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28 %uf098 A l a s k a B r i d e & G r o o m %uf099 202612+ Months BeforeOnce you%u2019ve set your wedding date and booked your venue, this is the perfect time to start thinking about your entertainment goals and narrowing down what you%u2019d like to include based on your personal preferences, wedding theme, and guest list.Start researching musicians for the ceremony and cocktail hour; a DJ or live band for the reception; and other interactive entertainment such as photo booths and surprise performers.Tip: Entertainment often books up quickly for peak seasons, especially for Saturday weddings. Start contacting vendors early and ask about signed contracts, deposits, and customization options.9%u201312 Months BeforeOnce you%u2019ve settled on your venue, it%u2019s time to start locking in your entertainment %u2013 whether you%u2019re dreaming of a professional DJ who can play your favorite songs or a live band that keeps the energy high all night long.Finalize and Book:Ceremony musicians (string quartet, soloist, harpist)Reception DJ or bandAcoustic performer or solo artist (for background music during cocktail hour or dinner)Photo booth rental (with fun props, custom backdrops, and digital sharing)Lighting and ambiance features (string lights, disco lights, custom uplighting or monograms projected on dance floor/wall)Visual and special effects (low-lying fog for your first dance, cold sparklers that provide stunning fireworks-like effects, or dazzling confetti cannons)Surprise performances by dancers or musicians (singing waiters, roaming musicians, choreographed dances, etc.).Ask your DJ or band if they can accommodate special requests or create a personalized song list for key moments, such as the cake cutting, grand entrance, and final dance.4%u20138 Months BeforeAs your wedding day draws closer, work with your wedding planner or vendors to build a cohesive event timeline. Your entertainment should feel effortless, from the walk down the aisle to the last dance at the evening reception.WEDDING DAY ENTERTAINMENT CHECKLISTWhen it comes to planning your wedding, few elements have a bigger impact than the entertainment. From the ceremony to the cocktail hour, and all the way through the final song on the dance floor, the right mix of entertainment can set the tone, create a fun and memorable atmosphere, and turn your wedding day into an unforgettable experience.Use this wedding checklist to help you plan ahead and choose the right entertainment to keep your guests entertained from start to finish.By Meg Rosen