Wedding receptions are a chance to let your hair down and celebrate the start of your wedding. To really start your lives together with a bang, consider some really interesting entertainment to make sure you have a fantastic party. You don't need to go for the same old disco or tribute band that you see at so many other weddings.

Here is my top five ideas for great entertainment to keep your guests amused for hours!

Fairground Rides

This is perfect for letting the child inside you run wild! Hire a couple of big pieces such as a carousel, helter skelter or bumper cars that you can play around on. To get that real fairground feel, hire some side stalls and don't forget a cart for cotton candy! Just think of the fantastic photos that you could get from this setting. How about a balloon artist to make balloon dogs and swords?

Caricaturist

Ok, they're tacky. They're low class. But they're so much fun! Remember when you were a child and wanted a caricature but your mom wouldn't let you? Now is the chance to grant yourself that childhood wish. It is a lot of fun to have your picture drawn and hugely personal too- what more could you want? Hire a caricaturist and ask them to draw a cartoon of each guest. They can then take it home as a favor, so it cuts down on the budget too!

Circus Performers

This is the ideal choice for couples who are having an alternative wedding. Fire breathers, trapeze artists, contortionists, the list goes on and on. Circus performers can also walk around between your guests to keep them entertained whilst photos are being taken. They are just perfect for adding a touch of drama to your wedding day and you can hire as many as you like- a couple for a subtle choice or go bold with a whole troupe of circus acts.

  Casino

Add a touch of Las Vegas to your wedding reception by setting up a casino. Blackjack, roulette and poker are fantastic ways to add a unique touch to your wedding. You could play for money or, if you want the kids involved, chocolate. A more delicious alternative to real money! You could even hire an Elvis impersonator to walk around and add to the theme. Don't forget the martinis and the black tie dress code!

 Spooky Times

Great for a Halloween wedding, try a spooky theme to your entertainment. Hire fortune tellers, hypnotists and magicians to work their thing. A great interactive act to get your guests involved. Or how about a seance with a medium? Seriously spooky stuff- ideal for thrill seeking couples. You could extend the theme even further and get married in a haunted hotel complete with midnight ghost tour. Or how about a massive murder mystery game?

There are so many options for wedding entertainment. Think outside the box for original ideas that are as individual and creative as you are. Other options could be human statues, burlesque performers, comedians... the list goes on and on. Most of all, choose something that you are going to enjoy. Have fun!