Alan Law
"Music is how memories are made, not just for the bride and groom, but for all who attend," says singer-songwriter, Kaj. "Every couple wants to think that their wedding day has left a lasting impression on all involved."
But it's not just about selecting a few songs you like. It takes more than one floor-filling hit or tear-jerking musical moment to give a wedding a stellar soundtrack.
There's the grand entrance and exit, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening reception to consider. Think about what genre and medium you like. How about a classic combination of harp, violinist and acoustic performer? Or strike a rock-themed chord with a live band and specially selected deck-spinning set.
Crucially, remember the importance of personal meaning and timing. "I think it's important that at least some of the music means something to the couple," says Robin. "It might be the song that was always on the radio when they first met, or one that has lyrics that are particularly poignant. Using them somewhere will make the day feel more special and personal."
"It's so important to have someone who knows what they're doing to be in charge of the music," he continues. "It's all very well having an iPod on shuffle, but the real skill of creating the perfect atmosphere isn't just what songs you play, but when you play them."
Kaj agrees. "I find the most important part of my job is playing the right type of music at the right time. The ceremony is not the time for me to try and impress the crowd. And at the evening reception, no one wants a performer who is going to disappear into the background."
In short, don't allow your uncle with a Meat Loaf fixation dictate the soundtrack when some forward planning can transform your wedding into a pitch-perfect party.
Take your cue from some of the hottest musical talent in town...
SOME LIKE IT HOT
Entertain your guests with the glitz and glamour of a beautifully bygone age with the sweet and sultry sounds of vintage band, Some Like It Hot. Led by vocalist 'Molly the Moocha', they'll breeze through a toe-tapping playlist of classic swing songs from the golden age of jazz along with stylish vintage covers of contemporary tracks. Comprising four versatile and highly experienced artists, together the band have notched up over 30 years of performances including live theatre, stage, recordings and live sets at a range of events.
Some Like It Hot's crowd-pleasing party track - 'Hit The Road Jack' (Ray Charles)
www.somelikeithotuk.co.uk
KAJ
Solo musician Kaj is renowned for creating an atmosphere through his uptempo, highly energised performances. Having supported the likes of the Guillemots and Finley Quaye, he has amassed a wealth of experience before a range of audiences while developing his unique voice and individual style. Accompanied by guitar and piano, Kaj can welcome guests with his chilled-out vocals as well as deliver a lively evening performance followed by a DJ set for an unforgettable party. From crowd-pleasing favourites to contemporary tracks, as well as delivering a repertoire of his own original material, Kaj tailors his set to suit the requirements of each couple to ensure a memorable soundtrack.
Kaj's signature party tune - 'American Pie' (Don McClean)
www.kajmusic.co.uk
Sally Mitchell
Sally Mitchell
designroomcornwall.com
JOHANNA GRAHAM
Johanna's voice is velvety smooth and soulful. Her vocals can coolly carry all genres and songs with a rich resonance that recalls jazz classics such as Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London and Stacey Kent. Her spellbinding range of original performances will captivate all in her wake as she woos the crowds with everything from the moody blues to the retro '60s and neo-soul '90s. Available as a duo or trio for a more intimate sound, or a quartet or quintet for a bigger, funkier sound featuring some of the UK's best jazz musicians, Johanna's sets are arranged according to each client's preference for stirring, ambient entertainment.
One of Johanna's classic drinks reception tracks - 'Take Five' (The Dave Brubeck Quartet)
www.johannagraham.co.uk
SWINGOLOGY
Performing an intoxicating cocktail of hot jazz and swing inspired by Django Reinhardt, gypsy swing jazz quartet Swingology makes music as unique and characterful as your wedding. Available as a duo, trio or quartet, the band comprises two guitarists, a double bass player and a clarinet player, each adding an exciting element to the sophisticated sound of Parisian swing that's as romantic as it is rousing.
Swingology's favourite party song - 'It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)' (Duke Ellington)
www.swingology.net
NOEL PRIOR
Armed with an acoustic guitar and soul-stirring vocals, Noel Prior is a talented and experienced musician, whose style has been compared to the likes of James Taylor, Ben Howard, David Gray and Paul Simon. Taking a personal approach to each wedding, Noel asks each couple to select from a large pool of well-known songs, or submit their own, then arranges an emotive set to suit. Expertly taking any type of track - whether cheesy pop or power love ballad - and adding his signature folk/acoustic style to evoke a romantic atmosphere, you're assured a moving, tailor-made performance that will wow the crowds at each stage of your day.
Noel's ceremony mood-setter - 'Pachelbel's Canon in D Major'
www.noelprior.wordpress.com
THE GREAT LITTLE BAND
Having performed together as a fantastic 'good vibe' duo for two decades, brothers Dave and Mart make music as memorable as it is party-starting fun. Sending soaring harmonies over the sweet sounds of guitar and piano, they breathe new life into old classics, winning over the crowds with their energy and charisma. Also available as a fantastic four-piece band, simply select your favourite artists - from Stevie Wonder and Kings of Leon to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones - and let them deliver an outstanding set that will see the dance floor happily packed from start to show-stopping finale.
The Great Little Band's '70s party starter - 'Disco Inferno' (The Trammps)
www.thegreatlittleband.co.uk
CLASSICAL STRINGS
String specialists Classical Strings arrange each couple's favourite song free of charge as part of their service, expertly adapting everything from rap to pop music to be played by a string quartet, trio or solo violin. Able to perform virtually any song, they have arranged a mix of music by Adele, Abba and even tracks from 'Star Wars' and 'Jurassic Park'. Merging modern music with a classic framework, they 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.
Classical Strings' top tear-jerking track - 'Don't Want To Miss a Thing' (Aerosmith)
www.classicalstrings.co.uk
Simon Burt
CELTIC HARP
Enrich your wedding atmosphere with the hauntingly beautiful sounds of a harp, which smacks of pure, heart-melting romance. Experienced harpist Pam Adams can create a soft and melodious background to the guests' arrival, signing of the register or 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 a personal soundtrack.
Pam's recommended grand entrance/exit song - 'I Giorni' (Ludovico Einaudi)
www.pamscelticharp.co.uk
THE HOTSIE TOTSIES
Devilishly distinctive and upping the fun (not to mention, flirty) factor to the max, The Hotsie Totsies are a fabulous vocal harmony trio with a tantalising difference. The WW2 1940s' inspired threesome adopts American alter egos to perform a repertoire of songs from the famous era while also donning authentic replica uniforms. Lois 'Legs' Laurelle, Dolores DeMoochy and Rita Roo Rossiter will lend a vintage vibe along with super-sultry sounds for an unforgettable party.
The Hotsie Totsies' ultimate mood setter - 'In the Mood' (Glenn Miller)
www.thehotsietotsies.blogspot.co.uk
FISTRAL STEREO
Forget disjointed and cringe-worthy DJ sets lacking the modern edge. Fistral Stereo's Robin Parris specialises in party music that will see your guests grooving into the early hours courtesy of a seamless, structured and sensational set. Working closely with couples to arrange a personal playlist, Robin uses his musical production background and years of industry experience to ensure a high calibre celebration that features all your favourite tunes. Bringing style back to the world of wedding DJs, Robin's raved-about remixes, music compilations and productions guarantee a top-notch soundtrack to start married life.
Robin's favourite mood setter - 'Hold Back the River' (James Bay)
www.fistralstereo.com
IN THE MOOD
Strike the right chord for each stage of your wedding with these top tips...
THE CEREMONY
Set the mood for the guests' arrival. "Music will build a sense of anticipation as your guests settle into their seats. You could put together a playlist of some of your favourite songs or have an instrumentalist playing," suggests wedding planner Jenny Phipps of Jenny Wren Weddings and Events (jennywrenweddingsandevents.co.uk).
Choose a personal arrival song. "Mendelssohn's 'Wedding March' or 'Pachelbel's Canon in D' are traditional options, though there are now many modern twists," suggests wedding planner Claudia Montano. "The entire wedding procession might be involved with a very basic dance number to a popular tune, such as Bruno Mars' 'Marry You'."
Nail the beat. "Choose uplifting music for the entrance of the bride and the exit of the bride and groom that has a strong beat, as it will be easier to walk in time. Bear in mind that only a short extract will be played - the most well known part of the song is best," advises Sue Aston of Classical Strings.
Have a singalong. "If you're not getting married in a church, you won't be allowed to include any songs with religious content. However, you could still get your guests to sing along to some classics, such as 'Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher' or 'All You Need is Love'," suggests Jenny.
Remember the recessional. "The recessional is the first time you will be celebrating the vows you've just taken. Pick a song that reflects that, turn it up loud and enjoy your walk out together. You could even dance your way out!" says Jenny.
Alan Law
THE DRINKS RECEPTION
Set the mood. "This is a time to catch up with your guests so don't choose anything too overpowering. An accompaniment rather than a performance is best," advises Jenny. "Consider a string duo, small jazz band, guitarist or pianist. String duos, for example, will have a repertoire of classical favorites, but can often extend their range to include old and modern covers."
Keith Riley
THE WEDDING BREAKFAST
Create ambience. "Go for background music that sets a nice chilled tone so guests can easily interact," says Jenny. "The songs can also create a talking point between guests."
Make it personal. "If you're creating a playlist, add some of your favourite songs that suit the tone you want to set," advises Jenny.
Consider the timing. "Ensure you have enough songs to cover the whole wedding breakfast," warns Jenny. "You don't want them repeating over and over."
Ross Talling
THE EVENING RECEPTION
Go gigging. "Thinking about booking a band? Take a look at gigs coming up in your area and see them play live before you decide whether to book," says Jenny.
Choose the first dance wisely. "This should be something that you both agree on and ideally something that is personal to you both," says Claudia.
Follow it up with a party-starter. "The party opener should be a track that unites everyone and creates a happy memory," comments Noel Prior. "It needs to be a song that everyone has heard, has wide appeal, has a strong beat and uplifting vibe."
Ask for requests. "If you've booked a DJ, ask your guests to include a song choice on their RSVP. That way, everyone will hear at least one song they want to dance to," says Jenny.
Pick your playlist. "Ensure you discuss your must-have songs with your band or DJ," warns Jenny. "Don't presume they will play them just because they are on their set list."
Freckle Photography
MUSICAL NOTES
Some final words of advice from the experts...
Don't leave booking your music until the last minute. Any good musician is likely to get booked up far in advance - maybe even a year ahead! Kaj
Use an app like Shazam to help build your playlist. As soon as you hear a song that you'd like on your day, Shazam it. The app keeps a record of all these songs which you can then send to your DJ. I would recommend about 20 or so songs that you really want to hear. Robin Parris, Fistral Stereo
Highlight any limitations at the venue in advance, such as times to play, power supply and sound amplification. Consider what type of entertainment will work best for the space. For example, a solo guitarist may feel diminutive in a grand ballroom but would work well for an intimate garden party. Jenny Phipps, Jenny Wren Weddings and Events
words Hannah May
Copyright Wed magazine 2015
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