Planning Wedding Entertainment: When to Book What
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to entertainment.
We at MKP Entertainment know this all too well, having helped thousands of couples create magical wedding celebrations since 1994. The right entertainment at the right moment can truly make your special day unforgettable.
With over three decades of experience across the UK, we’ve crafted this comprehensive wedding entertainment timeline to help you navigate when to book various entertainment options for maximum impact on your big day.
12-18 Months Before: Setting the Entertainment Foundation
The journey to your perfect wedding day begins well in advance. As soon as you’ve secured your venue and date, it’s time to think about your main entertainment options.
We recommend booking your primary entertainment providers at least 12-18 months ahead, especially if you’re planning a wedding during peak season (May-September). This is particularly important for:
- Your evening DJ or live band
- Your primary daytime entertainment (such as our Wedding Magician)
- Any specialty acts you have your heart set on
During our initial consultations with couples, we often hear: “We didn’t realise how quickly talented entertainers get booked!” The truth is, the most sought-after wedding entertainment professionals are often secured more than a year in advance, particularly for Saturday weddings in summer months.
By securing your key entertainment early, you’ll have peace of mind and more time to focus on personalising your selections to match your wedding theme and vision.
6-9 Months Before: Filling Entertainment Gaps
With your primary entertainment locked in, now’s the perfect time to address any potential lulls in your wedding day schedule. We’ve found that many couples overlook the importance of keeping guests engaged during transitional periods.
At MKP Entertainment, we specialise in helping couples identify and fill these gaps with our versatile entertainment options. For instance, our Wedding Magician is brilliantly suited for those in-between moments, such as:
- During post-ceremony photographs
- Throughout the drinks reception
- Between the wedding breakfast and evening reception
These transitional times present wonderful opportunities for our magician David to work his magic, quite literally! With his charismatic approach, he creates an atmosphere of wonder and excitement that keeps guests thoroughly entertained while you’re busy with other aspects of your day.
One of our recent couples shared: “Having David perform during our photo session was brilliant – our guests were completely captivated, and we didn’t have to worry about them getting bored or restless.”
3-6 Months Before: Adding Special Touches
With your wedding date drawing closer, this is the ideal time to consider special entertainment touches that will personalise your celebration.
For many couples we work with, this is when they decide to add elements like our Magic Mirror Photo Booth to capture fun memories throughout the reception. The interactive nature of this entertainment option creates lasting mementos whilst keeping guests engaged and amused.
This is also the perfect time to:
- Finalise your music selections for key moments
- Confirm any personalised routines or performances
- Discuss specific requirements with your entertainers
We always encourage couples to share important information about their guests at this stage. Knowing if you have a significant number of children attending or elderly guests with specific needs helps us tailor our performances appropriately.
4-8 Weeks Before: Final Coordination
The big day is approaching quickly! Now is the time for final coordination with all your entertainment providers.
At MKP Entertainment, we schedule a detailed check-in with our couples during this period to confirm:
- Exact timing of performances
- Special announcements or dedications
- Technical requirements and setup logistics
- Contact details for the day-of coordinator
We find this final consultation invaluable for ensuring a seamless experience. It’s also your opportunity to communicate any last-minute changes or special requests.
Our approach is always flexible and supportive. As David often tells our couples: “Your wedding day is about celebrating your love story – we’re here to enhance that celebration in whatever way works best for you.”
Wedding Day Timeline: Entertainment Flow
Based on our experience with countless weddings across the UK, here’s how entertainment typically flows throughout the day:
Ceremony (30-45 minutes) While we don’t typically perform during the ceremony itself, we can provide subtle background music if desired. The focus here should rightfully be on your vows and the beautiful moment you’re creating together.
Post-Ceremony/Drinks Reception (1-2 hours) This is where our close-up magic truly shines! As your guests mingle with drinks in hand, our Wedding Magician David circulates, performing intimate miracles that create conversation, laughter, and a sense of wonder. This period often involves photographs, and having entertainment keeps everyone engaged.
Wedding Breakfast (2-3 hours) During the meal itself, subtle entertainment works best. We can perform table magic between courses, ensuring that the focus remains on the beautiful food and meaningful conversations. This creates a wonderful rhythm to the meal without overwhelming the experience.
Transition Period (1-2 hours) The time between your wedding breakfast and evening reception is perfect for our tailored entertainment. As day guests relax and evening guests begin to arrive, our magic performances create a welcoming atmosphere and help integrate all your guests.
Evening Reception (4-5 hours) As the celebration continues into the night, our versatile entertainment options come alive. From energetic disco services to interactive photo opportunities with our Magic Mirror Photo Booth, we keep the energy high and the memories flowing.
How to Make Your Wedding Entertainment Truly Magical
After helping countless couples create their dream weddings since 1994, we’ve gathered some valuable insights:
Trust your instincts: Choose entertainment that resonates with you as a couple rather than following trends.
Consider your guests: Think about your audience demographics and select entertainment that will appeal across generations.
Mind the flow: Entertainment should enhance your day’s natural rhythm, not disrupt it.
Communicate clearly: Share your vision, preferences, and any meaningful songs or moments with your entertainment providers.
Our approach at MKP Entertainment has always been to create joyful, cherished memories that reflect your unique love story. When you work with us, you’re not just booking an entertainer – you’re gaining a partner who cares deeply about making your wedding day magical.
We’d love to be part of your special day. Reach out to us at MKP Entertainment to discuss how we can bring that extra spark of magic to your wedding celebration.