Wedding Reception Styling in Cornwall and Devon

Wedding Entertainment Cornwall: Music

Wedding Entertainment Cornwall: Music

Groove Is In The Heart

Your wedding soundtrack should be right up there on the party-planning pecking order with the venue and the food.



Your wedding soundtrack should be right up there on the party-planning pecking order with the venue and the food. Wed serves up some sweet sound inspiration for a melodious big day...

A love poet once wrote that, 'Music is the best means we have of digesting time.' W.H. Auden wisely observed that memory is largely recalled by music. Consequently, the melody to a moment can spark such a barrage of emotions that coordinating it correctly can make the vital difference between an impassioned and lively affair and drab and nondescript disappointment.


Compile a personal medley of tasteful tunes to be played throughout the day and your wedding will be remembered with sentimental awe. Be mindful, however, of obsessive displays of wedding fever - think 'Muriel's Wedding' where wed-crazed Muriel floods the aisle with Abba's 'I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do.' Scary.

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Wedding entertainment Cornwall

Don't just leave it for the DJ. At the least, you should be hand picking a playlist of your favourite songs for the decks or asking guests in advance to make track suggestions, which will make for a definite crowd pleasing and charismatic result to remember.

There's an array of alternatives to the corny pop standard. Why not combine your theme or dress code with a specially selected sound for added harmony and personalisation? Many couples speak of 'their' song (from a pivotal moment in their relationship), and by incorporating some melodic meaning into your wedding, it will be all the more poignant and pivotal for years to come.

So, if music be the food of love, play on...

STRINGS
Pam Adams Celtic Harp

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Wedding entertainment Cornwall

For an enriched wedding atmosphere, experienced harpist Pam Adams creates a stirring soundtrack to the guests' and bride's arrival, the signing of the register and the bride and groom's exit. Her Salvi Electroacoustic Egan provides an unrivalled acoustic ambience and natural sound. With an extensive repertoire from Celtic to contemporary, classic to Christian, she can also arrange the music of your choice to ensure an individual and melodic event.
www.pamscelticharp.co.uk

Classical Strings

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Wedding entertainment Cornwall

String specialists Classical Strings can arrange your favourite song to be played by a string quartet, a trio or solo violin. With the ability to perform practically any song, they have arranged a mix of music by Adele, Abba and even film tracks from Star Wars and Jurassic Park. Merging modern music with a classic framework, they continue to impress audiences with a range of genres from Lionel Richie to Tchaikovsky. You can also enlist the vocal skills of soprano, Maria Heseltine, whose widespread and notable operatic roles have fine-tuned her captivating talent.
www.classicalstrings.co.uk

RETRO
Kernow Groove Jukebox
Get nostalgic and hire out a classic centrepiece courtesy of Kernow Groove. Redefining jukebox technology for the 21st century, their Wurlitzer style sound system contains an enormous library of music. Fusing the past and present within one dazzling Digital Nostalgia box, it boasts every UK Top 40 track since 1952 to the current charts, which amounts to in excess of 32,000 songs.

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Wedding entertainment Cornwall

Featuring cutting-edge sound quality and tantalising touch screen, the jukebox also boasts all the good looks required of a cool retro wedding vibe, with beautiful built in solid wood and stunning atmospheric internal lighting and bubbles. For uninterrupted dance floor entertainment, browse a range of categories from year, artist, genre or track - or programme a seamlessly blended and personal playlist for the ultimate party.
www.kernowgroove.co.uk

JAZZ
Tom Quirke and Ross Matthews

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Wedding entertainment Cornwall

For uber cool Rat Pack vibes, jazz duo Tom Quirke and Ross Matthews deliver in supreme style. With their smooth tones, these talented musicians perform energised sets to a variety of classic toe-tapping tunes. The pair's distinctive live sound appeals to all ages as they effortlessly drift through Big Band classics spanning six decades with assured and quality zeal.
www.cornwallweddingentertainment.co.uk

Johanna Graham

Johanna Graham Jojo
Wedding entertainment Cornwall

Velvety vocals carry a repertoire of sounds as Johanna Graham coolly works the crowds with her unique and dazzling voice. Richly resonating the classic likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London and Stacey Kent without imitating, her range of original performances from Rodgers & Hart through to Astrud Gilberto's Bossa Nova or '60s pop classics penned by Bacharach & David will captivate all in her wake. Available as a duo for a more intimate sound, or in a trio, quartet or quintet featuring some of the best UK jazz musicians for a bigger band sound, she sensitively tailors her sets according to every client's taste and personal preference.
www.johannagraham.co.uk

GOSPEL/SOUL
The Grace Notes

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Wedding entertainment Cornwall

Sassy songstress Ley Adewole and accomplished pianist Richard Penrose make a formidable musical force. Award-winning singer Ley has worked alongside the heady likes of Stevie Wonder, George Michael and Diana Ross whilst Rich has performed in concerts with James Morrison and Tommy Smith, internationally supporting artists such as Courtney Pine and Alan Barnes.

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Wedding entertainment Cornwall

Whether performing as a duo for a stripped back, soul-stirring sound for the ceremony and drinks reception or fronting The Grace Notes - a quartet incorporating bass and drums - for the party, their stellar smooth sound presents a wide repertoire of moving Motown, funky disco and slick jazz.
www.richnley.co.uk

FOLK/GYPSEY
Braga Tanga
Internationally flavoured, Braga Tanga delivers an original upbeat gypsy style within an unparalleled and gripping performance.

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Wedding entertainment Cornwall

Presenting an exotic mix of world folk music, Eastern European gypsy tunes and mesmerising melodies, their eclectic and stylised sound emanates from four well-travelled and well-seasoned musicians with considerable musical and theatrical experience. With French waltzes, Tango, Finnish Polskas, and songs from Sicily, Turkey and Africa in the mix, their passion and vibrancy will infuse oomph and spirit into any wedding.
www.myspace.com/bragatanga

TAILORMADE TUNES
Why not go the extra mile and have a song commissioned for your wedding? Phil Hulse of Songs To Suit You specialises in writing personalised songs as a truly unique gift idea.

Whether you wish to surprise your bride or groom with a song, or you're a guest who would like to delight the happy couple with something more exciting than a towel set or bath mat, accomplished musician and songwriter Phil will utilise the information you supply to write the song, record and mix it using state of the art recording equipment and send the completed CD. Hey presto! An utterly bespoke and surprisingly affordable gift to cherish forever.
07884 465840 www.songstosuityou.co.uk

THE PLAYLIST
Stuck for tuneage inspiration? Let these ideas get you started, as recommended by Wed's musical experts, suppliers and readers...

THE PRELUDE AND PROCESSIONAL
Set the tone for the day with a moving piece of music. Pick something stirring, whether it's a song that is rich in meaning for you as a couple, a selection of emotive lyrics or simply a piece that sums up the moment.
'Trumpet Voluntary'
'Canon in D Major' Pachelbel
'Carolan's Welcome' Turlough O'Carolan
'A Moment Like This' Leona Lewis
'The Nightingale' Deborah Henson-Conant
'The Flower Duet' Leo Delibes
'One Day Like This' Elbow
'Adagio for Strings' Barber
'Cavatina' from 'The Deer Hunter' John Williams
'Fields of Gold' Eva Cassidy
First Movement of 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' Mozart

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Wedding entertainment Cornwall

THE INTERLUDE
Music during the ceremony will aid the flow of proceedings, enhance the atmosphere and entertain your guests while you're occupied with signing the register. Make it personal and ambient.
'Amazing Grace'
'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' Stevie Wonder
'I Say A Little Prayer' Aretha Franklin
'You've Gotta Friend' James Taylor
'Chasing Cars' Snow Patrol
'Thank You' Led Zeppelin
'Angel's Hymns' Rhett Barnwell
'Make You Feel My Love' Bob Dylan
 'Air on a G String' Bach
'Meditation' from 'Thais' Massenet
'Celebrated Minuet' Boccherini
'Ave Maria' Schubert

THE RECESSIONAL
That's it - the serious business is done, the knot has been tied. Choose music that reflects the emotions of the moment; from classical strings to classic rock, make sure it's a sound that typifies you and your love.
'Oh Happy Day'
'Canon in D Major' Pachelbel
'It Had To Be You' Frank Sinatra
'Wedding March' Mendelssohn
'Winter' from 'The Four Seasons' Vivaldi
'Spring' from 'The Four Seasons' Vivaldi
'Sheebeg and Sheemore' Turlough O'Carolan
'Water Music' Handel
'Music for the Royal Fireworks' Handel
Final Movement from 'Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' Mozart

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Wedding entertainment Cornwall

THE DRINKS RECEPTION
Now the fun really starts. Play some upbeat music as your guests mingle and sup on bubbly. Whether it's jazz and blues, gospel and soul or a selection of classic love songs, the smooth sounds will set the tone for a chilled and celebratory atmosphere.
'Isn't She Lovely?' Stevie Wonder
'Let There Be Love' Nat King Cole
'You Are The Sunshine Of My Life' Stevie Wonder
'My Baby Just Cares For Me' Nina Simone
'You Might Need Somebody' Randy Crawford
'I've Got You Under My Skin' Frank Sinatra
'Moondance' Van Morrison
'Have I Told You Lately' Van Morrison
'Nessun Dorma' Puccini
'Better Together' Jack Johnson
'Cavalleria Rusticana' Mascagni
'Brandenburg Concerto in G Major' Bach

THE PARTY
The music really takes over now. Whether you envision a classic cheese fest, a groove-tastic funk band or even a selection of Cornish folk tunes, choose music that reflects your tastes as a couple, while appealing to a good cross section of your guests.
'Let's Stay Together' Al Green
'Good Times' Chic
'Celebration' Kool & The Gang
'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' Stevie Wonder
'(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' Aretha Franklin
'Higher and Higher' Jackie Wilson
'I'm Yours' Jason Mraz
'Into Your Arms' The Lemonheads
'Sway' Bic Runga
'Paragon Rag' Scott Joplin
'The Entertainer' Scott Joplin
'Over the Rainbow' Eva Cassidy
'Mamma Mia' ABBA
'I've Had The Time of my Life' Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
'You Never Can Tell' Chuck Berry
'White Wedding' Billy Idol

MUSICAL NOTES
Top tuneage tips from newly weds...
"We walked into Barbara Streisand's 'Evergreen' - the words are beautiful - and walked out to Dolly Parton' 'Love is Like a Butterfly', which worked really well. I would recommend playing music during the wedding breakfast as it really adds to the atmosphere. I also think the choice of second song is as important as the first and should be something funky that will get everybody up to dance with you." Sarah Wright

"We had a civil ceremony at Rosteague. As my dad and I walked through the garden toward my fiance, who was waiting in the thatched summerhouse, an acoustic guitarist played 'Heartbeats' by Jose Gonzalez. It was spine tingling in that setting, with all the guests stood in between the small box hedges and my soon-to-be hubby waiting for me. When I listen to it now, it instantly transports me back to that moment - silence apart from the soft crunch of gravel under mine and my dad's feet as we slowly walked through the garden to the beautiful acoustic sound." Hannah Williams

"Our guests chose the music which we played in the background during our wedding breakfast. We had several friends (with good musical taste!) make us mix CDs, and the songs ranged from opera and classical to a bit of Billy Idol and some old Motown. We loved every track and listened to them all again on our drive to Gatwick the next day for our honeymoon." Esther Davenport

Words Hannah May

Copyright WED Magazine 2010