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Make it one of a kind

Wedding Guest Experiences Your Guests Will Never Forget

Magicians, live painters, caricature artists, comedians, trivia and music bingo, tarot readers, cigar rollers and so much more. The little surprises that turn a nice wedding into the wedding everyone talks about.

✨ Take the 2-minute quiz Find Iowa experiences

Search Guest Experiences

Type what you're dreaming of, or tap an idea. Results update instantly.

Not sure what you want? Take the Guest Experience Quiz and we'll match you.

75%

of couples prioritize the guest experience

when planning their wedding, according to The Knot's 2023 Real Weddings Study. Your guests came for you. Give them a night they'll talk about.

🥂📸

Fill the cocktail-hour gap

While you two are off taking photos, your guests have an hour with a drink in hand and nothing to do. That's the perfect stage for a magician, a caricature artist or a round of trivia.

🤝😂

Break the ice between families

Nobody remembers the chicken. Everybody remembers the magician who found Grandpa's ring inside a lemon, and the trivia team that turned two families into one.

Des Moines & Central Iowa

Serving: Des Moines • Ames • Ankeny • West Des Moines • Urbandale • Johnston • Marshalltown • Newton • Boone • Indianola

Central Iowa guest experiences coming soon. Your business could be here: get listed for $35/year →

Cedar Rapids & Eastern Iowa

Serving: Cedar Rapids • Iowa City • Davenport • Dubuque • Waterloo • Cedar Falls • Bettendorf • Muscatine • Burlington • Clinton

Eastern Iowa guest experiences coming soon. Your business could be here: get listed for $35/year →

Western Iowa & Council Bluffs

Serving: Council Bluffs • Sioux City • Le Mars • Spencer • Storm Lake • Denison • Carroll • Atlantic • Glenwood • Harlan

Western Iowa guest experiences coming soon. Your business could be here: get listed for $35/year →

What's your guest experience personality?

The Guest Experience Quiz

7 quick questions. No email needed. We'll match you with the experiences that fit your crowd, your vibe and your budget.

The idea book

18 Ways to Wow Your Wedding Guests

Tap a moment to see what fits it. Then tap Find in Iowa to search local pros.

When to Schedule the Fun

  1. 💍CeremonyA live painter starts the canvas. Strolling strings play guests to their seats.
  2. 🥂Cocktail hourThe golden hour for guest experiences.Magician, caricature artist, lawn games, cigar roller, tarot.
  3. 🍽️DinnerCouple trivia, music bingo between courses, a comedian or emcee.
  4. 💃PartyDancers, glitter and tattoo bar, late-night food surprise at 10 PM.
  5. 🎆Grand exitSparklers, cold sparks, bubbles or confetti for the last great photo.

5 Tips for Booking a Guest Experience

  1. 1. One great experience beats five so-so ones. Pick what fits your crowd and give it the best time slot.
  2. 2. Check your venue's rules first. Open flames, paint, glitter and confetti are banned at some Iowa venues, and many ask for a certificate of insurance.
  3. 3. Give it a spot in the timeline. Tell your DJ, planner and venue coordinator exactly when it starts and ends.
  4. 4. Plan for space and power. Painters need good light, stations need a table and an outlet, and lawn games need a backup plan for rain.
  5. 5. Feed your performers. Add them to your vendor meal count. A happy magician is a better magician.

Guest Experience FAQ

What is a wedding guest experience?

Anything that entertains or delights your guests beyond the basics: a roaming magician, a live painter, a caricature artist, a comedian, couple trivia, tarot readings, a cigar bar, a late-night food surprise and more.

When is the best time for one?

Cocktail hour. You're usually away taking photos, so a strolling performer or a station keeps guests entertained and mingling until you make your entrance.

How do we choose the right one?

Think about your crowd, your vibe and your venue. Not sure? Take the 2-minute quiz and we'll suggest your best matches.

Free interview notes

Questions to Ask Before You Book

Don't sign a contract until you have answers to these. Save each Guest Experience's answers, rate your gut feeling and compare them side by side. Everything goes into your free Happily Ever Iowa wedding plan.

Free printable checklist: questions to ask every wedding vendor

  1. 1. Is my date available?

    Always confirm availability first.

  2. 2. Do you roam table to table, do a set show, or run a station guests visit?

    Roaming is perfect for cocktail hour. A set show needs its own spot in the timeline.

  3. 3. How long do you perform, and can it be split into sets?

    Cocktail hour usually runs 60 to 90 minutes. Ask what happens if dinner starts late.

  4. 4. How many guests can you reach in that time?

    Ask how they make sure every table (and Grandma) gets a turn.

  5. 5. What space, power, lighting or table do you need?

    Live painters need an easel spot with good light; stations need a table and an outlet.

  6. 6. Is it family-friendly, and can you adjust for kids or a rowdy crowd?

    You know your guests. Make sure the act fits all of them.

  7. 7. Can you personalize it to us?

    Your names, your love story, inside jokes, your colors. That is what makes it one of a kind.

  8. 8. Do guests take something home?

    Sketches, prints, a painting, a poem, digital copies? Ask what is included and how many.

  9. 9. Can we see a full, unedited video of you at a real wedding?

    Highlight reels are polished. A full clip shows how they really work a room.

  10. 10. Do you carry liability insurance?

    Many Iowa venues ask for a certificate of insurance, especially for fire, paint or anything on the dance floor.

  11. 11. Are there travel fees?

    Important when booking across the state for a rural wedding.

  12. 12. What is the deposit and payment schedule?

    Most vendors take 25-50% to hold your date. Get the balance due date in writing.

  13. 13. What is your cancellation and reschedule policy?

    Know what you get back (and what you lose) if the date moves.

For magicians, artists, performers & hosts

This category was built for you.

Couples are looking for experiences, not just vendors. Show them what you do with photos, video and your full story. $35/year, no lead fees, no commission. Tell us exactly what you do and couples can search for it.

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Do you have questions or are you a wedding pro wanting to be listed?