More times than not when I’m performing on-site calligraphy at an event the guests will respond with “This is amazing! I’ve never seen anything like this before!” When you’re in the industry you forget that maybe this concept that is so familiar to you, might be novel to the rest of the world. Adding an interactive entertainment element – one that doubles as a gift for the guests – is always a crowd favorite and really takes your event up a notch. Your guests will be so impressed and feel like they got the best gift in the world.

If you’re looking for something unique and unforgettable for your wedding or event, interactive entertainment is absolutely the answer. There are endless ideas when it comes to having an activation (or interactive entertainment) at your event. I wanted to share a few that I’ve done at events that have been successful and are amazing options to elevate your event. Let’s get to it!

1. Calligraphy

A classic option and easy to do on most surfaces. On-site calligraphy is personalization on any surface written with a pen or marker. This includes custom messages on branded stationery, personalization on packaging like boxes or bags, monogrammed leather tags, etc. I like calligraphy as an option when 1) you want to offer longer messages: cards for the holidays, 2) you’re expecting a large amount of people in attendance and need to the customization to be quicker: writing on leather as opposed to gold foiling, or 3) engraving is not an option for your surface: personalizing champagne bottles or any other pressurized glass – the engraving disrupts the glass and put it as risk for shattering either at the time of engraving or even later on when you bring the bottle home.

2. Engraving

I love engraving – it’s stunning, impressive to watch, and permanent on the surface. This is a great option when you want the personalization to be permanent and you want to offer a luxe service to make the event a little more upscale. Engraving is incredibly versatile; you can use this surface with glass, metal, frosted glass, most acrylic or plastic, or ceramic. This allows you to choose a high quality item to gift your guests and make it personal onsite. Some options include fragrance bottles, wine glasses, metal tumblers, metal luggage tags, candles, liquor bottles, or wine glasses. I’ve also done engraving on items that are specific to the brand hosting the event: glass candles, hand blown glass pipes, gua sha stones, and lipstick tubes.

3. Hot Foiling

Hot foiling is a stunning service – the way the gold stands out on the surface is really something. It’s a more durable option for leather surfaces making it great for luggage tags, journals, wallets, or bags. On-site hot foiling is great option for high volume events like conventions, conferences, and trade shows. It’s a permanent method that is great for high touch items like a luggage tag and is a faster option than engraving. I love when brands opt for hot foiling and offer several different leather items – luggage tags, journals, passport covers, etc. – for their guests to choose from to personalize.

4. Bottle Painting

On-site bottle painting is the premier trend in the activation industry; understandably because it is a show stopper. This is another labor intensive, but absolutely worth it activation. I love this service because it offers a custom option without having to come up with a name, date, or phrase that feels meaningful enough to make permanent. It makes the surface a piece of art making a simple bottle of wine or fragrance a luxe, high end gift you’ll keep forever. Creating a bottle painting requires layers with drying time in between, but this also allows us to paint multiple bottles at once, which cuts down on the production time. This is a popular option for fragrance brands as well as champagne and other bubbles since engraving is not an option for them.

5. Wood Burning

I love the uniqueness and minimalist of wood burning. Similarly with engraving, it’s a clean and permanent option for personalizing wood surfaces. It’s a really satisfying technique to watch which makes it the perfect activation for weddings and events – gives your guests something to look at and enjoy while they’re waiting for their name to be placed on their gift. This activation is great for wood surfaces like cutting boards, wood coasters, napkin rings or wooden spoons.