Fine & Performing Arts Meet Wedding Parties

The knots have been tied, friends invited, and families united, and now it's party time. But this isn't the wedding reception party that our parents or grandparents remember. In this ultramodern time, anything goes for creating a memorable event ranging from circus performers to caricature artists and bandstands. Sit down reception dinners are out and artisan food bars are in. Guests don't just mingle, they engage with painters, romp in a bouncy castle for adults, and enjoy circus artistry. It's Cirque Soleil meets an art gallery. And if the budget doesn't allow for the circus high wire acts, caricature artists and big funk bands, one can still host a memorable reception with an artistic flare. The Budget According to Wedding Planner, Crystal Wright of Wright up the Aisle, "Weddings have become very experience based. The entertainment budget used to just include music aspects of a wedding. Today it has a very large subcategory. It could start as low as 12 percent and increase up to 20 percent. Because this includes music, performing experiences, cuisine (30 percent-plus) and photo opportunities (10 to 15 percent), it can vary based on an overall wedding budget." As far as hiring a band, "What is included in the band or musicians fee can vary greatly based on where you make your purchase, but generally, the fee covers the performance, and you may see smaller additional charges for things such as travel, amplification, portage, and/or custom song arrangements," explained Cassandra Stern, booking agent of Bright Set Entertainment. For wedding parties choosing to hire a painter to commemorate the reception, the fees are in the thousands said Studio Artists, Carol Lake of New England Wedding Painter. "Wedding painting fees generally range from $2,000 to $6,000 and up depending on size and complexity. Travel costs are in addition if the wedding is over three hours away from my studio. I travel worldwide."A Big Splash Versus Quiet Intimate A wedding reception is touted as the party of all parties. Depending on the personality style and budget for bride and groom, hosting an intimate reception with a string quartet wafting in the background while guests mingle at a cheese and wine bar or explore other food themes. Or, for the more extravagant hosts, circus performers and caricature artists add color to the memorable event as does live chefs. And for some, the standby of the DJ or funk band offering groovy rhythms to dance the night away is still possible. However, before hiring a big band set up, Stern mentions considerations for the wedding party. "Outside of the budget, which is a large consideration, some other logistical elements to think about include whether or not the venue has the space for live music; whether they have proper access to electricity since larger bands tend to need their own circuit to prevent electrical issues. And whether or not the town or city that's hosting their event has any noise ordinances to be aware of. It's also great to consider what kind of music the guests of the event might like and which band can properly perform those requests."Wright mentioned curated tasting sessions, creative and artistic immersion experiences with sketch and portrait artists and live action chefs for the bigger budget weddings."For statement moments, we often recommend performances that surprise and engage guests: aerialists, cultural dancers, champagne skirt performers, or roaming entertainers who interact directly with guests during cocktail hour. These elements work best when thoughtfully timed so they feel integrated into the celebration rather than staged interruptions."And for the less extravagant budget, Wright recommends, "Simple, interactive elements often leave the strongest impression. Lawn games, trivia, scavenger hunts, or table games encourage mingling across guest groups and keep energy flowing during quieter moments of the evening. These experiences are highly engaging while remaining extremely budget-friendly. Hiring student musicians or local performers is another wonderful option. Solo acoustic artists or small ensembles often provide an elevated ambiance at a much lower investment while still delivering a live entertainment experience." Wedding Themes Provide Lasting MemoriesWith a myriad of entertainment and artistic choices, it's best to stick with an overall theme such as superheroes or modern minimalism or vintage glamour or other trending themes. Create a memorable evening that reads like a cohesive story; where the fine art, musical entertainment and catered cuisine fit the personality of the wedding party and guests.It's still possible to create a memorable wedding event on a tighter budget by enlisting friends and colleagues in the fine and performing arts. Or for more vibrant events, hiring local circus performers or a tarot reader for a more intimate reception.Say goodbye to traditions and sentimental practices of past eras. Go with whimsy and authenticity in creating a memorable party.