The magician

When we say magician, we're not talking about a man on a stage pulling a white rabbit out of a hat. We're talking about a close-up magician - someone who will mingle discreetly, working their way around your guests and wowing them with card tricks.

Useful contact: Find a magician online at The Magic Circle.

Expect to pay: around £500 for up to three hours.

The fun casino

If you fancy having a little flutter, how about hiring a casino? The key with the fun casino is that you're not playing with real money - so you're not likely to become a millionaire by the end of your wedding day. Casino ‘money' makes a fun favour for your guests and you can even have a photo of yourselves printed on the notes!

Useful contacts:

• www.cabaretcasino.co.uk 0870-754 4544
• www.weddinggames.co.uk 0800-587 7579
• www.1stclasscasino.co.uk 0870-872 1007

Expect to pay: around £100 per game (without staff or tables), and from £100 per croupier. A fully equipped table with professional croupiers will cost around £400.

The look-a-like

Like the idea of George Clooney wandering around your reception or sharing a martini with James Bond? Although they're not actually ‘the real thing', obviously, look-a-likes are a great idea, especially if you're having a cocktail party. Familiar faces can mingle among your guests, pose for photos and probably cause quite a few surprised glances.

Useful contacts:

• www.toplookalikes.co.uk 020-8362 1484
• www.prima-artists.com 0870-749 3093
• www.sternberg-clarke.co.uk 020-8877 1102

Expect to pay: From £500 for one look-a-like artist

The ceilidh A must have for a Scottish wedding, the Scottish ceilidh is basically rather energetic formation dancing. It's certainly worth a consideration if you like the idea of a lively evening reception and great for getting guests of all ages on the dance floor.

Useful contact:

• www.alivenetwork.com 0845 108 5500
• www.freakmusic.co.uk 0131 467 2539
  

Expect to pay: From £500 for a ceilidh band and caller.

The ice sculpture

For pure drama, opt for an ice sculpture. This could be something as simple as beautiful candle holders or champagne buckets made from ice, or as eyecatching as a vodka luge.

Useful contacts:

• www.icesculpture.net 020-8575 7112
• www.ice-sculpture.com 01743 247981

Expect to pay: from £35 for an ice bucket to £300 for a vodka luge.

The chocolate fountain The perfect alternative (or addition) to a wedding cake, a chocolate fountain not only tastes delicious, it also makes a great focal point at your evening party. Choose from milk, plain or white chocolate and have an array of delicious goodies, from marshmallows to strawberries, for dipping.

Useful contacts: 

• www.theoriginalchocolatefountain.com 0800-612 9896
• www.chocolateangels.co.uk  0845-370 0320
• www.indulge-in-chocolate.co.uk 0871-859 9000

Expect to pay: from £400 for a chocolate fountain to include chocolate, dipping food and an operator. Alternatively, invest in your own mini chocolate fountain, £90 from You & Your Wedding Shopping click here and do it yourself. And just think... you'll be able to take it home after the wedding.

Photo Joey Toller