Reasons to hire live wedding musicians
Nothing adds to the excitement and merry making in a wedding ceremony like a live performance does. A live music band will make the audience excited and not only that, but it also creates unforgettable moments.
Live musicians have a natural skill for energising audiences with their electric performances. They can create an enjoyable energy-filled happy mood that makes weddings lively. Live musicians also engage wedding crowds and bring a party-feel to a wedding reception.
Photo credit: Franco, a Glasgow wedding band
Wedding bands can produce a customised performance made to suit a specific wedding. They can modify or play a song written specifically for a couple. Through customised performances, live musicians can make a wedding day extra special with that unique song that will make a couple cherish their day even more.
The trend of live wedding bands is being embraced by couples in Scotland. Wedding bands in Scotland are fast becoming the entertainment choice for guests in weddings. The entertainment needs of wedding guests are unpredictable, and it is for this reason that couples are opting to entertain their guests using live wedding bands.
DJs pre-plan their songs in a list, but live musicians perform in accordance to a wedding atmosphere. It is for this reason that live musicians are effective in electrifying their audiences compared to DJs.
Space is no longer a concern when hiring live musicians. Technology advances have enabled more compact setups and thus live bands can perform in smaller venues.
For electrifying, energetic and much memorable wedding moments, live wedding bands are the way to go. They no doubt bring the much-needed liveliness factor needed at wedding ceremonies.
Groom’s guide to accessorising
Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of the biggest days of your life. You have spent months sorting out the band, the centrepieces and the venue but now it’s time to turn your attention to the clothing.
Brides are lucky in the sense that most of the focus tends to be on their dress and the huge range of styles means that their dress can often be a representation of their personality. Grooms, on the other hand, are a little unfortunate in the sense that wedding suits are a little generic.
However, help is at hand. Accessories are a great way to incorporate a little bit of your personality and style into your wedding outfit and it is really easy and often inexpensive. We’ve teamed up with Trendhim to talk about 4 common groom’s accessories and how they can be worn.
Cufflinks
These are a great accessory as they are really easy to get right and there are so many routes you can go down in terms of style. Groom’s cufflinks are commonly seen in silver and gold, especially if said wedding has a black tie dress code.
However, if you are holding a themed wedding, cufflinks can be a great way to give a subtle nod to this theme. For example, if your wedding has a nautical theme or dress code then anchor cufflinks make a perfect choice.
Another really nice idea is to go for a pair of simple cufflinks but to get them engraved with you and your wife’s initials or the date of your wedding as this makes for a really nice memento of such a special day.
Lapel pin
A lapel pin is classically worn on the left lapel of a suit jacket and grooms usually opt for a boutonniere which is a type of lapel pin made of a real flower. However, for practical and style reasons, many grooms are choosing to go down a different route with their lapel pin.
Typically, metal lapel pins are used to express affiliation with a cause or an organisation, but for a wedding you could use it to express something about your personality or heritage. For example, a really nice gesture could be to get a flag pin of your native country if you are marrying abroad.
Faux flower lapel pins are great if you are looking for a flower design in a bold colour as you are sure to find something that fits your taste. Just make sure that the colour compliments your shirt, your jacket and any other accessories that you are wearing on your torso area.
Bow tie
If you have opted for a black tie dress code at your wedding, then a black bow tie is essential. If you have a different theme or dress code, then a bow tie can still be a worn and can often look more stylish than a traditional tie.
For example, if you’re holding your wedding outdoors or you have a boho theme, then a wooden bow tie is a really nice way of connecting this theme with your accessories!
If you feel that your outfit is a little boring and monochrome, then a floral bow tie is a really nice way to inject some colour without going overboard. If you do opt for this type of bow tie, make sure to keep your other accessories subtle so they don’t end up clashing.
Don’t be put off if you are unsure about how to tie a bow tie, there are plenty of tutorials and infographics online. If you’re still struggling, then just get yourself a pre-tied one.
Suspenders
Suspenders, or braces as they are also called, are a really nice way of incorporating some subtle colour into your outfit. They are also a nice alternative if you don’t fancy wearing a waistcoat or a cummerbund.
How bold you go is completely up to you but some classic colour combinations are navy suspenders with a white shirt and burgundy or red suspenders with a light blue shirt. Subtly patterned suspenders are also a really nice choice.
The golden rule of suspenders is that they are a substitute for a belt so the two should never be worn together.
Why Consider Online Wedding Suit Hire?
Weddings are far from cheap, with almost every aspect of the special event costing a fair amount of money, from the catering to the attire. There are various ways to save money when planning a wedding, and an increasingly popular method is hiring the suit of the groom and possibly groomsmen.
Various companies can be found online offering wedding suit hire, and many of these are well worth considering for prospective grooms. There’s a host of benefits to be gained from online wedding suit hire, giving all the more reason to consider it for the special day!
Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits:
Plenty of Styles to Choose From
Walking into a high-street retailer doesn’t offer the same range of clothing when compared to an online specialist. Suit hire companies operating online will have a massive range of suits covering many styles and sizes, from contemporary to classic, and you can easily view many of these from the comfort of home.
Both the bride and groom can view a large number of suit styles online, and then make their decision based on what they like, as well as other factors such as price or availability.
Whether you want a suit that is formal, casual, or something totally grandiose, finding something to your liking should be easy enough.
It Saves You Money
Hiring a wedding suit online is understandably more cost-effective than buying a specially tailored suit. Package deals are always available and offer exceptional value for money when compared to buying the suits outright.
Suits are available for under £100 at most websites, so there’s no denying that using an online wedding suit hire can save you a fair amount money - money that can be used elsewhere in the wedding!
Plus, buying a suit outright will not only cost more, but it could end up being a total waste of money should you never wear it again!
It is a Quick and Easy Process
Organising suits for a wedding will never be easy. It involves going to several shops on more than one occasion, which means the groom will have to organise meeting anyone that needs a suit, which can be a nightmare task to achieve.
Then there’s picking up the suits, returning any hires, and even going back into the store for alternations if necessary.
By doing this all online, you can avoid so much stressful organising and arranging needed for suit hire. You get to view everything from a computer, can order there and then, and will only need measurements from anyone wearing a suit – all of which is quicker and easier than hitting a high-street retailer.
Most will have your suits delivered by the needed date, meaning the overall hiring process is just much simpler when done online.
Swinging through: The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Swing Band
So, you have an event coming up soon and you are looking for live entertainment that can turn a good function into a great one. It’s tough trying to decide on the perfect band that will be enjoyed by everyone and very often, all you have to go on when booking them is word of mouth that their act is any good.
If you are looking for party music that is as sophisticated as it is entertaining, then consider hiring a swing band to take care of your guests. Swing music is best described as the foundation of many modern music styles such as Jazz and Soul music, it came about in an era of social uprising and cultural shift that saw people experimenting with music to develop a new sound that swept the European nations and United States.
The History of Swing
Swing music birthed exciting artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington, who all brought their own unique sound to the style of swing music. Swing was the predominant music trend of the late twenties right through until the early Forties, where its popularity dwindled in the shadow of the Second World War. The war conscripted many artists into military service and Swing bands that consisted of up to 15 members, suddenly found themselves with only three or four musicians that could take the stage.
This led to the evolution of swing into Jazz music, as musicians formed smaller groups and focused on fewer instruments used in the composition. Swing seemed to fade into the background for the next few decades as Jazz and Soul began their rise into popular culture.
In the late Nineties and early 2000’s, Swing made a brief comeback as it was integrated into modern pop music by artists and given a second chance at shaping popular culture. Today, swing bands can be found as traditional pieces featuring large ensembles, playing a variety or original and cover tracks for their audiences.
Why book a Swing band for your event?
If your event needs a party atmosphere that’s lively, with a band that has high-energy and offers an enthusiastic performance, then a Swing band is the perfect choice for your event entertainment. A Swing band should be able to play all of the classics from the era of Swings peak in the late thirties and early Forties such as Benny Goodman’s ‘Sing Sing Sing’ right through to modern versions such as Christina Aguilera’s ‘Candyman’.
What you can expect from a great Swing band
With a Swing band, you can expect a vibe that will get everyone on the dance-floor. Swing music was made to get feet moving and it even developed dances that were named after their areas they were birthed in. The Charleston and The Hop were examples of dance moves made to describe the movements of Swing dancers and these became influences on modern dance moves as well.
It’s safe to say that Swing music is one of the grandparents of modern music and dance and you can expect that in any performance from a Swing band, get ready to get up and get moving!
The final note on hiring the best Swing band
The most critical part of hiring a Swing band for your event is finding one that is reputable and reliable. Working with a talent agent to find a band that will show up on time and delivers a performance that is value for your entertainment budget is not as easy as it sounds, so make sure you choose to work with an agency that has a solid reputation and plenty of past client testimonials.
Your event is set for success with a Swing band for the entertainment, the only thing left to do is let your hair down and swing the night away!
Questions you need to ask when booking wedding catering
Your wedding celebration is one of those days that will remain in your memory forever – and dishes that are served during the reception are often second most important part of the event, right after the newly-weds. Before committing to any catering company, be sure you are content with what their answers to these questions are.
What types of services are included in your catering contract?
To avoid an extra expense, you have not accounted for in your budget planning, make sure you know exactly what’s included in your quote. What services are you paying for, besides the obvious – delicious and mouth-watering food? The overall experience of your wedding guests will also depend on smaller things like tray-passed finger food, wine and champagne pouring service.
Some event catering companies will include service ware, napkins and cutlery hire within their estimates, some may not – and these aspects of the party might not necessary pop into mind immediately, but are crucial for the success of your reception. Alternatively, these – by some suppliers considered additional – options can be provided by a wedding hall you hire for the event itself. Prior to your meeting with a potential caterer, prepare a well-thought break-down list of all services you imagine having at the wedding.
Being upfront with yourself about the budget you can afford is utmost important to save you precious time and disappointment – many couples enquire for services at catering companies that would never fit their budget and are later heavy-hearted about not being able to book their perfect supplier.
What services only come with an additional fee?
There is a string of wedding catering services that come only with an extra price tag attached, e.g. corkage fee if you are providing outside cocktails and alcohol, or a cake cutting fee when your wedding cake is baked by another supplier.
Comparing event catering packages is also much easier if you are aware of all the services that are included in the price (and whether you do want them; or they are going to only be an additional cost, although seemingly delivered “for free”). This helps to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.
Try to make the caterer responsible for providing you with a broken-down estimate of your total expense. If the base fee consists of “per head” rates, you need to find out what type of service is included in the “per person” charge. It may turn out the only two things included are food and drinks for one guests, and all the other services are playable extra. Avoid unexpected additions to your final bill by asking whether labour, load in/out, waiting staff and bartenders’ wages are encompassed in the per person fee.
If any aspect of the catering contracts is unclear, enquire at the catering’s team – their representative should be able to explain what’s what, and lay out all deadlines for you. Take notes where the first deposit is due, what is the deadline for final guest count, and what are the caterer’s charges for last call changes.
Have their staff worked at your wedding venue before?
A caterer that has previous experience working at your venue will know the standard procedures of the venue, policies and load in/out timing, floor plans and simply – where stuff goes. Your party will have the full attention of the waiters, rather them fiddling around trying to find their way around the building.
Where do they source their ingredients from?
Nothing is a better representation of a caterer’s adjustability than their sources of food ingredients.
Food service providers that head to local markets and use fresh seasonal ingredients are more likely to work around their standard wedding menu packages to prepare a bespoke catering options specifically for your reception. You are then less likely to have a hard time persuading the company to adjust to your preferences and accommodate special diets.
Find out more about Seasoned London wedding caterer: http://www.seasonedevents.co.uk/
Wedding cars past and present
Getting married is one of the best days in a persons life, but how do you get there? That moment when the bride arrives, can be the most exciting part of her day. So most brides like to show up in style. As a result most brides go to wedding car hire company to give her this elegance she craves, in order grab her guest's attention. Over the years the style of the wedding car hire has changed dramatically as the range of options for brides has significantly increased. Therefore this can practically give the bride the car of her choice, something that in the past was non-existent.
Horse and carriage
Traditionally newly weds would get transported in an open carriage with a horse and this is still true for some newly weds wanting a fairytale style wedding. Royalties also still keep up this tradition, and often use open carriages. When Kate Middleton and Prince William got married in 2011, they left the ceremony in the traditional open carriage. However Kate gave her wedding a modern edge too when she decided to arrive at the ceremony in a limousine.
Vintage wedding cars
Vintage cars from various 20th century decades are also quite popular among newlyweds. These can range from 1930s Rolls Royce to Beaufords open top tourer. This is often a popular choice for a bride as these cars can give a timeless feel for the her as well as the father of the Bride. Having a an elegant and refined classic car for the Brides special day can make it that bit more memorable for them.
Modern wedding cars
However some brides opt to arrive at their ceremony in a more modern elegant car instead. This can give the bride that extra luxurious feeling on her wedding day. There are many modern cars that can be hired presently from wedding car hire companies, but some are more popular than other. Favorites from many couples are top of the range BMWs, Mercedes, Limousines and even Range Rovers.
Presently in today's wedding care hire industry, the possibilities are endless for newlyweds. Brides can that extra mile and pick something that is completely extraordinary for their transport. Such as opting to arrive in for VW Van. This is a great way to make their day have a more festive and hippy feel. Some wedding car hire companies also provide photo booths in their vans and is an excellent way to entertain guests. What's more far out is some brides have even hired Del Boys iconic yellow three wheeler van as transport, complete with their own Trotter driver included.
So it appears that the possibilities are endless for hiring a wedding car in today's market and brides can choose any car of her choice whilst being transported to her big day.
Why Hatton Garden are the best for Diamond Engagement Rings
When it comes to purchasing diamond engagement rings, there is no better place in the UK to head than London’s Hatton Garden. It is packed to the brim with engagement ring specialists. In fact, this location is so fantastic, people head here from all over the world to pick up engagement rings. Let’s take a look at why.
There are a lot of stores to choose from
Head anywhere else, and you will probably have one, maybe two at a push, stores to choose from when it comes to engagement rings. This means that you are not going to have the biggest choice in the world. In fact, with so few stores, you may be pressured into choosing an engagement ring that you are not quite happy with! When you are proposing to somebody, you want to ensure that you give them the best ring possible. You are declaring your love to them, after all.
When you have tons of stores to choose from, you will have plenty of rings to choose from. This will make it easier to find the perfect engagement ring. If you do not like what one store in Hatton Store is offering, then you can just hop on over to the next store without any issues. This will guarantee that you end up with something that is right for your proposal.
Real Diamonds
Obviously, any store which claims to offer real diamonds will be offering real diamonds. They wouldn’t lie about that. It would be illegal. However, it is fair to say that the best diamonds are not getting to the standard store that you find in the High Street. Once again, if you are looking to propose to somebody, then you need to know that they are getting the best engagement ring possible. This means ensuring that you end up with a flawless diamond. Since Hatton Garden is so popular, the stores there are able to get their hands on some of the best diamonds in the world. The price is going to be ever so slightly higher for these diamonds, as you may have expected, but at least you are going to end up with somebody that is perfect for your proposal.
Competition
As we mentioned before, most places will just have a couple of engagement ring stores in the area. This means that there is not any real competition. They know that they can charge slightly higher prices and that you will probably be willing to part with the cash for them. When you shop at a store in Hatton Garden, the prices are going to be more competitive as there are so many other businesses operating in the area. This means that you are able to score the best possible prices on engagement rings. This is wonderful. After all, you want to save the most amount of money possible as engagement rings can be expensive!
Why not head to Hatton Garden today?
5 Ways To Quickly Get You In Shape Before Your Wedding Day
If you want to look as sleek and sexy as possible in your wedding gown, you should know that there are five great ways to get fit fast. Once you've discovered these tips, you'll be able to make good progress over the short term and feel more confident while you're a blushing bride. Our tips are practical and no-nonsense and we recommend following all of them as of today. When you stay focused on your goal, you'll be able to stick to this simple program and change your body for the better!
1. Cut Out the Carbs
If you want to lose weight quickly, we recommend a diet plan, such as the South Beach Diet, which cuts out carbs and sparks amazingly rapid weight loss. South Beach is just one example. We're not promoting anything, but this diet really works and was formulated by a cardiologist, so it's very safe. You'll still be able to eat. You'll just eat different things and slim down quickly.
2. Drink a Lot of Water
If you're not used to drinking a lot of water daily, you'll find that drinking more helps you to slim down. It stops bloating, flushes out impurities and ensures that your system is able to function optimally, which promotes weight loss. It's best to drink six to eight glasses of water each day.
3. Exercise Four Times a Week
It's vital to exercise! While you'll lose weight quickly by cutting carbs, you still need to exercise in order to look your best. When you do exercise, you'll burn even more calories, you'll boost your circulation for a radiant complexion and you'll improve muscle tone, muscle development and strength. We recommend cardio, for half an hour, four days a week. However, any exercise will be beneficial.
4. Consider Weight Loss Supplements
Some weight loss supplements are really effective. They work by boosting the body's resting metabolic rate and dulling appetite. These benefits really help with weight loss. Typically, these formulas are all-natural. Examples of active ingredients to watch for include Garcinia Cambogia, hot pepper extract (Capiscum) and Green Tea extract. Formulas vary - look for something which earns hundreds of five-star reviews and then take it as directed.
5. Avoid Alcohol and Other Vices
It's best to cut out any bad habits before your wedding, with a mind to looking good. For example, booze has quite a few calories, it often contains sugar and carbs and it's something that it going to make you look puffier than you should. If you want to improve your appearance, cutting out alcohol for at least a few weeks will be smart. Also, nip any other bad habits in the bud, such as turning to junk food for comfort or spending too much time on the couch.
Now that you know 5 ways to quickly get you in shape before you wedding day, you'll be ready to look gorgeous as you walk down the aisle.
Why a Wedding is so Much Better with Live Music
Weddings are basically a part of life, which is as old as humanity itself. Your wedding day is a celebration of you and your partner, a way of expressing your love for each other. An entire event organized for the pair of you. In order for your vision for your wedding day to become a reality, your personal input is essential in the planning process. And what better way is there than choosing your own music for the day? Since entertainment is a key part of your wedding, your input will be required - from group style and band size, to song choices and set types, the music on the day is all about what you want. Whether your vision is for romantic, sophisticated or all-out party, a great live group can ignite the atmosphere you want, the way you want it. Having good music at the event will keep your guests entertained throughout the event.
There are lots of reasons why you should choose live music over a DJ for your wedding. You need to realize that live music brings with it a visual element that is certain to leave an impact. Hiring a great band for your reception provides your guests with a spectacularly entertaining live show, a spectacle that is a feast both for the eyes and the ears. A fantastic band will strive for audio and visual perfection, through using a state-of-the-art PA system, fully equipped lighting rig, staging and trained sound engineers. Musicians love to have fun and play! Being a musician, nothing provides more passion and joy more than to share talents with couples on their special day. Live bands all love to entertain and that emotional connection they provide through their performances will make your wedding even more special.
Using live music for your wedding comes with a lot of versatility, so whether it be classical, jazz, funk, blues, country, gospel, pop, rock or dozens of other genres, professional musicians have trained for years on their craft and can add that atmosphere at your wedding with their playing. Hiring a live band for your wedding makes the event more interactive, since guests can have fun interacting with the band. Live musicians can interact with your guests and loved ones making it a fantastic entertainment experience at your wedding day.
When you use a live band for your wedding, you make the whole event memorable. Hiring live music provides a more emotional experience to your big wedding day and to your guests. Nothing resonates louder than hearing your favorite melodies on an instrumental piano or quartet as you walk down the aisle, or a live guitarist playing your first dance at the reception – this will light up the entire wedding venue. Hiring a live band for your wedding has also proven to be less expensive compared to other avenues of entertainment, live musicians are more reasonably priced for couples that are on a stricter budget for entertainment at their wedding.
This viral wedding parody video carries an important message!
Everyone is a photographer these days thanks to advanced technology and everyone has a camera in their pocket (unfortunately?). There has been many posts already about unplugged weddings but these guys from SLF weddings just nailed it with this parody video. 'Unplugged' is a short film showing what it is really like for brides and grooms when you are watching their ceremony through your smartphone and carries an important message.
Wedding guests everywhere, listen! You have been invited to something special. Two people have specifically chosen you to show with them in their wedding day. You are a witness to their love. Instead of watching through your phone or a camera all the bride and groom really wish is to watch through your eyes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6tCzbmFCNY