There are numerous expenses associated with a wedding.  But in most cases, the most expensive part is not the ceremony itself.  It is the reception.

Food, drinks, and decorations for the reception can really add up. The entertainment can easily become expensive as well.  Live entertainment doesn’t come cheap, and a good DJ can be pricey too.  Finding a good deal on wedding entertainment can be a huge help to your wedding budget.  Here are some ideas:

Call on Friends and Family

Is someone in your family in a band?  Do you have a friend who can serve as a DJ?  If so, you might be able to get entertainment for cheap, or possibly even free.  You could even make your own CD of the couple’s favorite songs and have someone play it.  You may have to rent some sound equipment, but that will usually be cheaper than hiring a band or DJ.

If you or someone you know has a karaoke machine, you could invite your guests to participate in a karaoke contest.  This is always lots of fun.  Letting guests vote for the winner with their applause and providing some prizes makes it even more interesting.

If you don’t have friends or family who can provide the entertainment themselves, they might have connections that you can benefit from.  It never hurts to ask around.  When you put the word out that you need entertainment but are on a budget, those closest to you may even come to you with suggestions.

Find Bands That Are Looking for Experience

Bands that aren’t well established can be booked less expensively than well known acts.  Considering those who need gigs for the experience can save you money, and you might be surprised at how professional they are.

Bands that consist of high school or college students are often willing to play weddings at low rates.  Your local high school’s jazz ensemble might even be available for little or nothing.  Contact the school’s band director to see if that is an option.

Do Something Unexpected

You don’t necessarily have to have music as entertainment at your reception.  If you can get a different type of entertainment less expensively, it is worth considering.  Doing something different will make your wedding more memorable.

Some ideas include jugglers, stand-up comedians, and games.  The key is to keep the entertainment consistent with your wedding’s theme.  Casino and card games, for example, work nicely with a Vegas themed wedding.  Magicians can fit in with a number of themes, but are generally best suited to informal ceremonies.

When budget is a primary consideration, it is important to be flexible when it comes to your wedding entertainment.  It also pays to think outside the box.  You don’t have to have the same kind of entertainment that your friend or sister had at her wedding.  Coming up with innovative entertainment for your wedding reception will set your wedding apart, and can save you a lot of money.