If ever there was a time to push the boat out, it’s with your wedding reception entertainment, and with this talented bunch of Scottish acts, it’s never been easier to blow your guests away, writes Olivia Simpson
1. An iconic piper
Whether its a Glen Coe elopement or a gathering of the clans for the wedding of the season, the skirl of the pipes is guaranteed to add drama. With CWH Piping’s standard package (which includes music at an impressive seven stages of the day, from the guests’ entrance to the happy couple taking their seats for dinner) your entire wedding can be soundtracked. Upgrade to the deluxe package for an additional snare drummer and the opportunity to fight it out with your partner in a drum battle. Our money’s on the bride!
2. A romantic harpist
Ever heard Guns N’ Roses or Metallica played on the harp? Didn’t think so. Meredith McCrindle loves to surprise listeners with unusual interpretations of much loved tunes from all genres and can even take special requests during the day
3. A cool saxophonist
For my money, no instrument brings the party quite like a saxophone, and the many happy brides and grooms who have booked Marshali Scott Saxophonist, to play at their wedding would tend to agree. “I am a daytime solo saxophonist, available to hire throughout the whole of Scotland. My services include pre-ceremony, ceremony, drinks reception, entrance to top table and wedding breakfast performances,” says Marshali.
We’d take inspiration from the couple pictured here and dance your way into the meal with Marshali leading the way. We’re also digging the thought of a jazzy soundtrack to a drinks reception in a sunny garden. Fans of the Dua and Elton banger need to check out Marshali’s cover of Cold Heart – it’s a crowd-pleaser.
4. A silent disco
To the uninitiated, a silent disco may sound like an oxymoron, but those lucky enough to have experienced them at festivals (remember them?) know how much of a laugh they can be. “A silent disco is a fun and unusual form of DJ entertainment. Guests are given wireless headphones with the music transmitted to them. There can be up to three different channels, so the dancefloor can be filled with people dancing and singing to different music,” explains Rikki Toner from Silent Knights. “The headphones can also overcome any late-night noise restrictions, making them a practical choice for many venues too.”
5. A DJ/sax combo
If you know your guests are expecting an evening of hedonism, then it’s time to call in the big guns. When it comes to celebratory vibes at a wedding, Tartan Entertainment knows exactly how to up the ante. “We bring the party, from a grand entrance to the wedding breakfast, right up until the last dance,” promises Euan Lawrence from the company.
“Whilst you dine, we’ll have DJs mixing and mashing up all genres, meaning there’s never a dull moment. We also offer the added extra of a live saxophone player to bring an exciting edge to proceedings.” With a build up like that, you can guarantee guests will be storming the dancefloor as soon as dessert is done.
6. Waiters Who Sing
Looking for a dead-cert way to wow your friends and family? A surprise appearance by Waiters Who Sing should do the trick. “Our performances differ at every single wedding we’re booked for. We take requests and always deliver high-energy entertainment and get everyone on their feet,” Chris Scougal from the company tells us.
The team is able to shake things up, depending on the couple, crowd and setting. “The way we start our performance changes. We offer a wide range of scenarios, including hiding in plain sight as hidden ‘guests’, ready to burst into song,” continues Chris. “One of our top requests is Oasis’s Don’t Look Back in Anger – that always gets the crowd going!”
7. A mind-blowing magician
‘Magical’ is a word often applied to weddings, but for those couples who book Magician Renz it takes on a very literal meaning. Lorenzo ‘Renz’ Novani is dressed to impress in kilt and waistcoat and will mingle with guests during the drinks reception, amazing each group with playing-card tricks, as well as incidental objects like phones, coins and bottles.
His empty-bottle trick, which sees the object pushed straight through a solid table, is not to be missed we hear. On request, Renz can give a special performance just for the couple, giving them a moment together amongst the rush of the day and providing an excellent opportunity for candid photos.
8. A soulful choir
Looking to bring some movie magic to your day? Gerad McArthur from GeO Gospel Choir knows just what to do: “We get asked all the time to recreate the Love Actually moment, when Keira Knightley and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s characters walk back down the aisle and suddenly a choir appears on the balcony and sings The Beatles’ All You Need Is Love. It is so much fun to do and always gets a huge cheer afterwards.
The choir is also now offering evening entertainment to keep the couple and their guests on the dancefloor all night, including the services of its own in-house DJ. “The bride or groom often ask us to perform their first dance as a surprise for their new husband or wife. It’s always such a memorable moment, but it can be difficult to keep it a secret. Our top tip is to use code words if you’re discussing it in any emails or texts!” says Gerad.
9. A face-paint bar and artist
Get arty in the evening with a face-paint and glitter-bar from Give Good Face, which sees one of its artists set up an illuminated station where guests can come and get a glitzy makeover. Whether it’s roses on your arm, a face full of sparkle for a bridesmaid or a full-on Braveheart look for your uncle, there’s something for everyone.