Best Wedding Entertainment Ideas for UK Weddings (That Guests Will Actually Love!)
- georjiabrent
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
If you’re planning a wedding in 2026 or 2027, here in the Southwest of the UK, here are some of the most popular and memorable wedding entertainment ideas. Including one option that covers both wedding entertainment and your wedding favours!
Live Wedding Illustration (this doubles as a unique wedding favour)
A Live Wedding Illustrator creates live artwork of your guests, right before their eyes! These are hand-drawn and handpainted illustrations of your guests, created on the day, often during the drinks reception or during the Wedding Breakfast. These illustrations are the ultimate personalised wedding favour for your guests to take home and treasure forever. Live painting and illustration is very quickly becoming one of the most sought after and trending wedding entertainment ideas - especially in the UK.
Why couples love it:
Guests are entertained watching the artwork come to life
Each illustration is completely unique and personalised to each guest
Doubles as a meaningful wedding favour & keepsake
No left behind or unused favours at the end of the night
Excellent talking point between guests as they watch the artist work
Perfect for intimate, marquee, manor, barn and countryside weddings
Adds the perfect interactive and luxury touch to the day
Live illustration is an excellent option for weddings across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol and the wider Southwest, where couples often want something relaxed, creative and personal.
2. Photo Booths (A Classic Favourite)
Photo booths remain one of the most searched wedding entertainment options and for good reason. They are interactive, guests have photo to takeaway on the day and guests can use them again and again throughout the night.
Popular modern twists include:
Vogue-style black and white photo booths
Unique set ups i.e converted campervans, light up displays and more
Polaroid guestbook stations (that the couple can treasure after the event!)
Plenty of props to dress up and match the vibe of the wedding
They’re fun and energetic, especially in the evening when guests take a pause from the dance floor!
3. Live Music During the Drinks Reception
Live music creates atmosphere, sets the tone and gets your guests up on their feet. Tailor your Live Music to suit the vibe you want to create and include the songs that have special place in the hearts of those you love.
Some popular choices include:
Acoustic guitarists or singers
Solo singers
String quartets
Roaming saxophonists
5. Magicians & Close-Up Entertainment
Close-up magic is still a popular choice, particularly during:
Drinks receptions
Between wedding breakfast courses
It’s interactive and fun, and it brings guests together (great for weddings where several guests have never met before!). Loved by adults and children alike, a popular wedding entertainment choice for a reason.
6. Garden Games & Outdoor Entertainment
For countryside and Southwest weddings, outdoor entertainment is especially popular on sunny days.
Ideas include:
Giant Jenga or Connect 4
Croquet or pétanque
Personalised quiz or puzzle stations
These work best for relaxed, summer celebrations and pair beautifully with creative entertainment like live illustration.
7. Interactive Guest Experiences
Couples in 2026 & 2027 increasingly want guests to do something — not just watch. This keeps them entertained between timings of the day ( and keeps them happy!)
Popular interactive ideas include:
Audio guestbooks
Polaroid stations
Live illustration or art stations
Facepainting
Personalised craft or creative tables
These experiences feel thoughtful, fun and encourage guests to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Why Couples Are Choosing Alternative Wedding Entertainment
Many couples are moving away from traditional entertainment because wedding favours are often forgotten or left behind (not to mention hard to choose!). Guests love personal experiences and it feels more meaningful than objects.
Is Live Wedding Illustration Right for Your Wedding?
Live illustration is the perfect addition if you:
Want unique, artistic wedding entertainment
Love personalised details
Prefer meaningful wedding favours
Want guests to leave with something they’ll actually love and keep
It’s a beautiful way to entertain your guests while creating lasting memories of your day.
Planning a Wedding in the Southwest UK?
If you’re looking for unique wedding entertainment in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol or the surrounding areas, live wedding illustration could be the perfect fit.
Check my availability via the Contact page or email: artbygeorgiabrent@gmail.com
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