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Wedding Receptions in Cornwall and Devon

Wedding Entertainment Cornwall

That's Entertainment

A memorable wedding celebration starts with the right entertainment. Wed serves up all the inspiration you need for an ambient, amusing and groove-tastic day

Entertainment has traditionally been a highly neglected aspect of the wedding planning process. Many a bride has spent hours deliberating over the lace trimming for the place cards and the shade of pink for the buttonholes, while the small trifle of entertainment has barely warranted a flick through the Yellow Pages’ mobile disco section.


Wedding entertainment Cornwall

But be warned. An ill-advised choice of entertainment can lead to a series of excruciating shuffles across the dance floor together with a dreaded sense of anti-climax. Get it right, however, and the rewards are immense. After all, who doesn’t want to stand back on their wedding day and watch a scene of genuine merriment unfold before them?

Granted, the art of a perfect wedding soundtrack is a tricky balancing act. While you may envision a play list that reflects your musical tastes as a couple, as well as the style of the wedding, you should also consider the genre of music that will appeal to your guests and lure them from the charms of the bar.

So forget the seasoning for the new potatoes and the sugar roses for the cupcakes for a moment, and put some thought into this oh so crucial ingredient of your wedding celebration. Believe me, you’ll thank us for it later.

STRINGS
From the enduring beauty of a classical piece to the popular appeal of a contemporary tune, strings lend a stirring ambience to a wedding ceremony. In turn rousing and romantic, a string performance makes a moving choice for the entrance of the bride, the signing of the register and as background music for the drinks reception.

VOCALS
You simply cannot beat the drama of the human voice in conveying the emotion of a moment. Pick a song rich in meaning for the entrance of the bride or the signing of the register and hey presto! Not a dry eye in the house. A live singer also enhances the atmosphere of the drinks reception.

LIVE BAND
Picture it now: a packed dance floor, a band belting out one infectious track after another, your Dad attempting to break dance surrounded by a bunch of whooping women – there’s nothing like live music for whipping up a party vibe. Pick a musical genre that will appeal to a number of guests and watch that dance floor fill.
Let us tickle your musical fancy with a superb selection of melodic maestros…


Wedding entertainment Cornwall

Classical Strings
A highly accomplished violinist, Sue Aston offers a broad repertoire of music fitting for a wedding ceremony, which can be performed as a solo, trio or quartet – and even with an acclaimed soprano for a fabulous fusion of strings and vocals. Whether it’s Bach, the Beatles, the Star Wars theme or a Foo Fighters favourite, she can turn her dexterous fingers to any tune of your choice.
01736 719342 www.classicalstrings.co.uk

Twin Harmony
The voices of twin sisters Jenna and Morwenna Matthews blend to create a unique and utterly enchanting harmony. From show tunes and hymns to love songs both classic and modern, a performance from this adaptable duo is guaranteed to tug at the old heartstrings, particularly during the signing of the register.  
07742 281723 www.myspace.com/twinharmonycornwall

Richard and Ley
Add the piano-playing prowess of Richard Penrose to the soulful vocals of Ley Adewole and you have yourself one dynamic duo – and a soundtrack of gospel, soul and jazz to spellbind your guests from your Godson to your Granny. The perfect accompaniment to the signing of the register or the drinks reception.
07957 347873 www.richnley.co.uk

Johanna Graham
Bring a chic repertoire of retro classics to your wedding soundtrack courtesy of Johanna Graham’s rich, soulful vocals. Boasting a wide repertoire of well-known numbers, from Rodgers and Hart through to ‘60s pop classics, the songstress performs with guitarist Martin Bowie for an emotive, stripped back sound, or alongside a band for a swinging evening reception.
01736 369396 www.johannagraham.co.uk

Tom Quirke and Ross Williams
Whipping out a selection of super cool jazz numbers and Rat Pack favourites, the dulcet sounds of Tom Quirke and Ross Williams are guaranteed to bring a smooth mood of classic romance to your do. Available as a piano and double bass combo for a chilled ambience, or alongside other musicians for a big band sound, these talented musicians will jazz up your wedding in style.
07889 915109 www.cornwallweddingentertainment.co.uk

BragaTanga
If you’re looking for an exotic and eclectic soundtrack for your evening party, look no further than the upbeat delights of BragaTanga. Pouring a rich and diverse array of world folk music influences – from Eastern European gypsy tunes to Tango and French waltz – into one sweetly hypnotic sound, a rocking dance floor is guaranteed.
07815 048365 www.myspace.com/bragatanga

Otis Day and The Knights
Vocalist Ley Adewole and pianist Richard Penrose rev the entertainment up a gear for evening receptions with their seven-piece soul band Otis Day and The Knights. Adding bass, guitar, sax, trumpet and drums to the vocals and keyboards, expect foot-stomping and heart-warming entertainment, chock full of soul and Motown classics such as ‘Let’s Stay Together’, ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ and ‘Superstition’.
07957 347873 www.richnley.co.uk

Jive Jacks
Six-piece jazz/swing/dance combo The Jive Jacks guarantee a riotous dance floor with their blend of swing classics, jump-jive swing, good old rock’n’roll and a sprinkle of soul. Just the thing for a vintage wedding.
07971 588215 www.jivejacks.co.uk

Heart and Soul
Specialising in tracks from ‘60s greats such as Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Otis Redding, this eight-piece soul band knows how to kick start a sensational and irresistible musical storm.
07792 028384 www.theheartandsoul.co.uk

Bagas Porthia
Infuse your celebration with a potent sense of heritage courtesy of Cornish combo Bagas Porthia. Blending an array of folk favourites, including fiddle, accordian and guitar, the mix of traditional, contemporary and self-penned Cornish tunes will ignite a celebratory atmosphere, while their easy to follow dances spells high jinks, bonding guests – and a lot of fun.  
www.bagasporthia.co.uk

HEY MR DJ
The DJ has a crucial role to play in the success of any party. Not only must the spinner of tunes endure endless demands for ‘Man, I Feel Like A Woman’ from your gin-fuelled mother-in-law, he or she is responsible for directing the pace of the party and playing the perfect songs at the optimum moments.

Whatever your musical taste, ensure you speak to your DJ about the genres that will befit the style of your wedding and appeal to your guests. Many couples now ask their guests to suggest a couple of songs guaranteed to get them on the dance floor when they RSVP, thus providing the DJ with a playlist around which they can plan their set.

If you’ve decided to book a live band, it might still be worth hiring a DJ, chiefly to maintain the party atmosphere between the band’s sets and, on occasion, to act as compere.

Kernow Groove
Spinning quality tunes from a series of decades, Kernow Groove is well aversed at stoking up an uplifting party vibe. Bespoke packages come with vibrant lighting, a top play list and one pumping dance floor.
01726 823450 www.kernowgroove.co.uk

R.J. Rhythm
Boasting a music collection to rival HMV and a scintillating light show, R.J. Rhythm has the tunes, the effects and the enthusiasm to kick start one pulsating party.
01726 851436 www.rjrhythm.com

Why not…
Commission a songwriter to compose a bespoke song to be performed at the reception?


Wedding entertainment Cornwall-Kernow Fun Casino

PARTY ON
Boost the fun factor to max with these top tips…

The casino
Add a touch of glamour and sprinkle of Vegas cool to your wedding with a casino. Providing your guests with thrilling, frivolous entertainment, Kernow Fun Casino offers the games and glamour of an authentic casino without making a dent in your guests’ bank accounts. Complete with professional croupiers and a choice of Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, Let It Ride and Texas Hold ‘em Poker, expect instant atmosphere and mingling on a grand – and superbly competitive – scale.
Kernow Fun Casino
01726 823450 www.kernowfuncasino.co.uk

The fireworks
Bring proceedings to a dazzling climax with a theatrical firework display.
Particularly sensational if you’re having a waterside wedding, Celebration Fireworks’ stunningly choreographed displays utilise a range of pyrotechnical wizardry to whip up a romantic and celebratory vibe. Prepare for a wave of ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaaahs’ as their brilliance lights up the sky.
Celebration Fireworks
01208 78790 www.celebrationpyrotechnics.com

The entertainment gurus
Bringing an array of performers under one roof, from vocalists, rock bands and funk outfits to magicians, comedians and caricature artists, Perfect Party Cornwall is the one-stop for your entertainment needs, proffering advice and a suitable act for each stage of your day.
Perfect Party Cornwall
0845 486 0100 www.perfectpartycornwall.co.uk

Why not…
Get down with the latest trend and hide secret entertainers amongst the waiting staff? Imagine the surprise on your guests’ faces when their waiter breaks into song while dishing out the brussel sprouts!

words Rebecca Matthews

Copyright WED Magazine 2010

More Inspiration for Wedding Receptions

See the full honeymoon article archive