“Nominate two people to leave your table and swap places with other banished guests.”
Um… so this isn’t your average wedding meal. Of all the wedding traditions I’ve heard, banishing guests from their comfortable seats isn’t familiar… but it’s really, really funny.
Likewise asking guests to rearrange themselves in alphabetical order – but silently.
Or nominating one person per table as the ‘queen’ of that table, and assigning relevant duties and crowns / tiaras for the rest of the evening.
These are all alternative wedding entertainment ideas I’ve come across in the last few weeks – and most are via lovely UK wedding photographer Hannah Hall. Hannah’s a member of English Wedding (which makes me very proud and a little bit fan-girly)… and her wedding photography blog is a source of fabulous wedding inspiration!
Hannah’s shared some favourite ideas for alternative wedding entertainment on her blog, and I wanted to share her tips (and pics!) with you lovely lot! So here’s an inspiring wedding photography collection of bouncy castles, roaming brass bands – a hot trend for 2023 weddings! – basketball, pass the parcel, magicians, wedding illustrators, welly wanging, surprise sax players, beer pong and wedding pinatas for your Friday. Enjoy!
Alternative wedding entertainment inspiration!
1. Wedding pass the parcel! Get creative and set forfeits for your guests… dress them up, send them on secret missions… guaranteed to liven up any ‘wedding lull’ after the meal and before the evening guests arrive!
2. Welly wanging. A bit of a wedding tradition down in Somerset… and I used to know a wedding photographer who was a welly wanging champion, by the way.
3. Surprise sax players! Liven up the room with the best entertainment you can find and afford!
4. Wedding magicians can be amazing – you really do have to do your research and pick a good one, so don’t rush to book, and always try to check them out at a wedding show before you do!
5. Bouncy castles… if your wedding isn’t the perfect opportunity, then what is? (Also – loving how this one is temporarily child-free so the bridesmaids can go crazy!)
6. Roaming bands – a blast, literally! This is a roaming brass band, but there are loads of roaming wedding bands around (especially for festival-style weddings) – they play and walk, so you can have musical accompaniment as you walk from the church to the venue, or between ‘events’ on your wedding day.
7. Wedding garden games – and get creative with basketball, tug of war, and anything you can think of to go alongside the classic wedding jenga!
8. The wedding illustrator. Aaron Jones is fast becoming a legend in wedding circles and will create a work of art for you and your guests on your wedding day.
9. Wedding day pinatas, just because! (This could be an epic finale after a game of Mrs & Mrs / Mr & Mrs / Mr & Mr / Mx & Mx…)
10. If beer pong has been a key theme in your relationship, consider a wedding tournament! It’s a perfect rainy day wedding activity!
… winner.
Also on Hannah’s wedding entertainment blog:
- an inflatable grand national
- wedding pumpkin carving
- inflatable dinosaurs
- tug of war
- silent disco
Lake District wedding photographer Hannah Hall is a member of English Wedding, available throughout the UK
Web: https://hannahhallphotography.co.uk
A blast of colour, a generous sprinkling of pure joy, and the cutest couple – this wedding is EVERYTHING! Gorgeous couple Sonya & Batsirai were married at The Gardens, Yalding and chose the exceptionally talented Hannah Hall Photography to capture their day.
Some fab reviews and heartfelt words of advice from the happy pair below, plus supplier recommendations for couples tying the knot in Kent. Enjoy!
Wedding photographer’s website
Hannah Hall https://hannahhallphotography.co.uk
Wedding photographer review
Hannah is great! We chose her because her photography style really brought out the joy and excitement of the day. She captured moments that we may not have seen behind the scenes and also brought back memories of special moments in her quirky style.
Your best moment or memory
The whole day was prefect – even the weather! It was warm and sunny for October and started raining the day after our wedding! If we had to choose, the Chinese door games and ceremony were my favourite part. The western ceremony was outdoors, making the most of the warm sun. It was a surreal, unique moment for us to be surrounded by our friends and family all in one place. Definitely a moment to remember.
Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)
The Chinese door games is a tradition that puts the bridesmaids against the groom and groomsmen. The idea is that they hide the bride so that the groom, with help from his men, has to face challenges to get to her. Thus proving his devotion.
Venue name + review
The Gardens Yalding. If you’re looking for a venue that’s beautiful, relaxed with a large outdoor space and a rustic vibe – this is the place! Staff were friendly and helpful and put our mind at ease on the day. The food here was also lovely! https://www.thegardens.co.uk/
Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!
Our outfits they were quite understated and they just fit well with the autumn theme and look of our venue.
Dress or suit shop name + review
Bride’s Chinese dress – Toni Bridal: Staff was friendly and helpful. Unfortunately I didn’t find my white dress here but I did find the Chinese dress to suit me here!
Bride’s western dress – David’s Bridal. A large selection of dresses to suit different budgets. It can get pretty busy here so personal one-to-ones is more limited. However I was able to find ‘the one’ here!
Groom’s suit – Hawes and Curtis: Fast and catered to our needs!
Florist name + review
Anthologie Florist – Ellie was super helpful and knowledgable. I don’t know a lot about the types of flowers and what goes well with my theme, but she helped stick to my budgets, find solutions and put our minds at ease. The final results was beautiful and incredible! https://www.anthologiefloristry.co.uk/
Cake maker name + review
We had a friend and 1 of my bridesmaid to help with the cakes!
Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?
Welcome sign, table decorations, seating plan, placecards, Polaroid table, card box all DIYd!
Props and hire items
Bay Wedding Props – We hired a decorative arch for our outdoor ceremony and it was beautiful! It went well with the gazebo that was already there along with the outdoor garden. https://bayweddingprops.co.uk/
First dance song? Playlist recommendations?
The few things – JP Saxe, Charlotte Lawrence
Hair + makeup name + review
Alex hair and makeup artist – Alex was my hair stylist. She was very friendly, approachable and opened to feedback to ensure I was happy with my hair style. It didn’t take her long to do my hair and she did a fabulous job on the day! https://www.alexhairandmakeup.com/ Jamie Lee makeup and brows – Jamie Lee was my makeup artist. She has a relaxed vibe and very easy to talk to. I went for a natural, soft look as I don’t usually wear too much makeup. She nailed it pretty quickly and I felt super comfortable all day! https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-beauty-hair-make-up/kent/jamie-lee-make-up-artist_51468.htm
It’s not often we say you “need” anything for your wedding! We’re a bit different like that at English Wedding. Your wedding should be YOU – and no other rules apply. Say your ‘I dos’ privately on top of a mountain, or in your living room, or have a massive ‘do’ with everyone you know. You do you.
However (you knew there was a but coming, didn’t you?) if you’re having a few people at your wedding, and you’re thinking about photos and specifically group shots – you will be needing these group photo hacks to make it nice and easy!
Because group shots can be long, and they can be stressful! But with our tips borrowed from Group Photos 101 by Hannah Hall Photography, they’ll be a doddle. In fact, we’re willing to bet they’ll be the most delightful doddle of your day!
All images in this blog post are by Lake District and UK wedding photographer Hannah Hall Photography
Group shots don’t have to be formal – they can be playful
When you think ‘group shots’ do you feel excited? Nah… but that’s only because you’ve been looking at the wrong ones. Formal wedding group shots can be a bore (unless that’s your thing! Sorry – you crack on!) but modern wedding photography makes them a little more fun.
Old school wedding group shots had everyone stood together, eyes to the camera, squeezed in and two people at the back hiding behind other people’s heads.
That one formal group shot can still be a thing – and it’s actually nice to have – but your smaller groups can be a little more relaxed and fun.
Wedding group shots aren’t just for you!
We know it’s your wedding. But even if you don’t want group shots for yourselves, think about any family who might treasure a classic group shot. We reckon there are a few much-loved grannies out there who’ve already made a space on the mantelpiece… so it’s a nice thing to get that big group shot for the folks who’d love a copy.
For loads of families – I know mine is one of these – it’s only at weddings and funerals that everyone gets to catch up. So smaller groups can be a really special thing too.
If you have elderly relatives or others who can’t make it to the wedding day for mobility or accessibility reasons, a group shot can be the sweetest gift to say ‘we missed you’.
Hannah’s mission: To give you great photos, while you have a great time, spending as little time with me as possible, with as little direction as possible, while making sure you definitely have pictures of the most important people.
Time it right!
Plan your group photos – not too early, and definitely not too late!
Hannah suggests after your ceremony you leave a little time for confetti, a breather (time to relax and let go of all those nerves), and a drink. Once you’ve done all that, it will be a great time for your group photos.
Stray aunties
A crucial hack is to plan how you’ll keep an eye on any stray aunties or anyone else who might wander off when it’s group shots time!
You can ask your celebrant to mention group shots at the end of your ceremony – or you can say something yourselves if you’re happy to! Perhaps, “we’ll need everyone on the lawn at quarter past two for photos – please stay around with us until then!”
There’ll be a responsible person in every group – both sides of the family, uni friends, workmates, and so on. Put them in charge of keeping everyone together until the group shots!
Also: have a timeline, keep an eye on the smokers, and have watchers! If Dad is keeping an eye on the path to the bar, he can remind thirsty guests to stick around for pics! Even better – a bath of beer on ice will keep your guests together for a while.
Prepare for your group photos!
Here are our top tips (as always, inspired by Hannah!) to help you prepare for the group photos bit at your wedding!
- Pre warn people (so your favourite uncle knows he’s meant to be there for the ‘close family’ photo
- Assign gatherers. Responsible relatives and people who know who’s who are great for gathering up groups
- Agree a list with your parents. 1) to avoid great aunties dictating who should be in the groups and 2) so you don’t miss anyone from an important photo for your folks
- Think your walls / their walls. Will you want a group photo for your wall? Who would you both want in it? Ask yourselves the same question, from your parents’ point of view.
- If any guests have mobility issues make sure your photographer’s aware, so they can choose a good location that’s easily accessible
- Give your photographer a list of names well in advance – it makes calling people for group shots much easier!
Group shot suggestions if you really don’t know where to start (adapt this for your situation)
- EVERYONE
- You two + Person A’s parents
- You two + Person A’s immediate/extended family
- You two + Person B’s parents
- You two + Person B’s immediate/extended family
- You two + grandparents/great grandparents/anyone else elderly + important
- You two + wedding party
- You two + that friend who lives in New Zealand that you’ve not seen for 15 years and might not see again for a while
Extra group shots
If a photo with all your uni mates is super important, but you don’t want it too formal, consider getting this later in the day.
You should still pre warn your photographer, but maybe set aside half an hour for some informal pics in the late afternoon or early evening with more relaxed groups!
… and lastly, don’t forget your dogs! If your dog is a precious member of your family they can join in any of the group shots or have their own special one with you!
The most important group photo hack of all
Talk to your wedding photographer. Plan it all with them, ask about any worries you have, listen to their advice. These guys are experts at this, and they’ll help you make your group photos a breeze as well as beautiful!
Lake District wedding photographer Hannah Hall is a member of English Wedding, available throughout the UK
Web: https://hannahhallphotography.co.uk
The most amazing late summer wedding for Sophie and AJ in Oxfordshire. They’re such a gorgeous couple, and their day combines stunning styling touches with pops of vibrant colour. Joyful vibes, fabulous florals and an incredible cake… all captured beautifully by Hannah Hall Photography. This wedding is the perfect start to our blogging week and we hope you love it too!
Wedding photographer’s website
We chose Lake District-based wedding photographer Hannah Hall Photography
Wedding photographer review
Hannah was fantastic, from our first meeting with her she helped and guided us, with her wedding expertise. Hannah answered all my silly questions too. On the day she was so helpful, making sure we got all the pictures we needed and that the day ran smoothly! The photos are everything we hoped for, fun and full of love!
Your best moment or memory
The confetti for me, I just thought omg we Did it!
Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)
We snuck off with Hannah and had a hand fasting ceremony performed. It was so special, under a big tree with the wind blowing like crazy.
Videographer name + review
Patrick Taylor / Taylor Made Videography
Venue name + review
The great Barn, Aynho. Gorgeous venue In the countryside. Helpful staff on the planning stage but on the day we felt a little let down, with a new wedding coordinator who had no clue what we wanted. I would recommend, but ask for the same person throughout.
Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!
Bride wore Lillian west dress, forever sole shoes and carat London sustainable diamond jewellery. Groom wore – Mark Darcy and his grandfathers pocket watch.
Dress or suit shop name + review
Silver six pence in Towcester. Those girls are geniuses! They helped me find a dress so quickly with zero stress. Highly recommend.
Florist name + review
Annie Johnson, grooms sister.
Cake maker name + review
Cakes by kit. Everything we ever hoped for. A beautiful 4 tier dream cake with pink and gold accents covered in fresh flowers.
Stationery maker’s name + review
Handmade by Bride and groom.
Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?
We made a Homemade archway and homemade giant photo frame with pictures of us as babies.
Wedding readings?
We read our own vows and both siblings did a reading. They both tweaked them to be personal, they were perfect.
First dance song? Playlist recommendations?
Brand new, by you me at six. We went old school with the playlist lots of songs everyone knew, to get them dancing! Think blink 182, teenage dirtbag. Signature moments DJs are legends!
Hair + makeup name + review
Natalie Marie wood. Natalie was brilliant, made me and my bridesmaids look and feel fantastic!
Vibrant colour, a gloriously fun and joyful aesthetic, and a wedding which went by in a blur of laughter and love! Today we’re beaming with happy Friday-ness as we share gorgeous couple Sophie & Kris’s Hothorpe wedding, with images by the fabulous Hannah Hall Photography.
Wedding photographer’s website
Hannah Hall Photography https://hannahhallphotography.co.uk/
Wedding photographer review
Hannah was absolutely incredible! Not only was she an epic photographer that delivered the most gorgeous shots, she was a lifeline navigating pandemic planning and was so helpful on the day helping us make the most of every little moment.
Your best moment or memory
Honestly the whole day was just a blur of laughter and love! I do have a soft spot for our ring exchange, when we discovered Kris’s ring was actually a bit too small and I had to force it on in front of everyone
Venue name + review
Hothorpe hall woodlands We were so happy to find our dream venue at the woodlands. Finding an outdoor, woodland ceremony space that also had a proper bar and kitchens and toilets (!!!) was just perfect for us, it meant we managed to have a DIY aesthetic without actually having to do any of the logistical work!
Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!
My dress was a beautiful long sleeved beaded number from Eliza Jane Howell. I bought my dress during lockdown so I actually only managed to try on one and thankfully it was perfect! It was definitely an odd experience trying on my wedding dress for the first time in my bedroom on my own! Kris tried on so many more suits in every colour available and landed on a nice neutral sandy colour which made the bright Liberty accessories pop.
Dress or suit shop name + review
Dress was a sample via still white, a perfect opportunity to own my dream dress in budget!
Cake maker name + review
I was very lucky that my best friend and maid of honour is an incredible baker and she made our cake and all our evening goodies for us
Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?
We DIY’d as much as possible, I designed all of our stationery myself and roped in bridesmaids for everything from bunting stringing to place card making
First dance song? Playlist recommendations?
Our first dance was Kiss Me by six pence none the richer and we had an indie disco DJ that played all the throwbacks from our teenage years
Hair + makeup name + review
I was again very very lucky to have very talented hair stylist and makeup artist friends who did absolutely everything for me!
Lake District wedding photographer Hannah Hall is a member of English Wedding, available throughout the UK
Web: https://hannahhallphotography.co.uk
