Yorkshire has some of the most varied wedding venues in the country: country-house hotels in the Dales, converted barns, city-centre hotels in Leeds and York, coastal venues near Scarborough and Whitby, and plenty of welcoming function rooms and golf clubs. Whatever the setting, a good wedding day has a rhythm, and the right entertainment helps carry your guests from the ceremony to the last dance.
Here are ideas for each stage of the day, based on what we see working at weddings across Yorkshire.
The ceremony
Live music during the ceremony adds a personal touch that recorded tracks can't match. Options include:
- A solo vocalist for the entrance, signing of the register and exit. Many of our female vocalists and male vocalists perform ceremony sets.
- An acoustic duo such as Becky & Josh, who can play gentle versions of modern songs for the register signing.
If you are marrying at a register office or civil venue, check whether there are any restrictions on music with religious content.
The drinks reception
This is when guests mingle, photos are taken and the couple is often away from the party for a while. Entertainment here should fill the gap without demanding attention.
- Acoustic sets keep the mood relaxed and let people chat.
- Garden games such as giant Jenga or crazy golf keep guests entertained, particularly children.
- Close-up magic works well while people stand in small groups. Ask us about speciality performers like The Magic Guy.
The wedding breakfast
The meal can feel long, especially for guests who don't know many people. A little entertainment helps.
- Singing waiters are one of the most popular surprises we book. The Singing Waiters pose as staff, then burst into song part-way through the meal. The reaction from guests is half the fun.
- Background vocalists can perform soft swing and ballads between courses.
Do let your venue know if you've booked a surprise act, so their staff are in on it.
Speeches and the first dance
Between the meal and the evening, the room is often turned around. That's a useful time for the evening act to set up. For the first dance, many singers and bands will learn a special song if you ask in advance. Give them as much notice as possible.
The evening party
This is the main event for entertainment. The big choice is usually between a live band and a solo singer, or a combination of both. We've written a separate guide on choosing between a wedding singer and a band.
- Function bands such as Fresh Grooves or The Pedal Tones cover everything from Motown and soul to modern pop and are built for packed dance floors.
- Vocal entertainers are a great option for smaller rooms or tighter budgets, and many combine live singing with a DJ set.
- Tribute acts add a theme. ABBA and Motown shows are perennial wedding favourites because they appeal to every generation.
Late-night extras
- A magic mirror photo booth such as our Magic Mirror Hire gives guests something to do away from the dance floor and leaves you with a stack of photos.
- Casino tables from Casino Hire add a sophisticated touch for themed weddings.
- A themed act like the 1920s Gatsby Dreamgirls suits art-deco or vintage weddings.
Yorkshire-specific tips
- Rural venues in the Dales and Moors can be some distance from main roads, so allow travel time for acts and confirm access for vans.
- Barns and marquees may have limited power. Check that there are suitable sockets or a generator for a band.
- Historic buildings often have sound limiters. Make sure your act knows the limit.
- Summer Saturdays in Yorkshire book up fast. For a Saturday wedding between May and September, start looking for entertainment as soon as you have the venue confirmed.
Budgeting for wedding entertainment
Entertainment costs vary with the act, the day of the week, the season and how far the act travels. A few ways to make your budget go further:
- Consider a Friday or Sunday wedding, or a date outside the peak summer months.
- Choose a versatile act who can cover the drinks reception and the evening.
- Pick local performers where possible to reduce travel costs.
- Prioritise. One great evening act usually matters more than several smaller extras.
We quote each wedding individually and can suggest options at different levels.
When to book
For peak-season Saturdays, many couples book their evening entertainment soon after the venue. Popular singers and bands can be booked a year or more ahead. Ceremony musicians and extras such as photo booths can often be arranged a little later, but don't leave it too late.
Working with your venue coordinator
Your venue coordinator is your best ally. Share your entertainment plans early, ask about restrictions and send them the act's requirements. On the day, they'll make sure the act knows where to unload, where to set up and when to start.
Putting it together
A simple plan for many Yorkshire weddings looks like this:
- Vocalist or duo for the ceremony and drinks reception
- A surprise act during the meal
- A band or vocal entertainer for the evening, with a DJ set to finish
- A photo booth or games for guests who aren't dancing
You don't need all of these. One well-chosen act in the evening is often enough. The key is to think about how your guests will feel at each stage of the day.
Explore our wedding singers, wedding entertainment in Yorkshire or party bands, or send us your date and venue for suggestions.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
