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
Elastic Lounge
Creating the right atmosphere for your ceremony and reception is on many brides and grooms' minds. Live music? A DJ? A band? Whether you envisage a harpist playing gentle melodies as you sign the register, or even a big band performance for you to walk back down the aisle to, it's well known that having the right music can add the perfect ambiance to an already flawless day. But unless you know the music industry well, or spend hours and hours researching, it can be difficult to book a musician who will complement the vision you have planned for your wedding day.
www.elasticlounge.com
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.
07807 806092 www.twinharmony.com
Buccas Four
www.buccasfour.com
The Grace Notes
The Grace Notes is a quartet that incorporates bass, drums and piano with the rich vocals of sassy songstress Ley Adewole. This talented foursome offers a wide repertoire of Motown, disco, funk and jazz. Award-winning singer Ley has worked alongside the likes of Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, while accomplished pianist Richard Penrose has performed in concerts with James Morrison and Tommy Smith. Together as a duo, or forming their fabulous four-piece - they make a formidable musical force for a stellar, smooth sound.
www.gracenotesuk.com
Swingology
www.swingology.net
www.thegreatlittleband.co.uk
www.leigh-delamere.co.uk
Fistral Stereo
If you're looking for a DJ for your wedding or event in Cornwall, then you've come to the right place! It can be a daunting prospect, getting the music right for your guests... but that's what I'm here for! ;) If you're like me, you've probably been to plenty of weddings where the music has been... let's say 'dated'. Well it's about time you got something better, much cooler and more modern for your money.
www.fistralstereo.com
Pam Adams Celtic Harp
Enrich your wedding atmosphere with experienced harpist Pam Adams, who creates a soft, melodic background for a multitude of poignant moments, such as the arrival of the guests or the signing of the register. Her Salvi Electroacoustic Egan provides an unrivalled acoustic sound, perfect for an atmosphere of pure elegance. With an extensive repertoire, including Celtic, contemporary, classic and Christian, Pam can accommodate a variety of genres and special requests.
www.pamscelticharp.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.
www.offbeatentertainment.co.uk
Fistral Stereo
If you're looking for a DJ for your wedding or event in Cornwall, then you've come to the right place! It can be a daunting prospect, getting the music right for your guests... but that's what I'm here for! ;) If you're like me, you've probably been to plenty of weddings where the music has been... let's say 'dated'. Well it's about time you got something better, much cooler and more modern for your money.
www.fistralstereo.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
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 2019