Category Archives: wedding reception entertainment

How a Wedding Entertainment Company Can Transform Your Reception

June 5, 2025chicago wedding entertainment, ways to entertain wedding guests, wedding dj entertainment chicago il, wedding entertainers, wedding entertainment ideas, wedding entertainment options, wedding reception entertainment, wedding reception entertainment tipswedding entertainment companyMike Urban

When you imagine your perfect wedding day, you probably picture joy, laughter, music, and moments that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. A truly memorable reception isn’t just about food and decor. It is also about creating an experience that is enjoyable and memorable. That’s where a wedding entertainment company comes in. A professional team can bring your dream to life with expert coordination, vibrant music, dazzling lighting, and interactive elements that keep your guests smiling from start to finish.

What Is a Wedding Entertainment Company?

A wedding entertainment company does more than just play music. It’s a full-service provider that helps create a fun and unforgettable atmosphere for your big day. From skilled DJs who read the crowd to photo booths that capture candid moments, and from mood-setting lighting to elegant audio setups for your ceremony, the right team can handle it all. They take the stress off your shoulders and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Why Hire a Wedding Entertainment Company?

There are a few great reasons to work with a wedding entertainment company:

Experience and Professionalism

At An Enchanted Evening, our team of professional DJs and event experts has years of experience in creating high-energy, well-organized events. We handle 300–400 weddings a year, which means we’ve seen it all and know how to make your night incredible.

One Team, Many Services

Being a full-service production company, we also offer a full array of available services including, but not limited to, photo booth rental, room décor, ceremony audio, video montage creation, name-in-lights, and many other sound and lighting options. Working with one wedding entertainment company simplifies things and saves you money compared to hiring multiple vendors.

Stress-Free Planning

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. When you work with one team for your entertainment, lighting, and other extras, you reduce the need to juggle multiple contacts. Our team communicates clearly with you and your venue to make sure every detail is covered.

Personalized Music and DJ Services

No two weddings are the same, and your music should reflect your style. Our DJ services are performed by experienced professionals who are not only great at mixing music but also at interacting with your guests. They know how to read the room, make announcements, and keep the energy flowing throughout the night.

Whether you want classic ballads, upbeat party hits, or cultural music specific to your background, our team will work closely with you to create the perfect playlist. We believe the music should reflect you, and that’s what we aim for.

Capture the Fun with Photo Booths

A great way to get your guests laughing and creating memories is with our photo booth rental. We don’t use the typical camera-on-a-tripod setup. Our booths are real arcade-style photo booths made from heavy-duty materials that guests step into, just like the ones from the mall.

Your guests can choose color or black-and-white strips, take home a copy, and help create a scrapbook just for you. There’s also an open-air setup available, and we offer an exclusive in-booth video messaging feature so guests can leave you heartfelt messages after snapping their pictures.

Set the Mood with Lighting and Décor

Want your reception to sparkle? Our team can help with lighting effects that turn any space into a romantic, magical venue. From uplighting to monogram projections, we tailor the atmosphere to match your wedding colors and theme. Lighting changes the way your entire reception looks and feels, and we have all the tools to make it shine.

A One-Stop Shop for a Magical Experience

With An Enchanted Evening, you’re getting an entire team committed to making your celebration unforgettable. We offer package deals that combine multiple services for convenience and savings. Whether you need ceremony audio, a custom video montage, or a stunning dance floor reveal, we’ve got it covered.

Working with a wedding entertainment company that offers everything in one place means your event will be more coordinated, cost-effective, and enjoyable for everyone involved. We want to help you create a celebration where you don’t have to worry about anything but having the best night of your life.

We Make It Easy, Fun, and Memorable

Choosing a wedding entertainment company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding. Our team is here to walk with you every step of the way, helping you craft a celebration that is as unique and special as your love story. From personalized playlists to interactive entertainment, from heartfelt ceremonies to epic dance parties, we do it all.

Contact Us Today

Let’s make your dream wedding a reality. If you’re planning a wedding in the Chicagoland area, our team at An Enchanted Evening is ready to bring your vision to life. We invite you to contact us today to discuss how we can help. Contact our team at An Enchanted Evening today by calling (847) 490-1000 to learn more about our services and to request a free quote.

First Steps of Planning an Awesome Wedding Reception in Chicago

July 1, 2021wedding planning tips, wedding reception dj chicago il, wedding reception entertainment, wedding reception entertainment tipsMike Urban

There are many steps of planning a wedding reception in Chicago (that’s why there is a long wedding planning checklist), and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Where do you start planning?

The very first step of planning is to think about what you and your fiancé want at your wedding reception. Discuss these key wedding planning details:

what your style as a couple is,
where you want to hold your wedding reception (and whether you want an indoor or outdoor reception),
the right wedding date (or season),
your budget (with this wedding budget worksheet) and how you plan to pay for it,
how many guests,
anything else you really want at your reception.

Then, it’s time to jump into the first steps of planning a wedding reception in Chicago.

Location

Once you’ve decided to hold your wedding reception in Chicago, start sorting through this list of wedding venues in Chicago. (Use other couple’s reviews and information on wedding review sites like The Knot and Wedding Wire for references.) Look for wedding venues in your favorite location with your preferred style and guest capacity. Then, contact each wedding venue and ask for information about their availability, cost (what is included), cancellation policy, parking, local accommodations for other guests, and other key details. (Use this list of wedding venue questions to assist you with your search.)

Once you’ve got a “short list” of possible wedding venues, it’s time to set up tours with potential venues. You should never book a venue without seeing it in person and making sure it is the “one.” When you’ve found the perfect backdrop, ask to see their contract and review it carefully. If the fine print is acceptable, return the signed contract as soon as possible and move on to the next step in planning your awesome wedding reception.

Food

Once you’ve chosen the right location, it’s time to start thinking about refreshments. Even if you’re hosting a wedding reception in Chicago during a non-traditional time (such as in the afternoon or morning), it’s still a good idea to have light refreshments and drinks to keep guests fueled and comfortable. For a more traditional wedding, you should expect to provide hors d’vours during cocktail hour, a meal, and a late night course that keeps guests dancing.

Depending on the size of the reception, you can plan to make your own food or hire a professional. If you’re hiring a caterer, research Chicago caterers online or ask a trusted friend or family member for a recommendation. Just like with venues, make a “short list” and contact them with caterer questions. Many wedding caterers offer tastings where couples can sample dishes so they know what to expect on their big day.

Entertainment

The third major detail of a wedding reception in Chicago is entertainment. Do you want a band, wedding DJ, or to play your own wedding play list? If you decide on a band or wedding DJ, start researching your options and looking for recommendations and reviews. The next step is to contact potential entertainers with a list of questions (such as these wedding DJ questions). You can also make your decision using these pros and cons of band versus wedding DJ.

Once you’ve got your list narrowed down to a few, don’t hesitate to ask for videos, references, or schedule a meeting to hear more about their services. Be careful if you experience any of these red flags as you search for the right wedding entertainment professional. When you think you’ve found the right wedding entertainer, always review the contract before signing on the dotted line. While planning a wedding may take a lot of time and effort, remember to keep your eye on the prize: an awesome wedding reception and celebration.

10 (Other) Ways to Entertain Guests at a Wedding Reception

December 24, 2019fun wedding ideas, wedding reception entertainment, wedding reception entertainment tips, wedding reception gamesMike Urban

As wedding DJs, we love an awesome wedding dance, but we acknowledge there are other wedding entertainment ideas that put a reception over-the-top. This list of the best wedding reception entertainment ideas is the perfect complement to a good wedding dance—and give even your non-dancers options for fun.

Photobooth

Silly props and a chance to take the ultimate wedding photos—what about this wedding entertainment idea doesn’t sound like a good time? A photobooth is the ultimate draw for guests who want to take a break from the dance floor (especially when you use these tips for renting a quality photobooth). It’s also a great way to add more touches of your wedding theme with fun wedding props and frames.

Table Games

Table games are a great way to entertain guests during dinner—and keep them guessing throughout the night. Our favorite table games are personalized, like trivia and crosswords about the couple. If you want to make the game a group event, have the DJ make announcements about the table game periodically during the dance.

Coloring Table

This wedding entertainment idea is a hit with your youngest wedding guests—and might even be a draw for older guests. Even if your older guests don’t pick up a crayon, every parent at your wedding reception appreciates free entertainment for their kids.

Flash Mob

A flash mob is a fun surprise guests’ll be talking about long after the wedding reception is over. If you decide to include a flash mob in the night’s events, make sure you talk to your wedding DJ about recommendations for taking the surprise to the next level.

Interactive Food Station

An interactive food station is a great way for guests to mingle and enjoy. When adding an interactive station to your wedding reception entertainment line-up, make sure you strategically position the table (or tables) in an area where guests can enjoy—without getting too far from the dance floor.

Tasting Stations

A tasting station is the perfect choice for a couple who loves local flavors—and wants to bring it into their wedding reception. Your guests’ll love to enjoy local ales or wines at this unique wedding reception entertainment idea (and you’ll love to select the ales and wines for the occasion!)

Yard Games

Yard games are a guest favorite—and not always just an outdoor one. If your indoor venue allows an indoor set-up, your guests’ll love to play ring toss, corn hold, or bowling in between rounds on the dance floor.

Fireworks

Fireworks are an unexpected surprise that guests’ll love! If your venue allows you to include a firework show, make sure you ask your wedding DJ for a big announcement that draws guests out to watch.

Advice Table

An advice table brings out the serious and unexpected from guests. You truly never know what you’re going to get, but it’s always interesting!

Dance Floor Games

Even if guests don’t love to dance, they’ll love dance floor games! If dance floor games are one of your top choices, choose a wedding DJ who can take the fun and games to a whole new level.

DJ, Band, or DIY Wedding Music: Pros & Cons of Your Wedding Entertainment Options

July 14, 2017ways to entertain wedding guests, wedding entertainers, wedding reception entertainmentMike Urban

There’s so much on the line when it comes to wedding planning! You want your guests to have a good time and enjoy themselves, all the while juggling the process and the budget. Sometimes it can feel like a vice is squeezing your head; there are so many options for food, venues, and entertainment. For the latter, there are three common main entertainment options: a band, wedding DJ, or do-it-yourself music (along with a million cool ‘other’ entertainment options). Before you despair over which wedding option is right for your big day (and to preempt a panic attack!), we’ve put together the pros and cons to help you make your big decision on wedding entertainment option easier (for more info, send us a message-we can help!) so you can move on to that next big wedding planning decision.

Band

Pros: Perfect fit for vintage weddings (both in song list and attire), uses professional equipment, great live entertainment experience for guests, can emcee during dinner and the dance

Cons: Usually most expensive wedding entertainment option, often doesn’t have ‘plan B’ if emergency comes up (i.e. band member gets sick, equipment breaks, etc.), usually doesn’t offer extras such as lighting, can’t always play all the songs you want

Wedding DJ

Pros: Can provide soft dinner music and emcee reception dinners, DJ can coordinate with venue and vendors for special moments, offers extras (i.e. lighting, trivia, photo booths, etc.), professional expertise to keep people on the dance floor, often more affordable than bands, uses professional equipment, SHOULD have back-up equipment and DJ in case of emergency, personalized play list

Cons: More expensive than DIY music, crappy DJs can put a damper on your big day (signs of a bad DJ here)

DIY Music

Pros: Very affordable, play list can be built specifically to your taste

Cons: No ‘plan B’ if equipment doesn’t work, not played with quality equipment, requires time before and on day to organize and keep music going, no emcee for dinner or special events (i.e. couple entrance, first dance, etc.), takes time away from enjoying wedding if equipment or speakers break or need attention

6 ‘Other’ Ways to Entertain Your Wedding Reception Guests

June 12, 2017wedding entertainment ideas, wedding reception entertainment, wedding reception fun, wedding reception ideasMike Urban

Everyone loves a good wedding dance, but sometimes it takes more than just a rocking wedding reception to keep your guests entertained. Use these ideas to keep everyone enjoying your wedding dance—even the non-dancers.

Table trivia

For those who don’t want to venture out on the dance floor, give them trivia cards customized about the couple or the theme of the reception (i.e. history questions about the 20’s, your city, movies, etc.) Get your DJ in the act with fun trivia music and announcing the winners and their rewards (i.e. the right to head up to the buffet first, door prizes, extra drink, etc.)

Photo booth

Give your guests a chance to have fun AND take home a memento from a great wedding reception. Use these tips for choosing the perfect photo booth, then take your photo booth props to the next level by choosing props that are connected to your wedding reception theme.

Yard games

If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, give your guests a good corn hole toss, lawn bowling, ring toss, or ladder ball game to take on. For a wedding reception with a more indoor designation, bring your yard games inside or add fun options like a foosball or pool table.

Coloring station

Your youngest guests are going to love a coloring station meant just for them—and their parents will thank you too. In addition to coloring pages, add a simple craft that won’t cause too much of a mess (to the kids and their clothes).

Interactive food station

An interactive food station has two major benefits: 1) it’s a major draw and 2) it keeps your guests fueled and ready to head out on the dance floor. Choose a food station that’s tied into your location or theme for the ultimate coordinated entertainment addition.

Caricature artist

A caricature artist can be a novel addition to any wedding reception line-up. Perfect for an outdoor carnival theme, a caricature artist can be a major draw when your guests need a break from the dance floor.

4 Tips for Hiring the Right Wedding Reception Entertainers

January 20, 2017hiring wedding entertainment, wedding reception entertainment, wedding reception musicMike Urban

What do you remember from the last wedding you were at? Was it the favors, wine, or the fun time you had? Chances are it was the latter, and that’s what your guests are going to remember from your wedding reception. That’s why hiring wedding reception entertainment should be one of your top wedding planning priorities—and why we’ve put together tips that’ll help you hire the right entertainers for your big day.

Decide what kind of wedding entertainment is right for your big day.

Before you can decide who to contact, start by breaking down the most common wedding entertainment options: band, DJ, and do-it-yourself (we’ve gone into great depth on wedding entertainment options here). What is your first choice? Do you have a certain kind of music played by a band or would you rather have a variety of songs and a fun DJ?

Once you’ve decided what kind of entertainer you want, start contacting entertainers to find out what options fit in your wedding budget. Ask each wedding reception entertainer these questions so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises later.

Don’t (entirely) base your selection on price.

When asking questions, remember there are a ton of amateur DJ’s and bands out there willing to offer their services for close to nothing. When listening to their sales pitch, remember the old adage “you get what you pay for.” While price is an important part of your decision, a low-cost wedding entertainer is probably going to deliver low-quality entertainment with subpar equipment (not to mention they probably don’t have a backup in case of emergencies, leaving you without entertainment).

Book early.

As tempting as it may be to procrastinate on hiring a wedding entertainer, the best DJs’ and bands’ fill up fast. Twelve to eighteen months before your big day is optimal, but the reality of hiring wedding entertainers is the sooner the better. If you wait too long, you are going to get a crummy wedding entertainer (here’s how to tell if you hired a low-quality DJ) and all your guests are going to remember is a boring ho-hum wedding reception.

Think about what happens ‘just in case.’

Musicians get sick. DJ’s get sidelined because of a family emergency. Accidents happen, and the best bands and DJ’s have a back-up plan just in case; the amateurs don’t. Remember when you decide on the high-quality entertainer (band or DJ), you are also paying for a contingency plan that won’t leave you—or your guests—bored.

25 Entertainment Ideas That Your Wedding Guests’ll LOVE

July 12, 2016wedding entertainment ideas, wedding reception entertainmentMike Urban

No one wants their wedding to be remembered as the “boring one” with nothing to do—and not all your guests just want to stand around and talk. To ensure that every wedding guest walks away from your event raving about the good time they had at your wedding, use these ideas to keep your guests entertained from dinner until their exit from the wedding reception:

DJ (use these tips to hire the best!)
Band
Wedding video
Coloring books
Yard games
Trivia cards (about the couple)
Photo booth (with these cool photo booth props!)
Entertainers
Photo stand-ins
Wedding-libs (Mad-libs that fit your wedding theme)
Lanterns
Fireworks
Tic tac toe (yard, chalk board, or paper)
Hangman
Flash mob dance
Bowling (indoor or outdoor)
Sidewalk chalk/chalkboard chalk
Sparklers
Corn hole
Ring toss
Chess (large scale-indoor or outdoor)
Interactive food/sweets table
Pool table
Foosball table
Advice station (where guests can give you advice on cute little cards)