While you're debating whether to have a disc jockey or a live band at your wedding, you may want to entertain your guests with something a bit more original. One of the following ideas could be just what you need to compliment your festivities.

Slideshows have become very popular forms of entertainment. Often, they'll include pictures of the bride's childhood, the groom's childhood and then finish with pictures from their lives as a couple. Couples can have fun selecting music to set the slideshow to, such as "your song" or another silly or romantic tune. Have both of your families and friends help with gathering and uploading pictures, so that you are not stuck with all of the slideshow preparation.

Fireworks add an awe-inspiring and romantic touch to any reception. Fireworks can be incorporated into your festivities in a variety of ways - from a dynamite show of explosions down to sparklers on your wedding cake.

Visit www.500gramfireworks.com/ for fireworks in South Carolina or www.classafireworks.com/index.htm for fireworks in North Carolina.

Instrument Musicians are perfect for the ceremony, as well as dinner music.  Choose solo, duo, trio, etc. or any combination of the following:

• Bagpiper
• Cellist
• Conga/bongo drummer
• Flutist
• Guitarist
• Harpist
• Keyboardist
• Organist
• Pianist
• Singer
• Trumpeter
• Ukuleleist
• Violinist

 Unique displays or bars (including food or the like) are sure to entertain guests' eyes and palates.

• Chocolate Fountain
• Cigar Roller
• Coffee/Tea Bar with Barista
• Oxygen Bar

Circus Inspired Acts are not only engaging; they can be an extremely beautiful art form. Though a bold choice, one or more of these acts would be perfect for a nighttime reception held in a grand venue.

• Acrobats
• Contortionist
• Hoopers
• Jugglers
• Tightrope Walker
• Trapeze Acts

Hawaiian, Polynesian, belly or other themed dancers are a great way to add culture into your celebration, whether it's your culture or not!

Visit www.ncbellydance.org/performers.html for various types of dancers by city in the Carolinas.
Visit www.allentertainers.com for Hawaiian themed packages and more in the Carolinas.

 Fire performers/dancers will captivate guests of all ages with dangerous excitement.

Visit www.fire-dancing.com/performers for a list of fire performers in the Carolinas.

MP3 players are a budget-conscious choice. With music so easily accessible and fairly affordable, many brides are choosing to skip bands and disc jockeys altogether by playing their own music. The process is simple, select the songs, organize it on a playlist and then hook it up to speakers at the reception site. Not only does this save hundreds of dollars, but the quality of sound is great and you have the benefit of creating your custom playlist. Assign one of your groomsmen or bridesmaids the role of making sure the music is setup and running smoothly for the reception.

 Miscellaneous entertainment for your younger guests (or the young at heart) is always a fun choice!

• Jukeboxes
• Balloon Art Entertainer
• Face Painter
• Concession Stands - cotton candy, popcorn, snow cone, etc.

What you choose to add charm to your wedding should depend on the theme you are trying to convey, the venue you are holding your festivities in as well as your budget. Small garden-set weddings, for instance, would be a great opportunity to utilize MP3 music rather than circus acts. On the same token, beach settings are perfect for hula dancers and fireworks but not the best if you wish to have an organist or pianist perform during your ceremony. That said, be sure to check with your venue coordinator in regard to limitations. The amount of set-up and clean-up, noise regulations and whether the venue is adequately wired to handle speakers and sound systems are a few factors that could limit your entertainment choices. So, when you call to inquire about venues, have an idea of what entertainment you'd like to use so that you can ask the coordinator all of the necessary questions.