Wedding Entertainment

Your wedding reception is booked and food menus are finalised, apart from your speeches and first dance what else will you do to add that special touch to your night? You want to entertain your guests with something spectacular, really give them that wow factor that so many other weddings lack. Apart from the obvious choice of a live band it can be difficult to brainstorm fun and unique activities or entertainment which is why we have compiled a range of ideas to have your special night imprinted in the memories of your guests for life.

Firstly you should ask yourself a few key questions:

1. What is your budget?
2. What type of atmosphere are you trying to create?
3. Is there something you and your partner enjoy, its a great idea to choose entertainment that represent your personalities or perhaps culture.


Photobooth - Everyone loves to dress up and have their photo taken right? This is a brilliant way to add some fun to the evening whilst giving you a keepsake of all the photos taken. Tip: there are a range of different photobooths out there we love the companies who provide a photoalbum on the night where two copies of the image is printed one for your guest to keep and the other is pasted in the album for your guest to leave a nice message.

Comedian - A stand up comedian will surely remove the seriousness from the evening and add a little fun and laughter. Tip: preview you comedian first to ensure they are appropriate for the occasion and appealing to your guests.

Fireworks - Indoor or outdoor end your night with a bang. This one is defiantly one for those with a bigger budget. Tip: If you are having outdoor fireworks be sure to gain council approval.

Living Statues - Surprise your guests as that fascinating sculpture in the corner jumps to life.

Caricaturist - Have an artist mingle with your guests and capture their inner cartoon selves on a one off portrait that they can keep forever.

A Look-a-like - How fun to have a martini with James Bond or having a dance with Michael Jackson, an impersonator will provide for some fun photos and a few surprises.

Candy Buffet - There are some gorgeous jars available to hire and you can fill them with candies, chocolates and gourmet treats for your guests to help themselves to. Why not go all out and have a chocolate fountain with marshmallows and fruits to dip, we guarantee there will be a line up.

Dancers - Belly, salsa, burlesque or hula dancers, fire jugglers, Hakka performers whatever you choose dancers will create a vibrant atmosphere with entertaining routines and magnificent costumes and colour.

Creative 'Save the Date' Ideas

There are so many fun and unique ways to create a memorable 'save the date' to notify your guests of your big day. It should be something that represents you as a couple whether it be done in a vintage setting to represent personal taste or on a sports field to show a hobby or profession the more personal and creative the better! In order to help get your creative juices flowing we have compiled some of our favourite ideas found on the internet, enjoy!  

Please note: These photographs have been compiled from numerous sources including Facebook posts and other web pages. These photographs are not the property of The Wedding Guru's. If you would like any information on contacting the owner of a particular photograph we would be happy to assist.

UGG Boot Wedding Collection

Yes that's right, it's not a misprint. The fabulous Aussie's and creators of the UGG Boot have done the unthinkable - yep, they've created a bridal UGG collection.

         

Check out this fun picture from the NY Daily News was taken by Clarke Walker Studios and shows the bride wearing a pair of the bridal UGGs while the bridal party wear traditional ones.

You can read the full article at:

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/fashion/australian-footwear-company-uggs-unveils-line-brides-article-1.1084348

It's called the 'UGG I Do Wedding Collection' and consists of:

The 'Bailey Bling I Do' Boot (RRP: $225)

The 'Sparkles I Do' Boot (RRP: $190)

The 'Fluff Flip Flop I Do' Slipper (RRP: $80)

After a long day of standing, photos and saying your hello's to every guest how fantastically comfy would it be to throw off those stinging stilettos and wack on a pair of these at the reception?

We absolutely love them, but then again we love anything original and new (especially when it's shoes!). We would love to hear what you think so please give us your thoughts.

If you are interested in purchasing a pair of these gorgeous things you can find them at
UGG Australia:

http://www.uggaustralia.com/i-do-wedding-shoe-collection/the-i-do-collection,default,sc.html?icid=ft_wedding

The Wedding Gurus

xxx

Hens Night Game - "Clink & Drink"

This game helps break the ice at the beginning of your party whilst helping your guests to identify the relationship each person has to the bride and groom.

Ensure all guests have full glasses of champagne (or soft drink). Announce that if you fall into the catagory of the groups that are about to be called out you are to "clink" the glass of the others within that group and "drink". Here are a list of group catagories to get you started:

• "Clink and Drink" if you are from the family of the bride
• "Clink and Drink" if you are from the family of the groom
• "Clink and Drink" if you went to school with the bride
• "Clink and Drink" if you work with the bride
• "Clink and Drink" if you have known the bride for over 10yrs
• "Clink and Drink" if you are in the bridal party

You could make the game more interactive where you could say "Clink and Drink" if you have an embarrasing story about the bride, then the group members who have clinked are then to each give a 1 minute run down of the embarrasing story.

Enjoy!

The Wedding Gurus xx


Find more fun hens night games here!

Honeymoon Destination of the Month - Fiji

The Wedding Gurus take you on a journey to

FIJI

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Take a moment to imagine: (yes close your eyes) A pristine white beach with sand between your toes, warm sea breezes brushing your cheek and whispering through the palm trees; a heavenly fragrance of tropical flowers floating through the air; the distant sounds of drums and melody; sweet tasting cocktails enjoyed on your swaying hammock and all whilst watching a breathtaking sunset on the horizon.

Yes, Fijioffers the height of romance and is the perfect destination for your honeymoon.

About Fiji:

Fijiis a tropical archipelago made up of over 333 magnificent islands located in the South Pacific. The islands are surrounded by stunning turquoise sea, with the mainlands fringed with long white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. The Wedding Gurus recommend staying along the coast of Denerau Island where there are 13 hotels all boasting a 4-5star rating. The benefit to you is that many of them allow you to use each others facilities offering an endless array of restaurants, bars, shopping, pools, spas + much much more. Given the main town of Nadi, while great for shopping (mainly carved woods and jewelry) has little to offer by means of hospitality. On Denerau you have all you need in one place and of course if you love time alone you have the option of staying on your own private island. For me personally, I love adventure and there are day trips departing every day to the islands from the mainland where you can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, sun bathing + much more. 

Destination: Fiji

Capital: Suva

Location: South Pacific

Distance from Australia: Approx 4 hours

Average Temperature:  Tropical 31°

Recommended Length of Stay: 1 week

Recommended Hotel: Westin Denerau Resort and Spa, or for those interested in staying on a private island then Tokoriki Island Resort (Mamanuca Island Group).

  

My Top 8 must do’s in Fiji:

1.Snorkle or Dive – There is a wealth of dive sites offered where you can enjoy the underwater world of colourful coral and fish. If diving is a little out of your comfort zone then enjoy a relaxing snorkel or jump in a glass bottom boat allowing you to view the magic of the reefs whilst keeping dry.  

2. ZipFiji (Flying Fox) – Take a Cable Ride through the canopies of the Pacific Coasts rainforest enjoying the stunning views of the flower and fauna on this unique experience.

3. Cruise – Enjoy a romantic cruise aboard a charter or private yacht, discover the islands secluded coves and limestone caves and navigate the culture and lush beauty of what the islands have to offer.  

4. Parasail – You and your partner can parasail of the coast of Denarau Island enjoying exclusive breathtaking birds-eye views of Fiji’s magical land and glittering pacific ocean. The photo is of me and my Fiancee enjoying the thrilling experience on our Trip to Fiji 2009.

  

5. Island Day Trip – Cruise to one of the may beautiful island and enjoy a day of relaxation and fun. Many of the tours offer lunch, entertainment, snorkelling, kayaking + much more.

 

6. Relax and be pampered after a days adventure with a traditional massage at one of the beautiful day spas.

 

7. Enjoy an authentic Fijian cultural show with dancing, fire displays, singing and other fascinating rituals and traditions. I was particularly caught up in the moment as you can see in the picture, I found the Fijians to be warm, welcoming and super friendly people who take pride in their culture and beliefs.

8. There is nothing like sitting back to relax on a hammock, as a newly wedded couple, cocktail in hand taking in the tranquillity of a beautiful sunset and warm tropical breeze. If nothing else Fiji is worth visiting just to bask in this moment, and personally is my most cherished memory of Fiji.

Happy Travelling!

Yasmin  - The Wedding Guru’s

Some more of the 'different' and bizarre

 

Yes, we confess.......we just love the 'out there' and interesting lengths that some couples go to to have the wedding of their dreams. They may not be our dreams, but they entertain us none-the-less.

We've put together a few more of our favourite photos sourced from various locations on the internet that are sure to bring a smile to your face and you never know, if you're a shrek fan, perhaps some great wedding ideas!

 

The Wedding Gurus

xxx

Honeymoon Top Tips

1. Plan the trip a couple of days after the wedding to ensure you have time to relax, the last thing you want is the stress of racing off on another long and tiring day.

2. Remember the Honeymoon marks the start of your lives together, it is about love, romance and relaxation in letting those previous months of wedding planning mayhem melt away. Be sure you both agree on your honeymoon location; don’t make your partner feel like they are being dragged along on your dream trip. Instead compromise where possible, ask yourselves key questions – what are your likes, dislikes, hobbies and preferences and what destination will satisfy these wants/needs for the both of you.

3. Do your own research on the internet as well as speaking to your local travel agent who can provide you with firsthand information on the possibilities you may consider for this special and well deserved time together.

4. Once you have chosen a destination you must consider carefully the following factors:
* Time of year best travelled according to weather, high/low tourist season.
* Your budget: ways in which you can stretch you dollar further is by taking advantage of discounted travel options, low season accommodations, earlybird fares, budget airlines, enquiring and comparing which hotels offer better honeymoon inclusions ie: free breakfasts, room upgrades, champagne, massages, fruit platters etc. Keep in mind most hotels will request to see proof of marriage (due to the scammers in the world who pretend to be newlyweds) so make sure you take a photocopy of your marriage certificate
* If you are travelling overseas ensure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of your return. Also research necessary visas, vaccinations, insurance etc. you can find this information and more on smarttraveller.com.

5. Book well ahead, not only to take advantage of earlybird specials but to avoid the stress of not being able to find suitable flights or accommodation because you left it all to the last minute.

6. Don’t plan a busy stressful itinerary (unless you are both that way inclined) this time is meant to be leisurely, peaceful and romantic. Pre organise candle lit dinners under the stars, relaxing massages and boat cruises at sunset. Keep it simple and memorable, you have the rest of your lives together to embark upon highly active or fast paced travel adventures in the future.

Along with these general honeymoon tips, there are many destination specific top tips also, browse our alread posted destinations or for an answer to a specific question please drop me a comment!

Happy Travels

Yasmin