THE ULTIMATE WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT CHECKLIST

Planning your wedding entertainment? Here's everything you need to think about - in order. Save this wedding checklist and thank us later. 📌

✅ Ceremony Entertainment

— Is there music for guests as they are seated?

— Have you arranged a musician, speaker system, or playlist for the processional?

— Do you have a microphone so guests can hear your vows clearly?

— Is there a speaker setup if your celebrant needs one?

— Have you considered background music for signing the register?

✅ Cocktail Hour / Pre-Dinner Entertainment

This is the most overlooked window of the entire day — don't leave it empty.

— Lawn games for guests to gather around (Chatty Jenga, Cornhole, Connect Four, Noughts & Crosses)

— A drinks station with something for guests to do while they wait

— Background music - playlist, live musician, or acoustic act

— A welcome sign directing guests to where the fun is

— Something for children to do during this window

✅ Dinner Service

— Background music at the right volume - guests should be able to talk comfortably

— Conversation cards or table games to get guests chatting between courses

— Kids activity packs for children under 10 to keep little ones happily occupied

— Table numbers and seating that puts strangers near people they'll connect with

— A clear MC or host who keeps the evening flowing and guests informed

✅ Speeches

— A quality wireless microphone so every word is heard - especially critical outdoors

— A standing speaker powerful enough for your venue size

— An MC to introduce each speaker and manage timing

— Have you briefed your speakers on microphone technique?

— Is there a plan for nervous speakers who might need support?

✅ Guest Experience Throughout the Day

— Have you thought about guests who don't drink?

— Have you thought about guests who don't dance?

— Have you considered elderly guests who may need quieter activities?

— Are there enough toilets, shelter, and seating for everyone?

— Do children have a dedicated space and activities throughout the day?

— Is there something for guests to do if the weather turns?

— Have you thought about guests who don't know many others - icebreakers help enormously

✅ Guestbook & Keepsakes

— Have you chosen a guestbook format that you'll actually treasure? (Traditional book, audio guestbook, Instax camera station, video guestbook)

— Is the guestbook station clearly signposted so guests actually use it?

— Have you briefed someone to encourage guests to leave a message?

— Is there a prompt to help guests who aren't sure what to say?

— Will guests receive a keepsake to take home? (Photo strip, Instax print, favour)

✅ Evening Entertainment

— DJ, band, or curated playlist - which suits your vibe and venue?

— Is there a dance floor and is it large enough for your guest count?

— Have you planned a first dance, father-daughter dance, or bouquet toss?

— Is there something for guests who don't want to dance?

— Late night snacks - hungry dancers are happy dancers

— What time does the music end and have you communicated this to guests?

— Is there a photo booth or snap station for evening entertainment?

✅ Logistics to Confirm With Every Supplier

— What time are suppliers arriving and setting up?

— Who is the point of contact on the day so you don't have to manage it?

— Is everything confirmed in writing with a contract?

— Have you done a venue walkthrough with your key suppliers?

— Do you have a wet weather backup plan for outdoor entertainment?

— Are all suppliers aware of your venue's noise restrictions and end time?

— Have you tipped or thanked your suppliers in advance?

✅ The Final Check — One Week Out

— Reconfirm all supplier bookings in writing

— Share your run sheet with your MC, photographer, and key suppliers

— Brief your wedding party on the day's flow

— Make sure someone other than you knows where everything is

Then let it go — you've planned an incredible day 🥂

Need help ticking off the entertainment side of your wedding checklist?

Smile & Celebrate has you covered — from lawn games and audio guestbooks to speaker hire and kids activity packs.

Available for weddings across Northland and the Bay of Islands. 🌿