The simplest way to plan wedding entertainment at The Ravenswood is to treat the DJ, room lighting and optional extras as one coordinated evening plan. London Event DJs is the resident DJ partner and recommended entertainment supplier at The Ravenswood. That means couples can discuss the resident DJ service alongside photobooths, dancefloors, lighting, live entertainment and other suitable upgrades through one team.
This guide explains the decisions worth making and the questions worth asking. It does not replace the venue’s current event instructions, so always confirm access, timings and any effect-specific approval with your coordinator.
Start with the shape of your evening
Before choosing equipment, map the moments that guests will experience: arrival, wedding breakfast, speeches, room turnaround, first dance and the main party. Confirm when the entertainment space becomes available and when suppliers can load in. A clear running order prevents setup from competing with photographs, dining or speeches.
Share the latest version with the venue, DJ and any live performers. Include a named contact for the day so minor timing changes can be handled without interrupting you.
Planning the resident DJ service
Your DJ needs more than a long request list. Describe the atmosphere you want, the age range of the guests, essential songs and anything you would prefer not to hear. A small number of meaningful requests gives useful direction while leaving room to respond to the dancefloor.
Confirm the first-dance track and version carefully. If an edit, acoustic version or live accompaniment is planned, provide it early enough for a proper check. Read our wider guide to wedding entertainment across West Sussex for service options beyond the venue.
Do you need a separate dancefloor?
A dancefloor can visually define the party area and create a focal point, but the best size depends on the room layout, guest count and furniture plan. Bigger is not automatically better: an oversized floor can feel empty early in the evening, while a small one may restrict movement at peak moments.
Ask for a recommendation after the final room plan is available. Consider the position of doors, tables, the DJ, photobooth and any performance area rather than assessing the dancefloor in isolation. Explore the available LED dancefloor options.
Lighting that supports the room
Good event lighting has several jobs. It should make the DJ area feel intentional, help define the dancefloor and complement—rather than fight—the venue’s existing lighting. Uplighting can add colour or warmth to selected walls and features; moving-head lighting can add energy later in the evening.
Choose a restrained palette that works with your flowers and décor. Ask which fittings are appropriate for the surfaces and where cables can be routed safely. Any installation remains subject to the venue’s current requirements.
Choosing a photobooth
A photobooth gives guests an activity away from the dancefloor and works best where it is visible but does not obstruct service routes. Decide whether prints matter, how much floor space is available and whether you prefer a classic enclosed experience, an open Magic Mirror or a compact digital option.
Allow space for guests to queue and for props or a print station where supplied. Compare the choices on our photobooth hire page.
Adding live performers or first-dance effects
A saxophonist or bongo player can join selected DJ sets, while first-dance effects can create a strong visual moment. These elements need coordination: performance timings, audio connections, safe operating space and venue approval should be settled before the final schedule is issued.
Never assume an effect is allowed because it has been used at another event. Ask the venue and supplier to confirm suitability for your date and layout.
A practical Ravenswood planning checklist
- Confirm supplier access and the entertainment-room handover time.
- Share the final guest count, floor plan and running order.
- Approve the first-dance version and essential announcements.
- Choose a dancefloor only after considering the whole layout.
- Confirm space and power for a booth or live performer.
- Obtain venue approval for effects and special installations.
- Name one day-of contact for supplier questions.
Next step
Send us your date, expected guest count and current plans. We can help coordinate the resident DJ service with suitable entertainment upgrades. Request a tailored Ravenswood entertainment quote.