Wedding drinks reception
entertainment ideas

Setting the mood and tempo

Firstly consider how you want your drinks reception to 'feel'? You've just finished the more formal wedding ceremony and so the usual option is to liven things up a bit. Do you want the mood to stay elegant and a bit formal or do you want to really hit the gas? Do you want a theme to the music? Do you want guests to know the music being played or will it be totally in the background? Do you want vocals or do you want the music to be instrumental?

Most couples opt for the middle ground and raise the tempo slightly but without going for the all out party feel of the evening reception. This is probably a good idea or everyone will be shattered by the time your main party band or DJ get going later on at your evening reception!

If the weather's good, then it's a popular choice to have a jazz band play outside your wedding venue. Many couples opt to have the same string quartet, pianist or harpist who performed during the wedding ceremony carry on into the drinks reception which is also a great idea if they only played briefly earlier.

If you want to try 'something a bit different' and you hope to have good weather think about steel bands, salsa bands or even mariachi bands.

Jazz bands - the popular choice

There are many styles of jazz music but the most popluar choice for a wedding drinks reception is either a traditonal dixieland style jazz band which can be unamplified and performed by 'wandering musicians' or else a popular swing jazz band playing songs from Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and new artists such as Jamie Cullum and Michael Buble.
Jazz Bands for your Wedding Drinks Reception

• Straight No Chaser 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Suffolk
  From £270+ for your drinks reception
  
  Straight No Chaser is a highly skilled jazz duo who will add sophistication and a great atmosphere to your event playing carefully selected jazz standards and popular songs. Variety of line ups to chose from duo to quintet to suit your event perfectly.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Straight No Chaser's profile >
• The Quartones 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Staffordshire
  From £720 + for your drinks reception
  
  The Quartones are a professional 4 piece band brimming with a wealth of music and performance experience. With music ranging from smooth jazz to funky tunes, the young and energetic Quartones can tailor a set to suit any event!
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View The Quartones's profile >
• All That Jazz 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in South Yorkshire
  From £600+ for your drinks reception
  
  EXCLUSIVE TO ALIVE NETWORK - All That Jazz is a versatile collection of the country's finest young Jazz musicians. They are available in a range of ensemble formats, including duo, trio, quartet and quintet, with male & female musicians.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View All That Jazz's profile >
• Jim McAllister 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in West Midlands
  From £550 + with backing tracks for your drinks reception
  
  'The Voice of Sinatra'; it's incredible how like Sinatra Jim really sounds! From parties & weddings to corporates & shows Jim’s star performance will leave you breathless. Video Online! New for 2011: the best of Michael Buble.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Jim McAllister's profile >
• Russell Shaun 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Lancashire
  From £480+ for your drinks reception
  
  Amazing Jazz & Swing singer! Recreating the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, Russell will bring style and sophistication to any event! Available as a solo artist or with a full band. 2-9 piece band available Michael Buble tribute available
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Russell Shaun's profile >
• Zoe Polanski 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in London
  From £1240 + for your drinks reception
  
  Zoe wrote the 90's hit 'Sunshine on a Rainy Day'. She now performs beautiful arrangements of popular jazz standards in a duo format, her sexy, sultry voice complimented by gifted pianist Joe Johnson. Bring some celebrity chic to your party!
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Zoe Polanski's profile >
• The Swing Smiths 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in London
  From £1860 + for your drinks reception
  
  The Swing Smiths are a sensational function band performing a huge range of hits from the Big Band, Rat Pack, Jive, Swing, Soul & Motown eras. This 9-piece band has female vocals and is also available in a 3 to 7 piece line-up. Great fun for all events!
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View The Swing Smiths's profile >
• Gabrielle Ghray 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in London
  From £396 + for your drinks reception
  
  Gabrielle Ghray is a superb sultry Jazz singer, available in duo with a pianist or guitarist, in trio and in quartet. She performs traditional jazz, bossa nova & French songs making her versatile and great for any elegant event.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Gabrielle Ghray's profile >
• Rob Stringer Trio 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Merseyside
  From £540+ for your drinks reception
  
  The Rob Stringer Trio are a ultra-hip, swinging combo from the buzzing North-West jazz scene, who create a unique new twist on jazz standards and classic pop tunes alike.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Rob Stringer Trio's profile >
• Sin Compas 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Birmingham
  From £554 + for your drinks reception
  
  A glorious combination of gypsy hotclub, flamenco, jazz and contemporary classical influences underpin this superb ensemble, built around a core of two guitarists. An exciting, sensuous sound described rightly by The Times as "Stylish - very stylish".
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Sin Compas's profile >
• The Wize-Guys 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Nottinghamshire
  From £1200to £1680+ for your drinks reception
  
  The Wize-Guys present a format of all-male supercool jazz and swing, spiced with some late 20th Century Kitsch classics and a few surprises thrown in. Many sizes of bands available, varied setlist from pop to jazz classics.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View The Wize-Guys's profile >
• Oscar Bernhardt Ensemble 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Manchester
  From £1080+ for your drinks reception
  
  This versatile and talented five piece Jazz band cover a large repertoire of Jazz standards, Latin, Blues and Jump Jive. With their high energy and stylish covers, this group is perfect for private parties, weddings and corporate dinners.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Oscar Bernhardt Ensemble's profile >
• Sophie Garner Band 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Northamptonshire
  From £480 (Solo) up to £1320 (6 Piece Band) for your drinks reception
  
  Sophie is a supremely talented vocalist who has a great deal of experience performing rhythm 'n' blues, jazz & swing. Catering for many events & age groups, her songs include Ain't Misbehavin' & Georgia. She appears with a duo through to 6 piece band.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Sophie Garner Band's profile >
• Jazz Moods Trio 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Hertfordshire
  From £720 + for your drinks reception
  
  Jazz Moods Trio (or Quartet) are a selection of the finest musicians working the jazz circuit today. They are an instrumental group performing from a huge repertoire of superb music from composers like Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart, Cole Porter and more.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Jazz Moods Trio's profile >
• Johnny Fingers Trio 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Gloucestershire
  From £660+ for your drinks reception
  
  A dinner jazz trio of fantastic players to compliment the atmosphere of any occasion. This act have a classy, relaxed & stylish jazz sound just perfect for either formal or laid back functions. Top class sessionists may replace the drummer or bassist.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Johnny Fingers Trio's profile >
• The Hot Jazz Trio 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Dorset
  From £840 + for your drinks reception
  
  Infectious rhythms & a vibrant blend of Gypsy Swing, Funky Latin & Jazz Standards all played on an all-acoustic line-up of two guitars and double bass. The Hot Jazz Trio are a suitable additional for any event.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View The Hot Jazz Trio's profile >
• The Swinging Little Big Band 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Kent
  From £1440+ for your drinks reception
  
  The Swinging Little Big Band is a charismatic, energetic Rat Pack style swing band with a modern twist. They can perform the Sinatra favourites alongside their own Vegas-style renditions of contemporary tunes. Perfect for after dinner entertainment.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View The Swinging Little Big Band's profile >
• Jazz With A Twist 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in London
  From £360 + for your drinks reception
  
  Stylish & sophisticated female Jazz singer available in duo with a pianist or guitarist, in trio, quartet or more. Performing retro swing and Latin hits from the 1940s - 1960s, Jazz with a Twist bring a touch of class to any event!
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Jazz With A Twist's profile >
• Silk Street Hot Seven 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in London
  From £560 for Trio, from £1200 for 7 piece for your drinks reception
  
  Silk Street Hot Seven are an all male, authentic New Orleans Jazz band performing from a 7 piece down to a 2-piece band, containing top young, up and coming performers; great for any event. Video Online! - Christmas songs also available!
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Silk Street Hot Seven's profile >
• Tracey Stewart-Fry 
  Jazz Bands
  Based in Kent
  From £480+ for your drinks reception
  
  Tracey's captivating vocals and stylish delivery are perfectly suited to the classic songs of the jazz and swing era. Tracey can provide either mellow background music or scorching uptempo jazz for a night of dancing.
  
  Listen to a sample
  
  View Tracey Stewart-Fry's profile >

Breaking the ice - the key to an amazing wedding

So you've got wedding guests who've either never met before, or who were on their very best behaviour last time they did. Then you've got your mates who, lets face it, they'll be happy downing the champers until the meal. In these awkward situations it's really important to put people at ease, bring everyone together and break the ice.

Luckily Alive Network has the perfect solution with our excellent Mix and Mingle entertainers. A close up magician or a caricaturist are both really good ice breakers as they bring your guests together, give them something to chat and laugh about, and they help to make the drinks reception feel fun. They will work the floor to ensure everyone is included and each finished caricature make a for an excellent wedding favor.

Also perfect for creating a talking point, why not hire a couple of professional celebrity look alikes to arrive and jazz up your guest list. You can even have a private bet between yourselves as to which guest will be most gulable and ask for an autograph first!

If you've got children in attendence then consider a professional childrens entertainer to keep them occupied. Their parents will certainly thank you for it!

If you really feel someone else really needs to take charge of things, a Toast Master is the perfect solution to keep things running to schedule and ensure everyone is where they should be.
Ice breakers for your wedding drinks reception

• Alex Lodge 
  Magicians
  Based in Hampshire
  From £420 +
  
  Europes Leading Comedy Magician Illusionist Alex has won awards including 1st place for ‘The Most Entertaining Magic Act.’ The Stage Newspaper quotes ‘Alex Lodge is one of the most popular comedy magician & illusionist on circuit today.’
  
  View Alex Lodge's profile >
• Marilyn Monroe (Suzie Kennedy) 
  Look a likes
  Based in London
  From £480+
  
  London based Suzie is one of the UK’s top Marilyn Monroe look-alikes. Suzie has been all over the world impersonating the Hollywood sex symbol and never fails to turn heads and attract media attention wherever she goes.
  
  View Marilyn Monroe (Suzie Kennedy)'s profile >
• Mark Reeve 
  Caricaturists
  Based in London
  From £330+ (for 2 hours)
  
  Mark Reeve is a caricaturist with some very high profile credentials to is name - having worked on ITV's 'Headcases', 'Spitting Image' and worked for the Mail on Sunday, Mark is a truly talented artist. He is the perfect finishing touch to your day!
  
  View Mark Reeve's profile >
• Doug Segal 
  Magicians
  Based in Suffolk
  From £576+
  
  Doug Segal is a mind-reader who has sold out London theatres & performed live on BBC One. Entertaining & mind-blowing bespoke after dinner entertainment with either his 5 STAR stage show or mingling with the crowd, performing close up mind-games!
  
  View Doug Segal's profile >
• The Untamed Edna Experience 
  Look a likes
  Based in London
  From £480 +
  
  Simon Whitehouse provides you with an incredible look-alike/sound-alike tribute to Dame Edna for any occasion. Available for compering, mix & mingle or wedding speeches.
  
  View The Untamed Edna Experience's profile >
• Johnny Depp Captain Jack Sparrow Lookalike 
  Look a likes
  Based in London
  From £480+
  
  One of the most authentic and convincing Johnny Depp/Captain Jack lookalikes you'll find. Always entertaining, professional, charming and funny and available for any event!
  
  View Johnny Depp Captain Jack Sparrow Lookalike's profile >
• Mathew Knight 
  Magicians
  Based in Nottinghamshire
  From £336 +
  
  Specialising in contemporary magic, Mathew Knight is a highly rated, professional & unique performer. Available for any occasion, Mathew can entertain guests with close-up magic, mix & mingle & table magic packages.
  
  View Mathew Knight's profile >
• Michael Jackson (Mikki Jay) 
  Look a likes
  Based in Merseyside
  From £900+
  
  The ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Artist! Mikki Jay portrays an amazing Michael Jackson Tribute, not only looking like but also sounding AND dancing exactly like him! Whatever your event, 100% LIVE Mikki Jay is guaranteed to be a Thriller!
  
  View Michael Jackson (Mikki Jay)'s profile >
• Adam Keisner 
  Magicians
  Based in London
  From £360 +
  
  Adam Keisner is an award winning close up magician who captures and directs his audience’s attention leaving them surprised and baffled but always entertained.
  
  View Adam Keisner's profile >
• Manuel (Charles Haslett) 
  Look a likes
  Based in Bournemouth
  From £600 +
  
  Acknowledged by Andrew Sachs (the original Manuel) as the best impersonator of the character.
  
  View Manuel (Charles Haslett)'s profile >
• Simon Alexander 
  Magicians
  Based in Berkshire
  From £420+ (For 2 hours' performance)
  
  Simon Alexander is an award-winning Inner Magic Circle Magician performing both close-up and stage magic for corporate events & private celebrations in London and the south east.
  
  View Simon Alexander's profile >
• Darren Kidby 
  Magicians
  Based in Lincolnshire
  From £420+
  
  Darren Kidby has been entertaining audiences over the past 20 years from private parties to military balls, banquets & weddings! His intimate style & sense of humour have made him one of the most entertaining & experienced close-up magicians in the UK
  
  View Darren Kidby's profile >
• HRH Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Richard)  
  Look a likes
  Based in London
  From £840
  
  London based Elizabeth has nearly done everything when she has been out as the Queen lookalike, she has appeared in pop videos, knighted headmasters at school and even gate crashed a wedding. Elizabeth is a real asset to any event.
  
  View HRH Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Richard) 's profile >
• Louis Cyphre 
  Magicians
  Based in West Yorkshire
  From £360 +
  
  UK Premier Close-up Magical Entertainer. If you seek a rich luxurious magical experience then look no further. Louis’s skills are in demand from many of the best venues and events throughout the UK. Stunning modern magic delivered with style and panache!
  
  View Louis Cyphre's profile >
• Simon Si  
  Magicians
  Based in Avon
  From £300 +
  
  Simon Si is a specialist of the micro-illusion performance. Coin tricks are Simon's speciality and his ability to marvel with a range of other close up magic acts will have you wondering for days.
  
  View Simon Si 's profile >
• The Psychic Entertainer 
  Magicians
  Based in Leeds
  From £420 +
  
  Have your audience gasp in amazement as their thoughts are predicted, cutlery bends in their hands & passions are revealed within the lines of their palm! The Psychic Entertainer is the ultimate in creating unique & compelling enterainment!
  
  View The Psychic Entertainer's profile >
• Darryl Rose 
  Magicians
  Based in Hertfordshire
  From £600 +
  
  Having received a standing ovation performing along side Bobby Davro on a Sunday Night at the world famous London Palladium, Darryl’s unique creativity and style of sophisticated magic with his hint of comedy is fresh, fun and entertaining.
  
  View Darryl Rose's profile >
• Joe Stone 
  Magicians
  Based in Staffordshire
  From £360 +
  
  Joe Stone is a professional close up magician and sleight of hand artist based in Staffordshire. Joe uses his distinctive skills to entertain and astonish and will provide you and your guests with an unforgettable experience!
  
  View Joe Stone's profile >
• Bernie 
  Magicians
  Based in Derbyshire
  From £360+
  
  Be prepared to be stunned! Bernie is one of the UK's top close up magic performers. This modern form of mix and mingle entertainment will create strong, lasting memories for you and your guests. Although discreet in nature and has an enormous impact.
  
  View Bernie's profile >
• David Lancaster 
  Magicians
  Based in Lancaster
  From £360 +
  
  Having David at your event is the ideal way to surprise your guests. David can entertain your guests with a cabaret-style performance or mix with your guests, performing close up magic to small groups. Highly recommended!
  
  View David Lancaster's profile >

Remember, we're here to make your wedding amazing. What ever you want, ask us and we'll do everything we can to make it happen!

Popular drinks reception entertainment