We need a wedding performance!!

vitingo12 · February 2011

Does anyone know of any good ideas for wedding performance/show? We were looking into aerialists or a street band to perform a 15 minute show to surprise our guests. Please help!!!

sgdc2011 · February 2011

Belly Dancing, any of your cultural dances/music such as drums?

I am not a huge fan of these things at weddings, I would rather just dance and have fun IMO

kristen8040 · February 2011

I think that's kind of dumb, if I wanted to see a show I'd go to the circus.

kasabby · February 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_need-wedding-performance?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:7a2adc27-5626-4fce-a1a4-2f60c412d494Post:9a7bef37-a4c5-4ade-a76c-a3e3fac4ee05">Re: We need a wedding performance!!</a>:
[QUOTE]I think that's kind of dumb, if I wanted to see a show I'd go to the circus.
Posted by kristen8040[/QUOTE]

<div>Ha! LOL!</div>

uppereastgirl · February 2011

My first thought is, I would talk to your venue before you get too far ahead of yourself. You may love an idea, but their lawyers and liability insurers may not and you may not be allowed to do it.

My second thought is, well, I agree that if I wanted to see a performance I would go to the circus. Granted, I've only seen not-so-thrilling performances at weddings (bagpipers, for example), but they've always been kind of awkward to watch and too long. At weddings, I like to drink a lot and dance a lot. I think that's a pretty common guest objective. A 15-minute performance would get in the way of that. During the 4-5ish hours that is the reception itself, I will hear several speeches, watch the bride and groom dance and watch them dance with their parents, watch the bride and groom cut the cake, maybe see a bouquet and maybe a garter thrown, and have a 5-course meal. There isn't that much time left to throw in a 15-minute performance and still allow me to dance dance dance dance. And these things always come at a time when I reeeally need a drink and/or reeeeally need to pee. And then I get bored halfway through. It's kind of a cool idea in theory, but I'd think about whether that's really how you want to spend your wedding time (and whether you're picking something that is so incredibly cool that a vast majority of your guests (who presumably have diverse tastes) want to spend 15 minutes watching it). And I think you also want to make sure that it is something elegant enough to be formal wedding-y rather than bat mitzvah/sweet 16-y.

Little Spitfire · February 2011

Wow, uppereast said it better than I would have, but I echo her sentiment. The "performance" part of the wedding is You. Getting. Married. That's what people are there to see. Also, you dancing with your new husband, your family/friends giving speeches, etc. Unless it's a cultural tradition (which it doesn't seem like it is), an extra performance just sounds gimmick-y, which reeks of AW/insecurity, IMO. Sorry to sound harsh, but you'll get honest opinions on the internet.

kristen8040 · February 2011

Damn UE, you're so eloquent.

Giaspo · February 2011

These are all good callouts especially the one about insurance. I have seen "acts" that go over well, but they do need to be done perfectly... a friend had an uber-chic wedding in NYC and hired a group of kids to breakdance, and another friend had steel drums at the cocktain hour of her beach wedding. Maybe you can incorporate entertainment into the entertainment?

kristen8040 · February 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_need-wedding-performance?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:7a2adc27-5626-4fce-a1a4-2f60c412d494Post:de26976c-5f3c-4806-89e3-a430bf604332">Re: We need a wedding performance!!</a>:
[QUOTE]and another friend had steel drums at the cocktain hour of her beach wedding. Maybe you can incorporate entertainment into the entertainment?
Posted by Giaspo[/QUOTE]

<div>See, I think something like that is awesome, because it's an added element to your wedding, but the festivities don't have to stop because of it.</div>

uppereastgirl · February 2011

In Response to <a href="http://northjersey.weddings.com/main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_need-wedding-performance?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:7a2adc27-5626-4fce-a1a4-2f60c412d494Post:04c88efa-6abc-477c-afdb-af34bcec42a5">Re: We need a wedding performance!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Damn UE, you're so eloquent.
Posted by kristen8040[/QUOTE]

<div>"long-winded" or "incapable of getting to the point" is probably more like it :)</div>

TripleJTobe · February 2011

I'll keep it simple: its YOUR DAY- do whatever you want!

felicia220 · February 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_need-wedding-performance?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:7a2adc27-5626-4fce-a1a4-2f60c412d494Post:201f6dfe-4e31-4e08-a78d-a57ed7d3731b">Re: We need a wedding performance!!</a>:
[QUOTE]I'll keep it simple: its YOUR DAY- do whatever you want!
Posted by TripleJTobe[/QUOTE]

<div>I'm sorry but I really hate when people say its YOUR day or MY day. Yes it is their wedding day and they can certain plan what they like, but there is something to be said for being considerate of your guests. I personally would rather have something "cool" that enhances the overall wedding (like someone mentioned steal drums during the cocktail hour) than something that completely stops the wedding. </div><div>
</div><div>
</div>

cutiepie12702 · February 2011

While my initial reaction to hearing someone say this was also the circus thought, I have to stop and ask what nationality this poster is. My FI is Russian and performances are HUGE in Russian culture. I never knew this until we got engaged when his father brought up the idea and my mouth was on the floor thinking that his family was crazy and doesn't understand what a classy event is like. They wanted a live band, performances, aerialists, acrobatics, etc. While I did give in to the live band over a DJ, I did not agree to the dancers or any other performances saying people are coming to a wedding not a circus, my half of the people would think this wedding is a joke. Now the funny thing is, when I talk to any of my friends who are Russian or have been to a Russian wedding (and I'm talking about VERY expensive and lavish formal weddings) they ask if we are having performances!! They completely expect this stuff which really surprised me, and they actually think it is cool and interesting to watch. While this is certainly not the norm for the typical all-American wedding, it is actually very popular in other cultures - so the poster may be used to seeing these types of things at weddings and that is why she is asking for them. While it is not something I want at my wedding, I have to say it's something I am now hoping I have the opportunity to see executed at someone else's wedding someday.

TravelMal3 · February 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_need-wedding-performance?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:7a2adc27-5626-4fce-a1a4-2f60c412d494Post:b9f094d9-fcb3-4490-9292-6352f229c3ef">Re: We need a wedding performance!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: We need a wedding performance!! : I'm sorry but I really hate when people say its YOUR day or MY day. Yes it is their wedding day and they can certain plan what they like, but there is something to be said for being considerate of your guests. I personally would rather have something "cool" that enhances the overall wedding (like someone mentioned steal drums during the cocktail hour) than something that completely stops the wedding.
Posted by felicia220[/QUOTE]

The OP said 15 minutes. As a guest at a wedding, I can provide my attention for 15 minutes without being burdened. I am usually there for the bride and groom and happy to participate in whatever they have planned for the guests, as long as it is not super inconvenient.

I 100% agree -- it is YOUR day, OP. Not everyone on this board will agree with your choices re: entertainment. And you wouldn't agree with everything each of the above brides or brides-to-be have done or will do at their weddings. No way, no how. But I'm sure each bride is in love with her favorite projects, nonetheless.
I think its not right to say this is a terrible idea in every circumstance, at every wedding. We don't know the OP's venue (maybe some of you do; I don't). We don't know the scale of this wedding. We don't know the guests (including their cultural background, as immediately previous poster pointed out). MAYBE this is a terrible idea. BUT I don't think the OP asked anyone IF her idea is a good idea. I think she just asked for suggestions on entertainment.

OP-- As a guest, I would not be offended/bored/inconvenienced by your efforts. IF the performers were spectacular, it would even leave a very lasting impression.

Have fun... do what you want. Sorry -- no suggestions, as I have not looked into similar vendors.

TravelMal3 · February 2011

Wait I do have an idea, which partly addresses some of the concerns of the posters above.

During our cocktail hour only, we are having a talented live percussionist play over top of modern lounge instrumental music playing in the background (think Buddha Bar; Thievery Corporation). But our wedding is not uber-traditional. We are going for trendy/modern/sexy.

In any case... our DJ put us in contact with this artist. And our DJ knows of a cool magician who is on his way to blowing up (think David Blaine; not a kid's birthday party magician). Per our DJ, he really impresses the crowd and it is a nice little way to welcome your guests to a unique and spectacular reception. He doesn't do the performance for a crowd to watch. He walks up to a group of 2-3 or so and just starts mingling with them. I opted not to meet with this artist because we didn't want too much going on. If interested, PM me and I will put you in touch with my DJ, who can set up a meeting for you. Then you can decide whether this would work for you. It wouldn't work for every wedding reception.

gymchick05 · February 2011

I doubt this would be entertaining for15 minutes, maybe 5, but I think it was last year on America's Got Talent they had this guy that did an incredible job of flying an indoor kite to music- it was really very pretty and elegant- I thought this would be really cool for a wedding. Of course u'd need very high celings, but may be an idea. You could even have something like this done around you while you did your 1st dance.

goaliegirl · February 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_need-wedding-performance?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:7a2adc27-5626-4fce-a1a4-2f60c412d494Post:365ab958-84c6-405b-bccc-bf6da4416584">Re: We need a wedding performance!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Wait I do have an idea, which partly addresses some of the concerns of the posters above. During our cocktail hour only , we are having a talented live percussionist play over top of modern lounge instrumental music playing in the background (think Buddha Bar; Thievery Corporation). But our wedding is not uber-traditional. We are going for trendy/modern/sexy. In any case... our DJ put us in contact with this artist. And our DJ knows of a cool magician who is on his way to blowing up (think David Blaine; not a kid's birthday party magician). Per our DJ, he really impresses the crowd and it is a nice little way to welcome your guests to a unique and spectacular reception. He doesn't do the performance for a crowd to watch. He walks up to a group of 2-3 or so and just starts mingling with them. I opted not to meet with this artist because we didn't want too much going on. If interested, PM me and I will put you in touch with my DJ, who can set up a meeting for you. Then you can decide whether this would work for you. It wouldn't work for every wedding reception.
Posted by TravelMal3[/QUOTE]

I would be so annoyed if a magician walked up and bothered me at a wedding. I have no interest and would be more interested in spending time with other people that I know there. If you want to entertain your guests, have a great DJ for the reception and that will be plenty enough. Maybe a small group of some kind to play at the cocktail hour but any other performance would be just too much IMO.

TravelMal3 · February 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_need-wedding-performance?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:7a2adc27-5626-4fce-a1a4-2f60c412d494Post:32880af0-5c5b-4e92-b18d-eba4a225fd24">Re: We need a wedding performance!!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: We need a wedding performance!! : I would be so annoyed if a magician walked up and bothered me at a wedding. I have no interest and would be more interested in spending time with other people that I know there. If you want to entertain your guests, have a great DJ for the reception and that will be plenty enough. Maybe a small group of some kind to play at the cocktail hour but any other performance would be just too much IMO.
Posted by goaliegirl[/QUOTE]

Yep -- got to know and be responsive to your guests! My guests would get a kick out of it and would engage the "magician." Also need to consider the age of your guests when selecting entertainment.

TripleJTobe · February 2011

Here's the thing, it is the bride and grooms day. Plain and simple. I absolutely see where you are coming from, in regards to taking your guests into account. However, that being said, you will never please every single person in your crowd. You simply have to trust that the bride and groom have a good handle on their guests and what they enjoy and know that they are going to make choices based not only what they enjoy, but what they feel their guests will enjoy as well.

TravelMal3 · February 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_need-wedding-performance?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:7a2adc27-5626-4fce-a1a4-2f60c412d494Post:4e6a6beb-f99f-47a6-bb09-63ea39142310">Re: We need a wedding performance!!</a>:
[QUOTE]Here's the thing, it is the bride and grooms day. Plain and simple. I absolutely see where you are coming from, in regards to taking your guests into account. However, that being said, you will never please every single person in your crowd. You simply have to trust that the bride and groom have a good handle on their guests and what they enjoy and know that they are going to make choices based not only what they enjoy, but what they feel their guests will enjoy as well.
Posted by TripleJTobe[/QUOTE]

Couldn't agree more!!!!! The bride and groom already KNOW what [most of] their closest friends and family will and will not enjoy/tolerate/participate in.

goaliegirl · February 2011

The sad thing is many, many Brides and Grooms don't care what their guests will think! They do what they want and don't care. I have been to so many weddings where there was a HUGE gap between the ceremony and reception and the B & G got upset when people didn't show for the ceremony...obviously they didn't stop to think about their guests and how they would feel about that.

And to add...I find it hard to believe that you will know exactly what your guests will enjoy/not enjoy......I have been to many weddings, and I am positive that a majority of those people would not know that I would find a magician at the cocktail hour annoying...it isn't something that I talk about every day! I also would think that entertainment like the OP suggested is annoying and unnecessary, and quite frankly over the top, but I don't think many people would know that unless they asked me!

uppereastgirl · February 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.weddings.com/Sites/Weddings/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_need-wedding-performance?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:7a2adc27-5626-4fce-a1a4-2f60c412d494Post:c0c04dee-4524-47aa-b5e4-12dc25dada2c">Re: We need a wedding performance!!</a>:
[QUOTE]I have been to many weddings, and I am positive that a majority of those people would not know that I would find a magician at the cocktail hour annoying...it isn't something that I talk about every day! I also would think that entertainment like the OP suggested is annoying and unnecessary, and quite frankly over the top, but I don't think many people would know that unless they asked me!
Posted by goaliegirl[/QUOTE]

<div>I totally agree with this. Even at our manageably-sized wedding, there was a huge diversity of people, and I can't say that I knew my husband's father's cousins (for example) well enough to judge whether they loved magic -- nor did my husband know them well enough to judge. Great uncles and friends from work and neighbors and college friends are all completely different crowds -- I don't think that any large group of people is going to universally love or hate any particular act. A magician would work for me but pretty much any other person getting up in my business during cocktail hour would freak me out/annoy me/bore me. </div><div>
</div><div>I think background entertainment -- like a good percussion group or steel drums or pretty much anything else that does not stop everyone's dancing/conversations/eating is absolutely fine, but pretty much anything that you're supposed to stop and watch for 15 minutes is going to be not awesome to some/many people in any given crowd.</div><div>
</div>

chrissykray14 · March 2012

I married into an irish family, as a surprise my sister hired irish dancers to dance 2 songs for us, it was awesome and totally surprised us!

We need a wedding performance!!

Re: We need a wedding performance!!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards