Living Statues for Weddings

More and more couples in the UK are looking for a special theatrical edge to their wedding – and what better way to achieve this than by hiring a Living Statue? Decorative and entertaining, a living statue can add a touch of magic to your day.

But being such an unusual form of entertainment where do you start? And how do you find one that’s right for you?

Match the Venue

There are loads of traditional themed statues out there that are perfect for weddings. Angels, Cupids, Georgians, Romans – all can look great, but if they don’t match your venue you might be missing an opportunity.

It’s all about creating an atmosphere. A good living statue can be something that is romantic whilst giving high quality entertainment. Something that the guests will remember; setting a quirky and original tone.

A living statue works best when it looks like it’s meant to be there, like it has been part of the furniture for a hundred years. A realistic costume can stop guests in their tracks making them wonder, is it a real statue? Is it a person? But then, whilst they’re hypnotised by the effect, the statue can enchant them even more with some beautiful and graceful moves.

Be Creative

You don’t have to stick to traditional themes to get a great living statue. Many performers will have a range of modern or unusual characters and, on request, can custom make a new costume just for you.

Matching the style of an unusual venue is a great starting point. But some couples like to choose a statue that suits a party theme or even their line of work. It’s amazing how many ‘themed’ statues are out there: 80’s statues, Hollywood statues, doctor statues, soldier statues  - there really is no limit.

And don’t forget, statues aren’t the only thing on offer – many performers also have human trees, even living human topiary! Great fun for outdoor and marquee weddings!

More than Standing Still

Booking a human statue is easy but make sure you follow these tips to get the most out of the performance:

Get photos of the costumes and bring them along to the venue. Try and find a good spot for the statue to stand, ideally somewhere where guests will congregate - near the champagne table or seating plan perhaps. 

Make sure your performer is booked to be in position before guests arrive and stays until they’re gone. There’s nothing worse to spoil an effect than having an angel waddle off through your guests because the performer’s hour is up!

When choosing a human statue it also helps to shop around to look for performers who not only look good but can also give a good performance: Being a living statue performer isn’t just about standing still, the important thing is what the performer can do when he or she does move.

Ask to see the performer’s CV to check they’re experienced and professionally trained and make sure they are members of the performer’s union, Equity. Many venues will not allow performers who do not have public liability insurance so make sure their paperwork is in order (Equity membership automatically insures the performer).

Entertainment agencies across the country can provide living statues for weddings or a couple can search for specialist living statue companies on the web. By talking to a specialist living statue company you’re assured that you’re dealing direct with the artist and can explain the effect you are trying to achieve. You can make big savings too as you won’t be paying agency fees on top of the performer’s rates.

So next time you’re at a wedding, look closely at the statues – you never know, they might be looking back!

Article contributed by Ed Johnson from The Living Statue Company