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Live party entertainment can make the difference between a good wedding party and a great one! For most people, arranging live entertainment is an irregular or once in a lifetime event. Here, we aim to pass on a wealth of knowledge that should prove useful to you.
Why Is Entertainment Important At A Wedding Function?
Try to remember the last wedding reception or evening party you attended. Was it six months ago? A year? Now try to remember what hors d'ouvres were served. Do you remember the wedding 'favour' you received? Here’s an easy one. Did you have a good time? Did you dance all night? Was the live entertainment great? Was the party band or wedding DJ brilliant?
In general, most people remember the live entertainment more than anything at a wedding party. Live entertainment leaves the most indelible memory so it only stands to reason that the guests you invite to your wedding function will have the same impression. Long after the memory of how the flowers looked has faded from their minds, long after they've forgotten about those invitations you sent out, they'll remember what a fabulous time they had, dancing and celebrating to a great party band with the Bride and Groom.
How Early Should You Book Your Wedding Reception Entertainment?
As early as possible! This varies based on the time of year and day of the week but 12 -18 months prior to your wedding reception is definitely not too soon. The busiest times for weddings in the uk tends to be between the beginning of May and the end of September and all Bank Holiday weekends. Fridays & Sundays are increasingly popular & Christmas is hugely popular for company parties. Don't forget that the corporate & conference party market fills up the rest of the year. So book your wedding reception entertainment early. If you find a wedding band that you like, don't let them get away. Fabulous wedding party bands & top wedding party DJs are hard to find and they book up seasons in advance. Nothing will disappoint you more than going through the whole process, setting your heart on something and then waiting a week to call and finding out they're now booked on your day for another wedding reception party. If they aren't available on your reception date, at least you'll have plenty of time to find another band.
When Should We Entertain Our Wedding Party Guests?
It is now common practice in the UK to entertain your guests throughout the wedding reception and onto the evening party. Regardless of whether you are having a church wedding or a civil ceremony, there are several alternatives open to you, which will make your wedding reception a memorable one for everyone that attends.
1. Entertainment for the wedding ceremony, pre-dinner drinks, photographs & wedding breakfast.
2. Entertainment for the evening wedding celebration party.
First of all you need to establish what you are trying to achieve and what image you wish to portray. You may want the wedding reception to go with a bang, or alternatively you may want something a little more refined or indeed a mixture of the two. Here are just a few ideas for the different times of the day.
Your Wedding Car Arrives At The Church / Reception Venue For The Ceremony.
As you get out of the wedding car you could be welcomed by an elegantly dressed wedding Piper in traditional Scottish Regalia. Marching, with the moving sound of the pipes, he will lead you to the area where the wedding ceremony will take place. If required he will also play during the ceremony, signing of the register, as well as piping the bride & groom out of the ceremonial area. This is perfect for either a church ceremony or civil ceremony. He can, of course continue his duties at the wedding reception.
In The Church Or At The Civil Ceremony.
Alternatively, you could have a Harpist, String Quartet, Pianist, or Trumpeter, playing at the wedding ceremony as you and your guests arrive, during the signing of the register and as your wedding guests leave. These instruments lend an air of sophistication and elegance to the wedding ceremony that cannot be achieved with traditional organ music. If you require a more informal ambience, a mobile wedding Jazz Band is an excellent and very popular option for a civil ceremony.
Photographs & Pre-Dinner Drinks At The Wedding Reception.
We are regularly told that the photo session at the wedding reception can be somewhat protracted & wedding entertainment at this point can help stimulate relaxed conversation between your guests.
The Wedding Breakfast.
Here family and friends will want to talk whilst enjoying their wedding breakfast. Any wedding reception entertainment you supply would need to be background entertainment rather than 'full on'. As well as live music another option would be a close-up table magician. He will visit your guests' tables one by one performing his magical art. Other speciality performers such as a wedding Caricaturist will keep your guests occupied between courses. A wedding caricaturist also gives your family and friends a special present to take home. Engaging the services of a wedding Toastmaster is a very wise move. His job is to make sure that everything runs smoothly at the reception. He will advise you on wedding etiquette and will usually meet with you before the wedding day to discuss your requirements. He will ensure that the reception caterers, wedding entertainers, photographers and videographers etc. all know what to do and when. If you wish, he will announce the arrival of each wedding guest, and introduce the speeches. Most have a great sense of humour and are often a good source of entertainment. Employing the services of a wedding toastmaster allows the parents and the best man to relax and enjoy their day.
The Evening Wedding Reception.
Most evening wedding receptions will last at least four hours, some as long as six. However long, it will be the longest part of the day, and the part that will have the greatest impression on your reception guests, but sadly, it often gets the least attention. This is strange, because not only is it the longest part of the day, but there are usually larger numbers of people present at the evening party.
A Wedding Band or a Wedding Disco?
When choosing wedding entertainment for your evening party, there is always the age-old question, "Wedding Band or Wedding DJ?" If you can squeeze it in the budget, you may want to consider both. If budget is an issue for you, you may want to consider hiring a top quality wedding DJ who can play a huge variety of songs and at a lower cost. Whatever you do, don't book a 'cheap' wedding DJ !!
Advantages Of Hiring A Live Wedding Party Band.
A good live wedding party band will have an amazing effect on the atmosphere and even the 'stuffiest' of guests will find it hard not to get up and dance. Hiring a wedding party band is a great way to ensure a "lively" reception that will create lasting memories you will cherish for decades. For most of your wedding guests the live music will encourage excited activity and they will spend the majority of their time at the reception on the dance floor. For others, who might have less of a desire to dance, live music provides an equally enjoyable concert or lounge-type atmosphere. The bottom line is that live wedding entertainment at a wedding reception is both a participatory activity and a spectator sport all rolled into one. This is the unequalled 'entertainment value' of live music. It is clearly demonstrated by the millions of people who attend concerts, symphonies, outdoor festivals, jazz clubs and night clubs throughout the uk to hear live entertainers perform each year. There is an inherent power and energy in live entertainment that captivates and appeals to the audience.
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What Style Of Wedding Band Should I Book?
Generally, there is a wider range of ages and musical tastes at a wedding reception & evening party than at any other type of event. Versatility is a key ingredient to your party's success! Experienced, versatile wedding bands play a selection of well-loved covers hits from a huge repertoire designed to appeal to all of your guests. They are open to song suggestions and, given enough notice, are happy to rehearse your personal favourites and special requests - especially your first dance. Other styles of band like a Soul band, Jazz band, Rock n Roll band, and Tribute band are more specialist and by their very nature can only appeal to a smaller sector. A ceilidh band (pronounced kay-lee) is also popular. However, unless a large proportion of your reception guests are of a Celtic descent we would generally only recommend this type of band to do one long set and to follow this with a wedding disco. Wedding ceilidhs are fabulous for audience involvement, but as the reception wears on (and the alcohol takes effect), the guests often find it difficult to remember the callers' instructions! This is part of the fun of course, but it can lose its impact the second time around.
If I Book A Wedding Band Do I Also Need A Wedding Disco?
Probably! It all depends on the timings of your reception (again, here at Yorkshire Entertainment our experienced agents will ask you all the right questions and offer you some friendly impartial advice). The most important thing to remember is that live wedding party bands will usually play 2 sets - lasting between 45 minutes to an hour each. (Any more than this and the music will lose it's dynamic impact and special nature). Once the wedding band stop for a break, the wedding DJ will keep the party going until the band are ready to start their second set. If you don't do this, the drop in atmosphere will make it much harder for the band to get the audience back in the party mood. Depending on when the party band finish, the DJ can keep people dancing till the early hours if you wish, and for far less cost. (You are only paying for 1 person). All of our live function bands can however supply music during their breaks and again this may well be the best option - mainly depending on the timings of your wedding day and the evening reception the atmosphere you wish to create
Why Should You Book A Wedding Band & Party DJ From The Same Source?
Most DJ's supplied from alternative sources are not used to working alongside the party bands. They will often play some of the party band's material (even though they may say that they will not!) causing antagonism at the event.
How Much Will The Wedding Entertainment Cost?
The costs vary quite considerably, partly due to the location and date of your wedding ceremony & wedding reception and of course to the popularity of the entertainers.
Is It Customary To Feed The Wedding Band?
In almost all cases, the wedding band is away from home for a substantial period of time (including travelling, set-up, performing, & de-rigging) and it is therefore customary to feed the entertainers. If you are having a very elaborate wedding breakfast, you do not need to serve the entertainers the same meal you are providing for your wedding guests but a hot meal is usually required. An act performing for the evening wedding reception party only will be delighted to join in the buffet, if this is easier for you.
Do I Tip The Wedding Entertainers?
While it is definitely not required that you tip the reception entertainers, as with any other service provided, if you are very pleased with the service you receive it would obviously be gratefully received!
Should I Pay For The Wedding Acts Parking?
At a venue that requires paid parking, it is entirely at the discretion of the party-giver whether to reimburse for parking. However, if you know that the wedding reception venue has particular difficulty with parking arrangements this should be discussed beforehand to ensure the entertainers will have the access needed to unload equipment, to ensure they will be ready to perform on time.
Can I Request A Special Code Of Dress For The Wedding Entertainers?
Generally speaking, the wedding entertainers have appropriate attire for the various types of affairs they normally perform at. It should be made clear upfront and stated in the contract what type of attire you would like at your wedding reception or evening wedding party. If your request is not out of the ordinary there will not be any added charge for attire. For example, it is reasonable to request musicians or groups to wear standard black tuxedos for a wedding reception. However, if you request an unusual colour tuxedo or particular colour shirt or accessory to match your colour scheme, you should expect to be charged extra for this request
Are There Any Special Considerations For Marquee Wedding Events?
If possible, we recommend that the marquee company arrange an access flap or doorway, close to, or directly behind the stage area. This allows the wedding entertainers to quickly set up & pack down with the minimum disturbance to the guests.
Is It Essential To Provide A Stage?
Whilst it is not essential to supply a stage at the reception - it does allow the wedding band to be seen when the dance floor is full. If you are able to supply a stage, it must be safe and soundly constructed. A minimum ceiling height above the stage of 6ft 6ins should be allowed. (Please take note of sloping marquee linings where necessary).
What Sort Of Power Supply Is Required?
It is essential that a safe, properly earthed and constant power supply is provided. Venues that regularly stage wedding entertainment should already have the correct supply, but please check with them. The exact requirements depend on the wedding entertainment you have booked but as a (very) general guide, for an average sized live party band & wedding DJ - 2 separate 13 amp or 1x30 amp 240 volt mains supply is required. This should terminate on stage in 13 amp sockets. These supplies must be totally independent of each other (ie. not drawn from 1x13 amp source via a mains extension). This supply should be for the sole use of the wedding band & wedding DJ and should never be shared with anything else. Where the entertainers have to share the available power with the caterer, it is most advisable that a 3 phase supply is available, with each party having a separate dedicated phase. The alternative is for a high-powered generator to be provided, to accommodate for the heavy demand of heating ovens and other high usage requirements of a catering contractor, together with the wedding band lighting and PA system. An incorrect or unsafe supply will jeopardise your event.
Changing Room For The Wedding Entertainers.
Please provide a warm, clean, well-lit and lockable changing room with clothes rail for the party band, DJ & wedding entertainers. At established wedding entertainment venues, you may need to arrange for the use of a hotel bedroom if there isn't a specialist changing room available. Note: Professional artistes should not be asked to change within toilet or kitchen areas - suitable rooms must be made available.
How Big Is The Party Band Performance Area?
This again depends on the size & type of wedding entertainment booked. For a live party band an area approximately 12ft deep (front to back) by 20ft wide (left to right) is needed. Additional floor space (approx 4ft square) on the front left and right hand corners should be allocated for band & DJ speaker systems (These usually are not placed on the stage). Please try to ensure guest's tables are not placed directly in front of the speakers.
Wedding DJ Requirements.
Additional floor space should be allocated for wedding DJ's speakers and equipment (approximately 5ft either side of the stage for speakers and lighting effects and a minimum area of approximately 6ft square for the DJ and the rest of his equipment). When a DJ is working alongside a live wedding band, it is preferable to place the wedding DJ next to the stage, not on it. (This prevents CD's from `jumping'). For marquee weddings please provide a solid base and a sturdy table approx 6ft x 3ft with a cloth.
Waiting Area.
For various reasons you may prefer that the wedding entertainers do not circulate in the marquee or function room. It is therefore helpful if a quieter area (possibly the changing area) is utilised for refreshments, meals and resting between spots.
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