Instead of 6-8 hours of entertainment, book your band or DJ for 4-5 peak hours (ceremony end through dancing). Use a playlist on good speakers for cocktail hour and dinner background music. This can cut entertainment costs by 30-40% while ensuring live energy when it matters most—during dancing. Spotify Premium (ad-free) or Apple Music work well for pre-ceremony and dinner music.
Keep guests engaged with interactive elements: photo booths with props, lawn games for outdoor weddings, a s'mores or dessert bar, a polaroid guest book where guests take photos and leave messages, or yard games like cornhole or giant Jenga. These create conversation starters and memorable moments. Many can be DIY'd or rented affordably. Interactive elements work especially well during cocktail hour.
Give your DJ a list of songs you absolutely don't want played (overplayed hits, songs with bad memories, polarizing genres). This is often more useful than a must-play list. Trust their ability to read the room, but protect against mood-killing tracks.
Audio guest books let guests leave voicemail-style messages during the reception. You get genuine, emotional, often hilarious messages you'll treasure forever—way more meaningful than written signatures. Guests also enjoy the novelty and participate more enthusiastically.
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