#Trending … ?
Melbourne is known as Australia’s cultural capital, and when it comes to weddings, couples are always looking for fresh ways to create an unforgettable celebration. One that reflects who they are and leaves everyone talking about it for years to come. Join Melbourne Wedding & Bride’s Alice O’Brien as she speaks with Aaron Jay, an experienced DJ, Master of Ceremonies and founder of Entertainment First, about the entertainment trends shaping this wedding season, and why creating the right atmosphere will always matter more than simply following what’s popular.
Written by Alice O’Brien
W edding entertainment is oftenmisunderstood, with Aaron Jaysaying, “people think entertainmentis just someone playing music, but it’s so muchmore than that.” And he’s right. Entertainmentbrings people together. It’s music, lighting, liveperformers,special effects, interactions, and thenatural flow of the entire night.
“At Entertainment First, we provide DJs, MCs, live musicians, photo booths, special effects and audio-visual services for weddings and events across Melbourne,” Aaron Jay explains.
But delivering these services is only part of the job. For Aaron Jay, “our role is to understand the couple and their guests to create an atmosphere where everyone feels connected … that’s when the best memories are made.” Every wedding is different. Some couples want an elegant evening, while others dream of a packed dance floor from beginning to end. But the end goal is always the same, for the couple and their guests to create memories. The secret to this isn’t following a formula; it’s understanding the people in the room and creating the right atmosphere at the right time. So, what entertainment trends are couples loving right now?
#Hot_Trends
Melbourne is a city full of vibrance; a true reflection of its diverse population, unafraid to embrace creativity, and weddings are no different.
“I believe Melbourne continues to lead the way when it comes to new entertainment ideas,” Aaron Jay says.
One of the biggest trends is hybrid style entertainment; a combination of multiple entertainment styles into one experience.
“This could be aerial artists, ballroom dancers, live percussionists, saxophone players or musicians performing alongside the DJ/MC,” Aaron Jay explains.
Rather than choosing one form of entertainment, couples are layering experiences throughout the evening, as “you still get all the music everyone loves from the DJ/MC, but live performers add interaction, emotion and excitement that completely changes the atmosphere.” Instead of simply watching, guests become part of the celebration.
Interactive entertainment is also becoming increasingly popular. Aaron Jay remembers one wedding where a snare drum was placed in the centre of the dance floor while Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ played. He reflected on the moment by saying, “guests lined up trying to hit the drum at the exact moment before Whitney started singing … it was simple, hilarious and had everyone laughing together.” It’s these moments that often become the stories people remember; those who managed to hit the drum at that iconic moment.
#Surprising_Trends
Wedding trends have a habit of appearing when you least expect them. One surprising trend for Aaron Jay is “live Kahoot! quizzes during the reception.” Imagine a room full of guests pulling out their phones to answer questions about the couple. Questions based on their first date, funny stories, favourite holidays and little family memories that create this incredibly lively competitive energy.
“It gets different friendship groups talking, families laughing together, and everyone becomes part of the celebration,” says Aaron Jay.
Entertainment First has also seen couples bring their own personalities into the reception in creative ways. One couple, who both worked in real estate, even held a live auction during their reception where guests bid on a luxury getaway.
“It reflected exactly who they were while creating an unforgettable experience for everyone in the room,” Aaron Jay says, as it was authentic to the couple.
#Trend_Setter
The funny thing about trends is that they always change and what’s trending today may disappear next year.
“The biggest advice I can give is don’t chase trends. Instead, create a wedding that feels like you. Almost any idea can work when it’s planned properly, delivered with confidence and backed by the right atmosphere,” Aaron Jay says.
Trends are a great source of inspiration, but Entertainment First creates experiences authentic to the couple. Rather than starting with what’s popular, the team starts by getting to know the couple.
“We want to know who they are, who are their guests, what they love and how they want everyone to feel throughout the evening,” explains Aaron Jay.
That understanding allows every recommendation, whether it’s music or special games, to be tailored specifically to that celebration. It’s important to remember, “the best entertainment isn’t always the biggest idea … it’s knowing what the room needs and when it needs it,” explains Aaron Jay. After being part of hundreds of weddings, one thing remains clear; people respond when they feel comfortable and connected. Understanding the psychology of the room means knowing when to lift the energy, let a moment breathe, or introduce something interactive. And this natural flow is what turns a wedding into an experience, rather than simply a series of services.
“If I could encourage couples to do one thing, it’s this: bring us your ideas. It doesn’t matter how big, small or different they are. We love finding creative ways to bring them to life and create an experience your family and friends will never forget,” Aaron Jay concludes.
Photography courtesy of Entertainment First