Hi there lovelies, I’m Rebecca from Rebecca Jones Photography (www.rebeccajonesphotography.co.uk | www.instagram.com/rebeccajonesphotos). I’m a wedding photographer covering the North West and I’ve had the absolute privilege of capturing the happiest days of couples lives for over 10 years now (wow, that makes me feel old!) I specialise in relaxed, countryside weddings – from farms, to country houses to marquees at family homes and everything in between – the more wellies and dogs the better! Spending pretty much all of my younger years playing in orchestras and performing in musical theatre, music is still one of my passions and I am so excited to feature on Cressida’s wonderful blog!
I’m here to spill the beans on the magical power of music and how your choice of musical entertainment can really elevate your wedding photography to new heights. So if you’re dreaming of wedding photos filled with genuine moments, laughter and natural beauty, grab your favourite tunes and let’s dive in!
Setting the Mood
Think about the atmosphere you want to create on your big day. When it comes to choosing the right musical entertainment for your wedding day, the options are endless. From classical musicians to vocalists and choirs, classical to modern, there’s a musical style that perfectly reflects your personalities and sets the mood for your big day. Whatever your vibe, music sets the scene for the memories that you’re going to cherish for the rest of time. But did you know that choosing the right music can also work magic for your wedding photos?
From the quiet moments of your ceremony to your buzzing dance floor in the evening, music sets the emotional tone for each chapter of your wedding day.
As you walk down the aisle or share your first dance as newlyweds, the perfect music can tug at the heartstrings and bring tears of joy to everyone’s eyes. Music has an incredible ability to heighten all the emotions of a moment, creating memories that will stay with you forever, and will help us to catch on camera those beautiful raw emotions which tell the true story of your day.
Relaxed Vibes = Epic Candid Shots
Here’s the secret sauce: the right music creates an atmosphere where everyone feels relaxed and at ease. And when your guests are feeling good, that’s when the magic happens – candid moments unfold, genuine smiles light up the room, and we can capture all those beautiful moments that you will cherish for the rest of your lives when you look back through the photos that tell the story of your day.
The beauty of great music is that it helps your guests forget about the camera. They’re too busy dancing, laughing with friends, and soaking in the joy of the moment to even notice we’re there with a camera. And that’s when the most authentic photos can be captured.
The music allows us to blend seamlessly into the background, able to capture all those spontaneous moments.
Keep the Energy High
And let’s not forget about keeping the energy high! While you’re off capturing your beautiful couple images and those obligatory group shots, it’s a great idea to leave your guests in good hands with some wonderful musical entertainment. The musicians will keep the mood high and the good times rolling until you’re ready to rejoin your guests, mingle and enjoy the Prosecco and canapés!
The more energy, smiles, belly laughs and atmosphere on your wedding day the better in terms of your wedding photos. You want to look back on the photos of your day and remember what an incredible day everyone had, when all the people you love the most in the world were all in the same place. In order to keep your guests in high spirits throughout your wedding day and prevent any lulls in energy, it’s important to put some thought into the types of entertainment that you are going to provide.
Seamlessly Blend the Elements of Your Wedding Day Together
Choosing the right musicians in particular can really help to blend the different elements of your day seamlessly together, which will help to avoid any of those dips in energy where guests are sat around waiting for the next part of the day to start.
Music on your wedding day is the heartbeat of your day. So, book your amazing musicians, dance like nobody’s watching, and let the music lead the way to a wedding day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments to capture in your wedding photos.
Your wedding day will be a day filled with love, laughter, tears of happiness and, of course, dancing the night away. Choosing the right music for your wedding can be a daunting task, but fear not – we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll be your musical guide, presenting a handpicked list of wedding dance floor fillers that, in our experience, never fail to get people on their feet and grooving into the night.
Why not ask guests in advance to send you their requests of songs they’d love to hear and ask your band or DJ for set lists and a zoom to discuss what you want to hear on the night. A good DJ or band will read the room and keep the dance floor full by seeing what the crowd are responding to. Let’s face it, there’s nothing better than seeing the people you love letting go of their everyday worries and expressing themselves without a care in the world!
These high-energy dance floor fillers, ranging from timeless classics to contemporary hits, draw guests of all ages to the dance floor:
The Ultimate Wedding Playlist
David Bowie – Let’s Dance
George Michael – Too Funky
Jimi Hendrix – All along the watchtower
Chic – I want your love
Beyonce – Crazy in love
Scissor Sisters – Filthy Gorgeous
Sugarhill Gang – Rapper’s delight
Shackles – Mary Mary
Lionel Richie – All night long
Chic – Good times
Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse – Valerie
Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars – Uptown funk
Blinding Lights – The Weekend
Beyonce – Single ladies
Gabrielle – Dreams
Sister Sledge – He’s the greatest dancer
Chic – Everybody dance
The Emotions – Best of my love
Lauryn Hill – That thing
Sunshine Andersen – Heard it all before
Jet – Are you gonna be my girl
Eurythmics – Sweet dreams
Upside down – Diana Ross
Luther Vandross – Never too much
Rihanna and Calvin Harris – We found love
Taylor Swift – Shake it off
Candi Staton (or Florence and the machine) – You got the love
Phats and Small – Turn Around
Jackie Wilson – Your love keeps lifting me higher
Stardust – Music sounds better with you
Estelle and Kanye West – American boy
Murder on The Dancefloor – Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Groove is in the Heart – Deee-Lite
Don’t Stop me Now – Queen
Take on Me – A-ha
I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross
Ain’t Nobody – Chakka Khan
Don’t forget to send a NO list if there are any tracks you definitely don’t want played and any good DJ or band will get a good sense of what you like. They should also read the room and react accordingly with what they play.
Let us help you tailor the music exactly to your preferences by booking in for a chat here.
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting and momentous occasions in your life, and one key element that can make or break the atmosphere is the music.
Whether you envision a romantic string quartet, a high energy band, or a versatile DJ, finding the right wedding music supplier is essential to ensure your wedding day is perfect. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to find the ideal music supplier for your special day.
Define Your Musical Vision
Before you start your search, take some time to envision the kind of music you want at your wedding. Consider the following questions:
– What genre(s) of music do you prefer? Eg classical, rock, vintage etc – Do you want live musicians, a DJ, or a combination of both? – Are there any specific songs or pieces of music that hold special meaning for you and your partner? – What atmosphere or mood do you want the music to create during different parts of the wedding (ceremony, drinks reception, meal)?
Having a clear vision of your musical preferences will help you communicate your expectations to potential music suppliers.
Ask for Recommendations of wedding suppliers
Start by asking friends, family members, or recently married couples for recommendations. Personal referrals can be incredibly valuable when searching for a music supplier, as you can get first hand insights into their performance, professionalism, and reliability.
Do Your Research
Once you have a list of potential music suppliers, do some online research. Visit their websites, social media profiles, and read reviews from previous clients. Look for evidence of their experience, the variety of events they’ve performed at, and any awards or recognition they may have received.
Reach out to your shortlisted candidates and schedule interviews or meetings. During these conversations, ask about their availability on your wedding date, their pricing, and their repertoire. It’s also essential to discuss any specific requests or themes you have in mind.
Check References
Ask the music suppliers for references from previous weddings they’ve worked on. Contact these references to enquire about their experience working with the supplier or agent. Were they punctual, professional, and able to adapt to the crowd’s preferences? Did they help create the desired atmosphere?
Your wedding plans may evolve, so it’s crucial to choose a music supplier who is flexible and accommodating. Enquire about their ability to adapt to last-minute changes or special requests.
Review Contracts Carefully
Once you’ve found a music supplier you like, review their contract thoroughly. Pay close attention to details such as payment schedules, cancellation policies, and what is included in their services (e.g., equipment, setup, and teardown).
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts when making the decision. Go with the music supplier who not only meets your criteria but also connects with you on a personal level. Their enthusiasm for your wedding and their understanding of your vision can make a significant difference in the overall experience.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the right music can make your dream outcome a reality. By following these steps and carefully choosing the perfect music supplier, you’ll ensure that your wedding day is truly memorable with minimum effort from you.
If you have been browsing bands and live musicians recently, you’ve probably noticed that the prices can vary significantly. This is based on several factors which we’ll go into in this blog. We display the prices for all our acts on our website so you can get an idea of numbers there, but here is a guide which outlines the factors which affect price in further detail.
Band Size
The number of musicians in the band is a crucial determinant. Larger bands with more members generally charge higher fees. It’s true that a larger band will often have more impact, but if you’re looking to keep costs down, book a smaller band – a high energy 3 or 4-piece band with the right experience can work for weddings up to 200 people.
Experience & Reputation
Established and renowned musicians or bands with a proven track record often command higher fees compared to lesser-known or emerging talents. The more experienced a band is, the better they will be at reading the room and getting everyone up on the dance floor. Their musical competence and stage presence will come across, making it an awesome musical experience for everyone there. It may be much cheaper, but asking an amateur musician or your uncle Dave who dabbles on the decks is a risk you don’t want to take on such an important day! Your wedding entertainment isn’t something to scrimp on – it’s one of the elements of your wedding that will stay in peoples minds forever.
Duration of Performance
The length of the performance, including the number of sets and total hours, can impact the pricing. There will be a minimum charge regardless of how short a time the musicians are required. The standard time a band will perform for is 2 x 45 minutes or 3 x half hour sets. Bands will usually need 60-90 minutes to set up so might arrive around 6pm if they’re playing in the evening. If you require the band to set up earlier than usual there may be an extra charge for early arrival. Likewise, if the band is required to stay after midnight there is usually an extra charge for a late finish.
Travel & Accommodation
Accommodation may be required for the band if they finish late and are far from home so this might need to be factored in. Also, parking, congestion charge and fuel will be factored in to their price. If the event requires the band to travel to a different country, travel and accommodation expenses may be factored into the pricing along with transfers and daily expenses.
Equipment Requirements
Bands may charge extra if they need specific equipment or instruments for the event. They may take a sound engineer with them or sometimes this will be a band member.
Peak Seasons & Demand
During peak event seasons or times of high demand, musicians and bands may charge higher fees.
Customisations
If the client requests special song arrangements, specific genres, or personalised performances, the pricing might be adjusted accordingly. A lot of bands will be able to accommodate requests at no extra charge but if there is an obscure request they may need to charge a small extra amount to source the music or arrange it.
Additional Services
Some bands may offer additional services like DJ sets, sound engineering, confetti canons, extra lighting and dancers which can affect the overall cost.
Negotiation
Prices can often be negotiated based on the specific needs of the event and the flexibility of the musicians or band. If your event is not during the weekend the price may be lowered or if it is not in peak wedding season, so all worth bearing in mind.
Good professional musicians for events have spent many years studying and practising to master their art. The maintenance of their instruments and equipment, the cost of insurance and the time spent preparing for events is also a factor taken into account when you hire a professional.
Browse our wide range of bands and musical acts here and we’ll help you to find the best possible fit for your budget.
String Quartet in Surrey: Is it a good option for your event?
The string quartet – two violins, a viola and a ‘cello is one of the most perfect combinations of instruments. It’s a beautiful blend of sounds and they can play in a huge range of styles which makes them a great choice for wedding and event music. There are fantastic arrangements available nowadays from Mozart to Fat Boy Slim with Film music, Jazz, Bollywood or Tangos in between. There’s always the chance for a bespoke arrangement of your favourite song too if it’s not on their list.
The beauty of the string quartet is its versatility and it can often save you booking two acts. For example, many quartets can play 3 sets, building in tempo and energy. They can start with a classical set, perhaps while people have drinks on arrival or during the meal. They can then move on to a mid-tempo set of pop covers building in momentum and finish with a high energy set of dance music – clothing changes included!
String Quartets in Surrey for Luxury weddings
For a wedding many people choose a string quartet for their ceremony where they will play traditional classical repertoire and then the group stays on to play at the drinks reception where they will play lighter repertoire as the atmosphere becomes more upbeat. The quartet can often cover from the ceremony right through to the evening meal and beyond if needed.
Hiring a string quartet is straightforward as all you need to provide is some cover for them to play underneath if outside and four ARMLESS chairs if they’ll be playing seated. As always, a room for them to leave their instrument cases is important too. If your event is in a large room with over 100 people they may bring a PA system to be heard but your agent will deal with all those technical points so you can just enjoy the show.
The sound of a string quartet stirs the emotions and they always bring sophistication and impact to an event making it memorable for everyone, that’s why we love them and you will too.
Remember last time you were at a wedding, that moment when everyone is suddenly on high alert, knowing they are going to get their first glimpse of the bride? The musicians lift up their instruments and their collective intake of breath signals that the music is about to begin. The first notes fill the room and the atmosphere is set, sweeping everyone up in emotion.
In all honesty, both classical and pop music can work beautifully for wedding ceremony songs. We have worked on weddings where all the choices are pop or alternative and others where all the music is traditional classical, it totally depends on what atmosphere you want to create and your personal taste. Some people choose to start with classical for the ceremony, lighter more jazzy numbers for the drinks reception then classic dance tracks for the evening so it builds in intensity throughout the day, but anything goes!
There are four main points of the ceremony where music fits in and some choices from couples we have worked with:
Wedding Ceremony Music: As wedding guests arrive
Noone has had a drink yet (well, most haven’t anyway!) and music at this point creates an atmosphere and a sense of excitement. It also puts people at ease as they gather and get seated, waiting for the ceremony to begin. You can be as late as you like to the ceremony, knowing that your guests are entertained.
The Wedding Processional
This is when you walk down the aisle. That grand moment everyone has been waiting for. Again, a myriad of styles work and it’s about choosing a wedding ceremony song or piece of music that you love. You could think about what tempo you prefer for your entrance – slow and stately or faster and more upbeat. For example, if classical, a more upbeat choice we have had is ‘The arrival of the Queen of Sheba’ by Handel. Slower numbers have included the beautiful ‘Kissing You’ from the film Romeo & Juliet and ‘To Build a Home’ from the Cinematic Orchestra. If you want a vintage or dreamy feel, ‘What a Wonderful World’ and ‘Moon River’ are stunning too.
Wedding Ceremony Music: The signing of the register
This is the part of the ceremony where you’ll have time for a complete piece of music or two. Again, anything goes. Classical choices we have had are Elgar’s ‘Salut d’Amour’ and ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’ by Ennio Morricone. Non classical choices have been Bob Dylan’s ‘Make you feel my love’ and Elvis ‘Can’t help falling in love’. The atmosphere at this point is more relaxed and your guests can sit back and enjoy listening.
The Wedding Recessional
The moment you walk back down the aisle as a married couple. Most people opt for an upbeat number for this and you can go as silly as you like as the mood has lifted now to much less serious! We love one of our couples choice ‘Lovefool’ by The Cardigans and a beautiful uplifting classical choice is the Allegro from Mozart’s Divertimento in D.
Whatever your tastes in music, there is no such thing as a silly request. With the right expertise, any song can be arranged for the particular group you have opted for with the main theme played on an instrument if there is no singer. Popular choices that work perfectly for the ceremony are: String Quartet for full impact or String Trio, Solo harp, Singer with guitar / keyboard and Choral ensemble.
Whether you’re a fanfare type of couple or a minimalist dreamy one there’s a wedding soundtrack for everyone!
