​2017 is almost over, and it’s time to look to 2018 and what that may bring. At Gray Events, we’ve been analysing the wedding trends, 2018 and beyond, to bring you tips on planning your wedding reception. We’re also sharing the greatest event entertainment ideas for the New Year, to ensure you throw the biggest, best and boldest wedding party possible. 

​The minimalist and natural wedding theme is returning in 2018, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. We’re huge fans of the natural wedding theme, and it is predicted to dominate the wedding trends 2018. The clean, simple and crisp look is hugely popular, and the key is to focus on the finer details to a very minimalist backdrop. Whether that be party entertainment hire, or even making a statement with your wedding reception accessories - this is one of the greatest 2018 wedding trends. It allows for a little freedom when it comes to your decor, and always looks good when it comes to the professional photos. 

​Retro wedding themes will always be universally loved. There’s something about looking at days gone by and reminiscing that gives you a warm feeling. It’s this reason it’s one of our top picks for 2018 wedding trends. You’ll be seeing plenty of this wedding theme on Pinterest also… While you can add retro accessories and decorations to your big day, you could even opt for vintage unusual party entertainment. For example, your guests will adore the chance to play on the retro Pacman arcade machine, and relive their childhood memories of playing the game. It’s not just the retro Pacman arcade machine hire either; we’ve got a whole load of event entertainment options for this 2018 wedding trend. 
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While it may not be considered retro, our racing simulator event entertainment ideas complement the theme perfectly. Your guests can race for top lap with this party entertainment hire, and compete for number one place. The fastest races will even win a prize with this unusual party entertainment. 

​We love an edgy wedding theme trends as much as the next person. The metallic and industrial style has been popular for the past couple of years, but is gaining momentum in 2018. We predict Pinterest next year to be a metallic lovers haven. You can incorporate this wedding trends, 2018 and onwards, into your accessories - such as brass light fixtures and quirky, metal candle holders. This wedding theme trend has even been spotted with catering. The ‘naked’ metallic cake is brilliantly beautiful, and the ultimate showstopper at your wedding reception. 

​The minimalist wedding theme may be enjoying its moment in the spotlight in 2018, but colourful weddings are still sought after. A pop of colour is a fantastic addition to your special day, whether that involves coloured flowers, or colourful lighting; the opportunities are endless. We recommend injecting a colour pop to your wedding with event entertainment; namely, the carnival. There’s nothing more colourful than a huge ‘welcome to the carnival entrance’, surrounded by a myriad of balloons. For even more unusual party entertainment, there’s a heap of games that fit this 2018 wedding trend. 
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Roll a ball is a spectacular example of party entertainment hire, and allows guests of all ages a chance to play. Likewise, you could let your guests test their strength High Striker, or test their ball skills with Basketball Shootout. There’s a range of event entertainment options for the colour wedding theme. 

If you would like to discuss any of the party entertainment hire with one of our team, get in touch today and we’ll help transform your wedding reception. 

​We may still be in the midst of 2017 parties and, perhaps, even hosting our own, but it’s never too early to look at next year. 2018 is going to be even bigger and better than 2017, with a whole range of exciting entertainment ideas for events. As party aficionados, we’re sharing our greatest ideas and 2018 event trends. 

If there’s one thing we learnt from providing event entertainment to hundreds of venues this year, it’s that a unique venue is one of the biggest event trends of 2018. It’s not enough to host a party in a function room in 2018, as it has to stand out from the crowd. One of the top entertainment ideas for events is to opt for a unique venue, such as a tipi - which are seeing great popularity at Christmas - or even pop-up stalls. Demand for non-traditional spaces is increasing year upon year. While booking a unique venue may be outside of your brand’s comfort zone, it is well worth the effort. Take advantage of these types of venues, which are often more versatile and boast more space for people, as part of your corporate event ideas for 2018. 

You can find a whole range of unique venues on this website, with places dotted all around the country. Remember, with an event comes event entertainment. Keep your guests happy with plenty of activities to occupy them throughout your celebration. 

As one of our top event ideas, we recommend gathering a whole heap of activities for your guests. However, don’t just stop at just one activity as part of your event entertainment ideas, but add multi-activities to your party. There’s no need to offer one option for your guests. You want to ensure your party is memorable and unrivalled, which is where various corporate event entertainment ideas come in. We have a whole host of options, including casino hire, carnival funfair games and even a racing simulator. You don’t have to keep them separate, but incorporate each one into your event. It’s guaranteed to keep your guests busy and, subsequently, talking about your party. 

If there’s one recommendation we can give you when it comes to entertainment ideas for events, it’s to stand out. 2018 is not the year to sit quietly and hope to throw a fantastic party, but the time to step out from the ‘corporate box’. Whether that involves using exciting lighting methods, hosting your event in a unique venue, or throwing caution to the winds with your event decor - follow these huge event trends. There’s a wealth of inspiration available on the likes of Pinterest. Stand out from the crowd and watch your event transform. 

​Food is as big a part of event trends as the venue. 2017 has been the year of the foodie, and 2018 shows no sign of it slowing down. Cater for your guests (literally) by adding food vans, or pop-up food stalls to transform your venue, and inject a little something different to your event entertainment and event ideas. We’d go so far as to say that food is one of the most important aspects of your party, so you have to get it right. 

​As event entertainment experts, we couldn’t have rounded off this post with any other category. In 2018, you have to prioritise event entertainment to ensure you are ahead of your competitors. A DJ and a small activity are not enough for 2018 event entertainment ideas, especially with next year taking a unique turn.

We offer a range of unique event entertainment, and none more so than crazy golf hire. Our crazy golf hire involves nine portable golf courses, each featuring obstacles to attempt to overcome. Likewise, we have carnival funfair games available, including ‘roll a ball’ and ‘basketball shootout’. There are so many options when it comes to corporate event entertainment ideas, you have no excuse for hiding in the shade. 2018 is dedicated to standing out from the crowd.