Tag: Music & Entertainment

Explore options for wedding music and entertainment that will keep you and your guests dancing all night long.

How To: Choose Between A Band and a DJ

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom having their first dance with the band playing in the background
By Allister Freeman

Whether it’s the theme tune to your favourite movie or that advert that makes you cry, music makes the world go round and it’s an essential part of your wedding day. It creates the mood and gets everyone on the dance floor to party their socks off. You want your music to be a perfect reflection of you as a couple and a great medley of tunes for your guests to love and party to all night. While you might have a list of your favourite tunes coming out of your ears, you might be stuck on whether to have a wedding band or DJ? We compiled a list of pros and cons for each, so you can just sit back and enjoy the music while you choose.

Bridebook.co.uk- band playing with fairy lights in the background
By Chris Giles Photography

Why you should hire a wedding band:

  • Bands are epic. A group of people rocking out on their instruments can be fun and dramatic and really gets the party started.
  • Music played by a live band almost always sounds incredible.
  • Any love ballads that you choose are guaranteed to sound more heartfelt and emotional when performed by a live band.
  • A band can improvise and adjust the tempo of the songs, to jazz things up when needed!
  • Even guests that don’t enjoy dancing will have fun watching a live band perform.
  • Band members often have infectious personalities, making sure everyone gets on the dance floor! Bonus!
Bridebook.co.uk- wedding band playing at reception with the guitarist singing
By Lawson Photography

Limitations to wedding bands:

  • Whilst most bands are more than happy to learn a song for your first dance, the remainder of their repertoire might be quite specific. Just make sure the band you pick plays your kind of music! Going to hear them play (before you book) can help with this.
  • Band members will always need a break between sets, which can create a lull in the music. But you can always have a playlist ready to fill the gap.
  • A band can often cost a fair amount of money, as each member needs to be paid.
  • A band will require a fair amount of space and a large number of electricity outlets so just make sure you work this out before booking!
Bridebook.co.uk- the outline of a sax player performing
By Miki Photography

Why you should hire a wedding DJ:

  • A DJ will have an endless variety of songs instantly available to them, meaning they can adjust to the mood or even do requests. You can also make sure they have your list of favourites before the big day!
  • A DJ can take breaks without having to stop the music.
  • The volume levels are easily adjustable.
  • DJ’s require smaller spaces to set up.
  • Reputable DJ companies will always have a stand-by DJ, ready to take over should anything go wrong. Phew.
  • A DJ is usually cheaper than a band (maybe not David Guetta…!)
Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom dancing as guests look on
By Kristian Leven Photography

Limitations to wedding DJs:

  • Pre-recorded music might not evoke the same energy as live music… Unless the songs played are ‘your’ songs.
  • Every DJ has their own personality and style, just like every couple does. So it’s best to meet them before to make sure it matches yours.
  • The best way to find out more about a DJ’s style is by collecting some reviews. Try and speak to people who booked your DJ for their wedding, to confirm he will rock it!

Weigh up the pros and cons of each and work out what is best for you. Either way, epic music is going to make your party rock so enjoy choosing!

Bridebook.co.uk- groom dipping bride during first dance
By Ross Harvey

Happy Planning!

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Introduction: Your Wedding Entertainment

Bridebook.co.uk- flame thrower wedding enterainer
By Ross Harvey

So you’ve found your venue, made your guest list and organised a delicious wedding menu. Then all you need to really get the party started is the entertainment. So let’s work out what you’re after and give your guests a day to remember!

What Kind Of Wedding Entertainment Is Out There?

Well… Just about anything, if we’re honest with you! You could go for anything from photobooths and fireworks to cartoonists and ceilidhs. Or you could organise games for your guests, like coconut shys or croquet. And, of course, there’s music – which is so important we’ve dedicated an entire article to it here.

How Much Should You Spend On Your Wedding Entertainment?

Depending on their overall budget, we expect to see couples spend anything from £300 to £1,500 on their wedding entertainment, with the average couple spending about £500. Remember, this includes your music too and the costs involved here can range. If you decide to go the DIY route, for example, putting together your very own ultimate party playlist will cost you nothing at all – but you could also hire your favourite band and really splash some cash.

Bridebook.co.uk- guests enjoying fireworks display
By Lawson Photography

When Should You Bring Out Your Wedding Entertainment?

This depends on what forms of entertainment you’re providing. If it’s just music, the answer is obvious: whenever you want to hit the dancefloor. But you might also decide to spread entertainment throughout the day, especially if your wedding isn’t child-free. It’s always a good idea to consider providing some form of entertainment straight after the ceremony as this is when you’re likely to be busy taking wedding photos, leaving your guests to entertain themselves. It’s not a must though – you can always pop on a playlist and let your guests catch up while they enjoy a drink and a canapé or two.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding guests posing for the photographer with props
By Miki Photography

When Should You Start Looking For Wedding Entertainment?

Give yourself at least six to nine months to find your wedding entertainment. That means you’ve got enough time to work out what you want, go and see some options and make a final decision. It also lessens the chance that you discover your dream dance troupe – only to find they’re fully booked.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding band performing during reception
By Jamie Bott Wedding Photography

How Should You Choose Your Wedding Entertainment?

Start off by sitting down with your partner and talking about what the two of you want. Then consider your guests. If you’ll be inviting children to your wedding, what has the best chance of keeping them busy? Clowns and balloon artists are classic choices here. And what will your grown-up guests appreciate? Maybe you really want to wow your guests, and in that case, you might explore fire-eaters or fireworks displays. On the other hand, you might be from a family of foodies – in which case, look at options for DIY food stations.

Then spread the net wide! Ask friends, friends of friends, your venue, other engaged couples… Get as many ideas and recommendations as possible. Think about any weddings or other events you’ve attended recently – did any of them have any really spectacular entertainment options?

Now it’s time to get out there! If possible, try not to book your wedding entertainment without seeing them in person beforehand. We’re sure you won’t but you don’t want to book blind, only to discover on your wedding day that you’ve been duped. Plus, it makes for a great date night activity!

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How To: Entertain Kids At Your Wedding

Bridebook.co.uk flowergirl looks up at mum doing church reading

Nailing your guestlist is crucial, which is why we have a big ol’ guestlist tool to make it super easy for you to keep track. One of the big questions with guestlists is whether you’ll invite children to your day: and  if you’re keen to invite a long list of little ones to your wedding, then look forward to adorable photos and ‘awwww’ moments. However, kids will be kids – you can’t expect them to be angels throughout an entire ceremony, speeches and dinner. Some adults aren’t!  But we know exactly how to keep them acting cute – so here are our top tips. Make sure to add any extras you need to buy or complete to your Bridebook wedding checklist!

 

During the ceremony

If you are including children in your ceremony, like pageboys and flower girls, then make sure you allocate some seats for them, as they will get tired! Get them down the aisle and into those seats. Allocating a bridesmaid or someone to keep them in line helps a lot! Another idea is sneaking in some books or even an iPad for some silent entertainment. This can get the children through the ceremony so you don’t have to worry about them.

 

Seating children for the Wedding Breakfast

There are two ways to do this: sit the kids with their parents or have a separate table for them. Consider their ages and decide if the kids-only table would need supervision (details on getting help at the bottom). Children love having a little table for themselves, as it makes them feel special and allows them to entertain each other. This also means the parents can actually have some time out and party with the big boys!

Make a crafts station

Let the munchkins put their imaginations to good use – give them some crayons and paper and let them go crazy. They’ll make for super cute mementos. Alternatively, Cupcake stations or balloon-making stations are ace! Make some bare cupcakes and let the kids decorate them with edible sparkles and a bit of icing, or give the kids some balloons, some instructions and leave them to make cats, dogs, hats and whatever else they can think of (with someone supervising air provision, of course). Just don’t give them anything that can stain – we want you to get your deposit back, don’t we!

Favours

Are you providing favours for the adults? Definitely consider providing some for the kids! Colouring books, quizzes and games of I-Spy go a really long way. Make sure you have prizes for everyone who completes a quiz – otherwise things could get manic!

Bridebook.co.uk Kids wedding favour Personalised gingerbread man

 

Lawn games

We love lawn games! For an outdoor wedding, think about hiring croquet or giant jenga. These are perfect for the kids (and the adults!) and means you probably won’t see them for the rest of the night – job done.

Hiring entertainers

A magician or clown can keep kids captivated for hours! We advise you to avoid face-painting artists, because white dress… painted hands…the horror. If you’re worried about your budget, maybe someone you know will take on the role!

 

Create an area

Indoor wedding? Try creating a space for the kids – find somewhere you can make a sectioned off area, or perhaps there’s a little room off the main reception area. Stock it with board games, Twister, balloons, ribbons and even put a film on! Nothing will keep kids as entertained as a classic Disney movie and a game of Twister on the side. Bonus point: parents can use it as a changing station or when they start feeling cranky!

Dance your (little) socks off

A cute idea is to have a kids-only dance after the official First Dance. Most kids love dancing and having all the attention on them! They will also look pretty adorable – good for the snaps.

Bridebook.co.uk children dancing on dancefloor

Nannies

If you can find a trust-worthy teenager, or know that a Granny would love nothing better than to look after the kids for the evening enlist their help. This way, parents will be able to enjoy themselves and not have to worry about the little ones.

 

Happy Planning!