How Much Does Wedding Entertainment Cost? The 2025 Average Revealed
Planning a wedding is a little bit like putting a jigsaw together, and each of the pieces slots together to produce the overall picture that is your big day. Some pieces are bigger than others, like the venue, the flowers and the food, but another important piece that shouldn’t be overlooked is the entertainment.
Wedding entertainment comes in many forms and goes far beyond the music. Great entertainment can be the difference between a beautiful wedding and one that’s truly memorable — however, the cost of a wedding entertainer can vary depending on what you’re looking for.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding entertainment costs, the cost of different types of entertainers available, and how important it is to hire an entertainer for your wedding.
What’s the average cost of wedding entertainment?
With such a wide variety of wedding entertainment options — from fire dancers and roaming magicians to photo booths and sparkler send-offs — it’s hard to pin down an exact average cost. That said, most couples spend around R10,000 to R20,000 on non-music entertainment, depending on what’s included.
When it comes to music, South African couples typically spend between R6,000 and R25,000, whether that’s for a DJ, a solo musician, or a full live band, as outlined in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown.
If you have room in your budget and want to create a truly unforgettable atmosphere, there are plenty of unique and talented entertainers who can help take your wedding to the next level.
How much do different types of wedding entertainment cost?
Wedding entertainment costs will differ depending on the type of entertainment you’re after. Got a lot of parents coming with their little ones? A clown or kids’ entertainer will keep them busy during the reception and into the evening. Holding a twilight wedding ceremony? A stunning fireworks display will light up the sky and start your marriage with a bang. The range of entertainers available across all budget levels means that whatever your theme, you can thrill and delight your guests long into the night.
Below are just some of the different types of entertainers you could consider for your wedding.
Fireworks
Few things are as dazzling as a fireworks display to end the night with a bang. In South Africa, packages typically start around R12,000, depending on duration and customisation.
Photo Booth
A guaranteed hit with guests, photo booths bring instant fun and memories. Standard 2-hour booth hire typically costs between R2,300 and R3,000, often including props, prints, and setup. Premium or themed booths (like 360 camera setups or extended use) generally cost R4,000 to R5,000+, depending on duration and extras.
Children’s entertainment
Magician
Add a touch of wonder to the reception with a roaming magician. Perfect for breaking the ice and delighting guests. Expect to pay from around R5,000.
Mind Reader
Want something truly unexpected? A professional mind reader or mentalist can wow your guests with mind-blowing tricks. Prices typically start from R5,000 but can even exceed R20,000 with internationally recognized performers.
Face and glitter artists
A colourful favourite for all ages, face painting and glitter bars bring serious sparkle to your celebration. Services generally start from R3,000.
Casino
Bring the thrill of Vegas to your reception — minus the real gambling. Casino-themed entertainment (think blackjack, roulette, poker tables) typically starts at R10,000.
Circus performers
Fire jugglers, stilt walkers, aerial artists — if you’re after spectacle, circus performers deliver. Packages usually start from around R8,000.
Dancers
From traditional African dance troupes to modern flash mobs or Latin performers, dancers bring serious energy. Rates generally start around R8,000.
Bouncy castle
Why should kids have all the fun? Bouncy castles are perfect for relaxed outdoor weddings and often loved by adults too. Rentals usually start from R2,000 — just remember to take your shoes off!
Should you hire a wedding entertainer other than a musician or DJ?
Whether an entertainer is right for your wedding or not is purely down to you, your personality, the style and theme of your wedding, and your budget. If you’re hoping for an affordable wedding, then an entertainer (on top of music from a band, singer or DJ) can be one of the first to go. However, if you have a larger budget to play with, then additional entertainment will help your wedding to be unique.
So, if you do have a little extra budget and are keen for your wedding to stand out, an entertainer can do just that. It’ll create buzz and excitement, enhancing your guests’ experiences. It also adds an extra layer of personalisation and provides a little more variety to the average wedding celebration.
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