews or guests with children, perhaps booking a special childcare room would help the parents enjoy the wedding better. Hire a babysitter (or two) and set them up in a room nearby, stocked with snacks, games and TV with DVD player, and make sure there's sufficient sofas and blankets for those inevitable naps.
7. Surprise dance
Nothing beats a surprise performance for or by the bride and groom. Learn on YouTube or take a few dance lessons before the wedding and learn something high-energy like the salsa, swing or hip-hop. You could even get your father in on the act and get him to do the 'nae-nae' or breakdance during the father-daughter dance!
8. Complimentary transport
If you're hosting a wedding off-the-beaten-track like the beach or in a park, be sure to provide guests with complimentary return transport services like a bus, cab or private car. This way people don't have to worry about driving home drunk which means they can party longer and harder!
9. Mobile bar
Whether your guests are caffeine addicts or cocktail connoisseurs, how about renting a mobile bar with a good-looking barista or mixologist to boot! Ideal for both pre-dinner cocktails or for the after-party, the bar could even conduct wine tastings with an assortment of cheeses.
10. Lounge area
A lounge area is a nice decorative touch that serves to give the elderly a cosy corner to relax and mingle. Alternatively, this could act as the men's-only corner filled with whiskey, cigars and pretty servers! The key is comfort: Fill the space with couches, arm chairs, cushions, and a lamp or two. If it's outdoors, you could transform it into a VIP tent with curtains, carpets and pillows for a Moroccan party-in-the-desert vibe.
With over 5 years of hosting experience, WOW Magic offers wedding emcees, roving magicians and instant-print photo booths to wow your guests.
