Wedding Entertainment – Music for the Wedding Breakfast

The Wedding Breakfast

Often couples choose not to have entertainment during the wedding breakfast, instead saving it for later in the evening. But here are a few ideas to buck this trend…

• If you’re going the classical route why not hire a string quartet, a harpist, a pianist or a classical guitarist to provide background music during the meal.
• Other bands are also available to provide background music, take a look at Belle, Uber Swing or B-String.
• Perhaps you are looking for something a bit quirky, in this case you could hire a theme band to entertain while you eat. Check out Tula and the Tom Cats, Lipstick on his collar, The Tenners, and ACD.
• If you want to save the musical entertainment for the evening but would still like some entertainment, it is becoming increasingly popular to hire a ‘Close up Magician’. Check out Dominic’s page.

Next time I will be looking at the variety of entertainment you can choose for the evenings entertainment as well as how to choose that all important first dance song!

Wedding Entertainment – Music For The Ceremony

Music is a vital part of any wedding day. It is something that is woven into the very history of marriage, as well as something we all recognise as synonymous with having a good old party! In my next 3 posts I will be looking at how you can involve music at different points of your wedding:

• The Ceremony
• The Wedding Breakfast
• The Evenings Entertainment

First up – The Ceremony

So what kind of music do you want during your ceremony? Read on to be inspired!

Here’s what you are going to need ;

• Prelude music – a few songs to be played in the background while guests arrive and are seated.
• Processional – One song for the Bride and Bridesmaids to walk down the aisle to.
• Signing the register – Perhaps 2 o 3 songs which gives you time for photo opportunities etc.
• Recessional – one upbeat song as the new Mr. and Mrs. walk back down the aisle.
• 1 or 2 songs to play in the background as people leave

Ultimately it’s the Processional and Recessional songs that are the most important, so you should really think carefully about your song choices and how you want them to be played. Below are a few ideas.

Traditional Processional

We all associate the Bridal Chorus, more commonly known as the ‘Wedding March’, with the actual act of walking down the aisle. If you like the idea of following tradition then this is the option for you. I always think that the harp is one of the most beautiful instruments for playing this piece, if you would like to hear a sample of this wedding entrance song being played on the harp, please see Paula’s page and click the link to ‘Bridal Chrous’.

An alternative which has become very popular in recent years is Canon by Johann Pachelbel. Even if you don’t know the name you will recognise the song. Again a harpist playing this would be lovely, or perhaps a String Quartet. You can see samples of Pachelbel ‘s Canons being played on the harp here and by a string quartet here. Just click on the links on the left side of the page.

Traditional Recessional

At the end of the service in Western services, the bride and groom usually march down the aisle to a lively recessional tune, the most popular tune being Mendelssohn’s Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Again a harpist would be lovely for this song, or you could look into hiring a classical pianist or guitarist.

Alternative song choices

If tradition is not for you, or you would like to add a touch of your personality, why not choose a song that is special to you and your partner. Obviously this would be a very personal choice, but below are a few of my favorite ideas that I’ve found online.

A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes – From ‘Cinderella’
At Last – Etta James
You are my sunshine – Piano Version
Somewhere over the Rainbow – Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole
Just Like Heaven – The Cure
Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
It Had to be you – Anthony Ray
We’ve only Just Begun – The Carpenters

Most musicians you can hire will be willing to learn at least one song for you, and even if the song you want isn’t classical they can perform it instrumentally so that it sounds right. So don’t be put off if the song you want isn’t listed on their repertoire. Take a look here for some of The Band Boutiques best classical musicians.

Making your money go further

If you are on a tight budget but don’t want to skimp on the entertainment here is a top tip!

If you are already looking to hire a band for the evening’s entertainment you would be wise to choose one which can also provide an acoustic set for the ceremony. This could be a pianist, a guitarist or even a singer. This will be much cheaper than hiring separate entertainment and provided you pick well, will be just as good, if not better! Take a look at ‘Mister Kanish’ and One By One for some bands which can provide this service.

Not only will this save you some pennies, but by working with one band you will be able to communicate exactly what you want for your day to make it personal to you, and will involve much less hassle.

Next time I will be talking about entertainment for during The Wedding Breakfast. Please follow my blog if you want to stay updated!

Pedro and Gemmas Rustic Vintage wedding

This gallery contains 18 photos.

On Saturday 25th of June, Chris and I attended Pedro and Gemma’s wedding. Held in a beautiful barn in Sherborne, the location was stunning, but it was really the little touches that made the day! Check out the photos to see the home made vodka stand, picture frame photo opportunities, hand made favours and a […]

Have a gawk at this!

Hurrah! I have finally managed to get some photos of my fantastic function bands onto Wedding Gawker. You can check out my (small but perfectly formed) gallery by clicking the badge below!

If you haven’t stumbled across Wedding Gawker yet, my word are you in for a treat! It’s full to the brim with fantastic wedding ideas from all over the web. You can search for wedding specifics and it’s better than Googling it because you know for sure that everything on there is going to be absolutely beautiful. And there’s even an app for it! Wedding planning heaven!

Alternative Wedding Entertainment

So, you need entertainment for your wedding reception, but you don’t want a cheesy wedding band or DJ? Check out some of the options below.

Indie/Rock Band

If you’re tired of hearing cheesey songs at weddings and would rather hear some up to date music such as The Kings of Leon or The Foo Fighters, why not consider an indie/rock band. There are loads of great options to suit all budgets here.  New Skin and Mister Kanish would both fit the bill particularly well

Vintage Bands

Vintage wedding receptions are very popular at the moment, partially because they are so versatile! But which era do you go for? Whatever era you decide on The Band Boutique have got a fab act to fit with your theme. Check them out at The Band Boutiques website.

For the 1920’s – Tula and the Tomcats

1930’s Gypsy Jazz – Belle

For the 1950’s – Lipstick on His Collar

Old American Deep South Music – The Lovestruck Cowboys

Vintage Tea Party – The Old Time String Ensemble

Kitch and 80’s – Jason and the Organ-auts

Classical

If you really want to avoid cheeseyness hiring a classical band or performer could be the way to go. There’s lots of options though, pianists, harpists, string quartets, classic guitar. Even a classical opera singer. You can have a browse here.

Big Band

To make a real statement why not hire a large band made up of 7 or more people. Check out Brighton Soul, a fantastic 8 piece soul band, or LTD featuring pop hits from the 60’s to today.

Tribute Bands

If there’s a particular band you like this can be a great way to get everyone singing along to your favourite songs. Have a look here to see some great tribute acts. We particularly like the Blues Brothers Tribute who come with a 14 piece band and not only play music, but strive to entertain with a capital E!

Something to surprise your guests

Drop Dead Freddy are a band which perform all the classics, dressed as dead rock and pop stars!  Ever wondered what Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Freddy Mercury, Paul Gray (Slipknot) and Eric Carr (Kiss) have been doing with their time? Apparentely they’ve started one of the South of the UKs best function bands. These five talented individuals play a fantastic range of rock and pop from the 50’s to today including some of the greatest sing-a-long and dance songs of modern times.

If you have a specific idea in mind why not email bandboutique@gmail.com, and they should be able to find what you are looking for.

DIY Wedding Kit #7 Origami Cranes – a symbol of patience and trust

Origami Crane

Origami cranes not only look beautiful, but also hold great meaning in the institution of marriage.

It is an ancient Japanese tradition for the bride and groom to fold 1000 cranes to symbolise  their patience and trust – necesary to sustain a happy marriage. This process is called sembazuru and the tradition itself is called Tsuru wa sennen. A couple who could weather the long, time intensive folding process together, supporting each other, talking with each other for weeks while taking on a challenging task was proving their ability to maintain a long term, content relationship.

You can find the instructions on how to fold the crane here.

But once you’ve finished your 1000 cranes, what do you do with them? Well, I have found some weddings which took this simple and inexpensive idea, and used it to decorate their venues with stunning effect. Check out the wedding pictures below.

Take a look at this Japanese themed wedding, they suspended cranes on string and captured them in glass jars!

This Bride folded 1001 cranes in a rainbow of colours which were then suspended above the ceremony.

This couple went for all white cranes and displayed them as a backdrop to their ceremony. It looks absolutely breathtaking!

This couple used patterned paper for their cranes, and hung them on their table centrepieces which were mini trees. How cute!

If you have the time to spare and are trying to avoid buying or renting expensive decor, why not give this a go!?

For more fantastic DIY ideas please subscribe to my blog, or check out my website at www.weddingreceptionidea.co.uk.

IDEAS FOR SPEECHES – HOW IS MARRIAGE LIKE A WEDDING CAKE?

Here is a perfect idea for a wedding speech donated by my mum (originally written for my grandparents 50th anniversary). How is marriage like making a wedding cake? Read on to find out…

“Firstly, you have to find the right ingredients, which is a bit like finding the right partner. Some mixed fruit is better than others, somebeing plumper, tastier or perhaps just wrapped in a prettier packet!

Then, like a relationship, you’ll need exactly the right amount of sugar, not too much or it will get a bit sickly.

Once you are married (or for these purposes, once the cake is cooked), add the alcohol on a regular basis. Then wrap it up well and keep it safe!

The layer of marzipanwill increase the size of your cake slightly, just as the years may do to your figure but things are now beginning to take shape.

The icing will be applied in several layers to cover the lumpy bits and to fill the cracks that may have appeared! After a while, it mayeven get a bit crusty – a tough exterior– but still soft inside.

Finally, decorate with flowers and ribbons. Then transport carefully, being careful not to break it,– a bit like the human body.

Add some gold and sparkle for appearance. There you have it, a wedding cake, or for my purposes …(insert couples names) 50 years down the line.”

Written by Gillian Bailey

As well as being used as part of a speech this could also be used in a wedding card to the couple.

For more DIY ideas please visit www.weddingreceptionideas.co.uk

DIY Wedding Kit #6 Origami Butterflies

Are you having a wedding with a Butterfly theme? Here’s a great cheap way of decorating your venue or an idea for DIY favours.

Origami butterflies!

Traditionally origami butterflies often appear at Japanese weddings. The Butterflies are known as “Mecho” and “Ocho” and usually adorn sake wine bottles during the ceremony. A central part of the Japanese wedding ceremony is the “three times three” sips of sake taken by the bride and the groom alternately. Although no one is sure exactly what the original “Mecho” and “Ocho” symbolised, it is safe to say that they are now a recognisable tradition of the Japanese wedding, and therefore denote love, union, and even friendship.

I bought the beautiful origami paper on ebay, it cost me £1.95 for 20 sheets but I’m sure you could get it cheaper if you were buying it in bulk.

Check out how to fold it at this website.

Want to see how you can use origami to make your wedding beautiful? Take a look at how  this couple  made a huge impact at their wedding with an abundance of origami cranes.  My next DIY will be how to fold origami cranes, so subscribe to my blog if you would like to keep up to date.

If you are looking for more DIY wedding ideas or theme ideas please take a look at http://www.weddingreceptionidea.co.uk/.

DIY Wedding Kit #5 Personalised Wine Bottles

This idea originally came from my mum, who always likes to make a good impression with her gifts and often surprises people with their very own personalised wine!  I have known her to make them for birthdays, as thankyou’s and even as a welcome present for guests staying at her holiday home in Dunster. (The house is an old police cottage and each bottle has a policeman label! You can visit the website for the old police cottage at http://www.holidaydunster.co.uk/)

Needless to say this project is very versatile. You can use personalised wine bottles as decoration on each table,  mini personalised wine bottles as  favours for your guests to take home, or if you are a guest yourself you can make one as a gift especially for the happy couple.

You can do this quickly to create multiple labels on the computer, or you can get a bit more crafty and make it by hand using stamps and patterned paper. Here are a few examples of what you can do.

 

 

So there you have it! I would suggest that you leave the back label on so that people can see what they are drinking, but other than that you can really create whatever you want.

If you need any more crafty inspiration take a look at www.weddingreceptionidea.co.uk.

Planning for a Wedding – How to decide on your perfect theme

Todays post will give you some ideas on how to decide on a wedding theme which is personal to you and your other half.

When planning a wedding it is very easy to get bogged down in organising all of the things that you are expected to have, rather than concentrating on what you actually want. It’s your big day so you should be able to have whatever you desire, and that doesn’t necessarily mean following tradition!

The most important thing about a wedding is that it represents you and your partner, so lets get to work on choosing your theme…

1. First of all you both need to write a list of your interests separately. These can be as mundane or as silly as you like. Perhaps they are things you have done a million times before, or perhaps you have only done them once but really enjoyed it. Let’s use John and Susan as an example.

John
Football
Sailing
Paintballing
Going to the pub
Reading
Cooking
Watching Movies

Susan
Cooking
Dancing
Films
Wine and cheese evenings
Jogging

2. Next, write down some things that you take an interest in together, or things that you have done together that define your relationship. This could be places you have been or hobbies you enjoy. You could even take inspiration from where the proposal was made.

John and Susan

Going out for meals
Watching old movies
Going to open air cinemas
Going for walks
Proposal in Paris

3. So now you should have a page full of your combined personalities. Jot down the things which appear most in your list, as well as the things that are most important to you both. Let’s have a look and see what we can do with John and Susan’s.

John and Susan have a shared interest in food, and Susan likes wine and cheese. John proposed in Paris, and France is famous for it’s food and wine. So lets work on the basis that we are going to have a wedding loosely based on a French theme. They both like watching movies and even going to open air cinemas. Perhaps there is a particular French film we can take inspiration from?

4. Now we just need to bring it all together and come up with some more specific ideas. Write a list of things you need to consider, you can start with the list below.

– Colour Scheme
– Wedding Invites
– The Dress
– Music and Entertainment
– Decoration
– Favours
– Food
– Drinks
– Table Plan Themes
– The Cake

Take a look on the internet for inspiration. Just type in your key words and there will be a whole host of images waiting to inspire you.

So, what did we end up with for John and Susan?

A Vintage Parisian Inspired Wedding

Colour Scheme -Select muted tones to capture the ‘Old Paris’ feel. – Browns and    Creams with an accent of black.
Wedding Invites – Make Save the date cards (or invitations) in the form of vintage Parisian postcards.
The Dress – Go for a classic style dress. Take inspiration from the French movies or buy authentic vintage.
– Accessorize with lace.
Music and Entertainment – Hire a Parisian Gypsy Jazz band to play while the guests mingle. (Click the picture below to browse potential bands.)

'Belle' Parisian Gypsy Jazz Band

Decoration – Incorporate vintage maps of France into the decor.
– Pretty it up with flowers and frills.
– Go down the ‘travel’ route and include vintage suitcases as well as luggage tags and plane/train tickets.
Favours – Mini Cheeses
– Mini Wines
– Macaroons
– Sachets of Lavender
Food – Serve bread, cured meats, olives and sundried tomatoes.
-Hire a Crepe van
Drinks – Provide bottles of wine on each table with personalised labels. (Click here to see how)
Table Plan Themes – There are loads of options here. Two of my favourites are Famous French landmarks, or types of French Cheese.
The Cake – Instead of a wedding cake have a wedding cheese.

So there you have it! How to create a wedding plan in a few hours. If you’re still stuck you can post your lists as a comment and I will give you some ideas. Perhaps other people could share some of their own ideas for you too!