Guide to booking music for your wedding day.

Music for Weddings
Wedding Music Tips & Guides
26/01/2023

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - A bride dances whilst a trumpeter plays

Here’s our guide to booking music for your wedding day!

Music is one of the most important features of your wedding day, and getting it right will ensure your guests have a great time. Read on for our suggestions on how music can feature during the four main sections of your wedding day.

guide to booking music for your wedding - A singer performing at a wedding

Your choice of music during the ceremony should be personal to you both. This might be a song you both love, or a piece of music that reminds you of when you first got together. Our advice is to opt for something stripped-back, such as a string quartet, solo harpist, or even a guitar and vocal duo can work really well and be more memorable. You don’t want anything too lively at this point as it can distract from the main event.

Example acts: ESQ, Ella Marie (pictured), Cecilia (above)

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - A Gypsy Jazz Band

Instrumental music works well during the reception and provides a nice backdrop to all the chatter. But if you want to make the music more of a feature at this point, then a vocal-led act can work nicely too. It really depends on the mood you want to create. If you’re thinking to go for an act that’s a bit different or unexpected, then this is a good time to do it. You might consider a gypsy jazz quartet, or a fun and lively Cuban band!

Example acts:Nouveau Boheme (pictured), London Jazz Trio, Havana Kings (above)

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - A string quartet performing during the wedding breakfast

Here, we recommend choosing music that provides just a little ambience. If budget is tight, then there’s really no reason why a well-compiled playlist can’t work. However, if you are set on having live music (we certainly won’t argue with that!), and budget allows, then a jazz trio or a classical quartet are good live options.

Example acts: London Jazz Trio (above), Vicenza Strings

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - A Silent Disco

This is the highpoint of the day; all the emotional bits are over and it’s time for your guests to let their hair down and have a good time. You’ll want to choose music that is to your personal taste (especially your first dance), but it’s important to consider what your guests will like too. There will most likely be a range of ages at your wedding party, and ideally you want to please as many of your guests as possible so that they all leave on a high. A really good act will be able to cross eras and genres.

You can’t beat the energy and interaction you get from a live band, but a DJ can also be a perfectly good option. We would advise against using a playlist here as, unlike a band or DJ, it can’t ‘read the crowd’ . A band or DJ can judge the audience on the night and adjust their set accordingly.

Example Acts: Briggs Street Players (above), Dukebox City, DJ Zulu

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - Guitarist playing to a lively crowd.

The size of the performance area at your wedding venue
Does the venue have a sound limiter?
Does the venue have it’s own sound system?
Acts will need to be provided with a meal and refreshments

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - Singers Performing.

Don’t book your music entertainment too late. In-demand bands and musicians get booked well in advance
Choose a piece of music that’s personal to you both for the ceremony and first dance
Make the evening entertainment the highlight
If budget is limited, then a well-curated playlist can work well during the sit down dinner
When booking the evening entertainment consider your guests’ musical tastes as well as your own

Wedding DJ or Wedding Band?

Music for Weddings
Wedding Music Tips & Guides
24/12/2022

Not sure whether to go for a wedding DJ or a live wedding band? Read on as we consider the pros and cons of each.

Musicians performing amongst wedding guests

Entertainment Value

If you want to leave a lasting impression with your guests, then a show-stopping live band is a sure way to do so. There’s nothing quite like the energy you get from a band, the interaction between the musicians and your guests makes for a really inclusive and immersive experience.

An experienced band also knows how best to order their sets – they’ll know when to perform those dance-floor fillers, and when it’s a good time to slow things down with a ballad or mid-tempo tune. They’re experts at judging the crowd’s mood (and how tired their feet are!)

Whilst a DJ should have a good idea of what you want them to play before the wedding, they’ll also be able to read the room on the night and get realtime feedback on whether what they’re playing is a hit with your guests. Unlike a live band, a DJ is able to make changes to the playlist at a moment’s notice. The crowd might go wild for a particular genre or artist, and so the DJ might stick with that for a while, to ensure the dance-floor is packed out. Any decent DJ knows an empty dance-floor is not going to make for a memorable evening, it’s their job to get the music just right on the night.

Repertoire & Performance Duration

A great band will usually specialise in a selection of genres (e.g Soul, Motown and Pop), and so could be somewhat restricted on what they can perform. For instance, you’re unlikely to find a band that can play a mix of Latin, Rock & Roll and RnB and Hip Hop. Whilst DJ’s also specialise, it’s usually easier for them to move between genres, so long as they have the music (a good DJ should have an expansive and varied catalogue).

Bands will typically perform 2 x 45min/60min sets, whereas a DJ can play for up to 5hrs, so there’s quite a difference in duration for each option. It’s worth knowing though, that most bands will play music between their sets so that the mood doesn’t go flat.

Fees

Fees for a live wedding band vary, depending on several factors including the number of musicians, where your wedding is, how in-demand the band are, and whether there are any additional requirements (e.g. sound or lighting, overnight accommodation etc..) But to give you some idea, our fees typically start from £1500. The fee for a DJ will also vary, but if budget is limited, DJ’s usually cost between £500 – £1500, so it may be a more cost-effective option for you. We can also provide lighting and DJ booths if budget allows – for example set ups, just click HERE.

Set-Up

A band will need slightly longer to set-up than a DJ, since they’ll probably be providing a fair bit of sound equipment too (and possibly lighting). Typically they’ll need between 1-2hrs. They’ll also require more performance space than a DJ – exactly how much will depend on the size of the band, but it is something to bear in mind if space is limited at your wedding venue. A DJ will normally take about an hour to set up.

Top 5 Tips:

Bear in mind the age of your guests, and consider what music they’ll all enjoy too. If you’re too niche, then you may end up with an empty dance-floor – a total mood killer.
Make sure you let the band know in advance what you want for your first dance so that they have plenty of time to learn it. Having a band perform your first dance can make your song even more personal to you, as the band will put their own unique spin on it.
If your wedding venue has a sound limiter, it will be harder to turn a live band down, and you may not be able to have live drums. If noise really is a limitation then you may need to think smaller – e.g. a live trio (with a drummer on percussion instead of a full kit), a DJ, or even a silent disco if you have really noise sensitive neighbours!
It’s a good idea to provide your DJ with a list of some of your favourite tracks/artists, and also a list of anything you definitely don’t want so that they know what to steer well clear of.
As tempting as it might be to be really prescriptive and outline exactly what you want your DJ to play, it’s best to leave some room for the DJ to improvise, so that they can react to the crowd on the night.

So whilst the jury is still out on which one’s the better option, hopefully we’ve given you a clearer idea of what’s going to work best for your wedding. Of course, if you have the budget, you could have a wedding DJ and a live band! We certainly wouldn’t discourage that!

To hear some of our Wedding DJs click HERE. And click HERE for some of our lighting and booth options.

To watch some of our bands click HERE.

And click HERE to contact us.

Wedding at Corinthia London

Music for Weddings
16/03/2021

“We had the High Tones & DJ Dan at our wedding in April. Both were incredible and totally made the atmosphere. James helped arrange everything and was just amazing, such a lovely guy, so helpful, loads of advice and very patient. Thanks so much all!” Caroline & Adam

Way back when weddings were a regular occurrence (remember those heady days?), we worked with wedding couple, Caroline and Adam, on the music entertainment for their wedding at one of London’s most iconic hotels, Corinthia London.

With incredible views of Westminster, Trafalgar Square and the Thames, Corinthia London is one of the UK’s most spectacular wedding venues. They offer three wedding spaces, the intimate Nelson room, the Courtroom, and the ceremoniously grand Ballroom.

Caroline and Adam’s wedding party took place in the Ballroom.

music entertainment for weddings at corinthia london

Sound Generation advised Caroline and Adam on all suitable music options, before they opted for one of our most sought-after bands, ‘The High Tones’ (Rock & Roll/Rhythm & Blues/Soul).

Their first dance was to the Neil Diamond classic, ‘Sweet Caroline’, which featured all their guests joining in to sing the chorus before joining them on the dance floor!

Sound Generation provided the late-night entertainment too, with ‘DJ Dan’ keeping the party going until the early hours.

If you would like to enquire about music entertainment for your wedding, please click HERE.

Watch the High Tones HERE.

Find out more about our DJ’s HERE.

Click HERE to find out more about weddings at Corinthia London.

All photos taken by Jamie Dunn.

June Events Round Up

Music for Events
Music for Venues
Music for Weddings
News
26/06/2019

We’ve provided some fantastic music entertainment for corporate events, weddings and parties over the last few months. Grab a cuppa, put on some music (why not check out our latest playlist HERE), and have a read of our June events round up!

We provided a Mariachi band for one of Soho House’s gorgeous members’ clubs, High Road House, in Chiswick. Guests enjoyed lively Mexican music and Margaritas!

SG’s most sought after band, the Briggs Street Players, performed live at the new Tottenham stadium, for the Champions League Quarter Final match between Spurs and Manchester City.

There was live Blues from SG act, Sly Fox Express, at The Big Smoke in Leicester Square. The Big Smoke regularly hosts live music events and serves up grilled fare aplenty!

June Events Round Up - Havana Kings — Photo by Lori Loves

The coolest Cuban band in town, Havana Kings, performed for communication strategy advisors, Hawthorn, at their annual Summer party.

Havana Kings are a Cuban Salsa band, and are the perfect addition to a summer garden party, or any event where you want a lively and fun ambience! They’re available from a duo right up to a full 9-piece orchestra. They’ve performed at The Royal Albert Hall, The National Theatre, The 606 Club and at countless weddings and private parties.

For enquiries and bookings click HERE.

June Events Round Up - Weddings — Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

We’ve provided music entertainment for several wedding parties over the past few months. Highlights include; The Briggs Street Players performing at a wedding at Gloucestershire venue, Elmore Court; DJ Callum entertaining wedding guests at Sandhurst Military Academy; and DJ Zulu provided the musical backdrop for a wedding at the Oyster Shed. Several of our acts have also been performing for wedding parties at Richmond favourite, Bingham Riverhouse .

For all wedding enquiries and bookings click HERE.

March Events Round Up

Music for Events
Music for Venues
Music for Weddings
News
20/03/2019

Welcome to our March events round up!

We’ve had a fantastic few weeks, working with some wonderful clients and some fab new venues. Read on to see what we’ve been up to!

SG acts have been performing at one of London’s most impressive venues, The NED. Our acts have been performing weekly in the Members Restaurant, as well as appearing on the Nickel Stage.

For further information on the Ned, click HERE.

Soulful singer/guitarist, Mike, performed live for world renowned fabric designers, GP & J Baker, at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre.

Mike is an outstanding vocalist who has worked alongside the likes of Emeli Sande, Leona Lewis and Jessie J.

Click HERE to enquire about booking Mike.

Gypsy Jazz quartet, Nouveau Boheme, performed for an event at OXBO Bankside, in February. OXBO is a Hilton Restaurant & Bar serving English classics with a twist, and bottomless brunches. Did someone say bottomless?!

Click HERE to enquire about booking Nouveau Boheme.

Singer and pianist, Kate, performed at an event for the Royal Lancaster London. Our lovely new piano shell, Berta, also made an appearance!

Click HERE to enquire about booking Kate, or Berta(!)

We continue to work with luxury river yacht, Silver Sturgeon. SG acts that have performed aboard the yacht recently include, Frida, Havana Kings, and Jazz vocalist, Megan (pictured).

We worked with exclusive travel company, Niquesa, again this month. We provided a Japanese Koto player for the launch of their new luxury travel packages to Japan.

Click HERE to enquire about booking Japanese music for your event.

Music Suppliers at Strawberry Hill House

Music for Events
Music for Venues
Music for Weddings
20/03/2019

Sound Generation are thrilled to now be preferred music suppliers at Strawberry Hill House.

Strawberry Hill House is internationally renowned as one of the finest examples of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture. It’s a stunning venue, set in Twickenham, and makes the perfect setting for wedding and events.

As bespoke music suppliers, we absolutely love working with unique venues like Stawberry Hill House. We’re really looking forward to working with the lovely team there, and for our acts to perform at such an incredible venue!

To find out more about Strawberry Hill House, click HERE.

Piano Shell Hire London

Music for Events
Music for Venues
Music for Weddings
19/03/2019

We now offer baby grand piano shells, in black or white, available to hire for weddings and events.

If your venue doesn’t have a piano onsite, a piano shell is a fantastic solution. It certainly looks much better than a keyboard in all your wedding photos. It’s lightweight, and takes minimal time to set-up. A digital piano just pops inside the shell.

A baby grand is the perfect way to enhance your event, bringing a touch of elegance and style. And of course we can supply a fantastic pianist to go with it too! Just click HERE for some pianist options.

Our baby grand piano shells come in high-gloss black, or white, and have already graced the stage at venues including The Ned, Conduit Mayfair, Selfridges, Royal Lancaster Hotel, and for numerous video shoots, including Universal Music. They’ve even sailed down the Thames on the Silver Sturgeon.

For further information and pictures, click HERE , or to make an enquiry, just click HERE.

To see SG pianist, Ed, using one of the shells, click HERE.

Music for Weddings | Outstanding Wedding DJ’s

Music for Weddings
25/04/2018

We’re delighted to be providing DJ’s for so many happy couples this Spring/Summer season, and at some incredible venues.

We love providing the soundtrack for the evening party on such an important day in a couple’s lives, and as we all know – a DJ can make or break the party!

Safe to say, one of our DJ’s will definitely MAKE the party.
We only work with highly experienced, versatile, friendly, professional DJ’s; DJ’s who are passionate about music and know how to read the dance floor.

Check our DJ page for more information, or to listen to some of our DJ’s CLICK HERE!

Music for Events | Silent Disco

Music for Events
Music for Weddings
28/02/2018

Sound Generation are now providing Silent Discos for weddings and events across London and the UK!

Silent Discos are an incredible way to keep the party going when faced with noise restrictions! Or if you simply want your party to continue late into the night (or morning!)
We provide silent discos for weddings and corporate events and can cater for parties of 20 – 200 guests!

: silent_disco_london

photography by: Andy Gaines

We cater for weddings, private parties, corporate events, and company training/team-building days, and can provide headphones for as few as ten, or as many as two thousand.
Whether you have booked your own DJ already, or require a DJ as part of the package we can help. We handle all the logistics of the event, from headphone delivery/collection, to testing and operating equipment, and handing out headphones on the night. Our all inclusive service takes all the hassle out of organising yourself.

For more information or to make an enquiry CLICK HERE!

Music for Weddings | August Round Up

Music for Weddings
31/08/2017

It’s been another busy month for wedding entertainment! Here are a few of our August highlights.

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THE GROVE
Solo guitarist, Mark, & SG band, Replay, entertained wedding guests at 5* Hotel, The Grove in Watford.

“I couldn’t recommend these guys enough – fantastic! The team were able to discuss our general needs and then provide helpful guidance and options for us to come to a final decision.”
Sarah Watts, Bride

To make an enquiry, or to book Mark or Replay for your wedding or event, click HERE.

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WOTTON HOUSE
Flamenco guitarist, Andres, performed at a wedding at beautiful Watford venue, Wotton House.

“All our guests have commented on how beautiful the music was and one guest asked Andres to serenade her baby to sleep each night. We were so pleased with both Andres and your services. We will most definitely recommend sound generation and Andres.”

Melissa & James Sutcliffe, Bride & Groom

To make an enquiry, or to book Andres for your wedding or event, click HERE.

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ASHRIDGE HOUSE
SG harpist, Cecilia, provided the musical backdrop at a wedding at the stunning wedding venue, Ashridge House. Ashridge House is a beautiful country estate and stately home set in National Trust woodland, in Hertfordshire. Cecilia performed during the ceremony and drinks reception.

To make an enquiry, or to book Cecilia for your wedding or event, click HERE.

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DENBIES WINE ESTATE
Soul band, the Briggs Street Players, entertained wedding guests at England’s largest vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate, in Surrey.

Music for Weddings

“We couldn’t have asked for more, your band were superb and made our wedding an event to remember with our friends and family. We had so many lovely comments raving about ‘The band’. It just wouldn’t have been the same without your contribution. Thank you so much, I hope one day we have reason to book you again.”
James Groom

Briggs Street Players are available from a 4-piece band, through to an 8-piece band including Saxophone, Trumpet, and Female Vocalist. To make an enquiry or to book BSP, click HERE.

Music for Weddings | July Round Up

Music for Weddings
28/07/2017

July was one of our busiest months to date, for weddings. Here are just a few of our highlights…

TAPNELL FARM
We worked on a very special wedding on the Isle Of Wight. The couple were big Coltrane/Davis fans and the afternoon drinks reception featured a flawless performance from jazz saxophonist, Vasilis Xenopoulos, whose band featured Matt Winch, Julian Bury, Matt Home, and Rob Barron. After dinner, the Briggs Street Players 7-piece soul band took the stage and the party truly began. Incredible vocals from Daniel and Libby. The party continued well into the night with a DJ set from Chester’s Derek Kaye.

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HEDSOR HOUSE

“An absolutely amazing place!”
Johnny Depp

We worked with award-winning venue Hedsor House, on a wedding which again, featured SG’s, Briggs Street Players, as well as vocalist, Ella Marie. Hedsor House is a stunning Georgian Mansion set in Buckinghamshire. As well as being a fabulous events venue, it’s also well known as a filming set which has hosted high profile actors including Johnny Depp, Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman and Ricky Gervais.

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RICHMOND HILL HOTEL & THE BINGHAM

We worked with two Richmond wedding venues this month; The Bingham (one of our faves!), and Richmond Hill Hotel. Adam Harris performed an acoustic set at Richmond Hill, before SG’s, DJ Callum took over. At The Bingham, Briggs Street Players, Laura, DJ Zulu, and nu-jazz/soul vocalist, Louise, all entertained guests.

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MATARA CENTRE

The Matara Centre is a Grade II listed Regency home set in Gloucestershire. Truly unique, it is set in 28 acres, with 11 formal gardens, a labyrinth, woodland paths and small lakes and fields! SG’s Nouveau Boheme performed at a wedding there, you can see a sneaky clip HERE.

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HEYTHROP PARK

Soulful vocalist, Ella Marie, performed to a 500-strong wedding party at luxury Oxfordshire venue, Heythrop House. Ella is an incredible vocalist who has performed on UK tours with the likes of Leona Lewis and Lily Allen. Ella is one of the most versatile vocalists around, performing Jazz, Blues, Soul and Pop.

Music for Weddings | Ardington House

Music for Weddings
28/06/2017

Music for Weddings

Earlier this month, SG band, Briggs Street Players performed at a wedding at Oxfordshire venue, Ardington House. They performed as a seven piece, which included saxophone and trumpet.

SG are thrilled to now be one of Ardington House’s recommended suppliers! We’re really looking forward to working with wedding couples on music entertainment for their big day.

Ardington House is a Georgian Manor set in beautiful gardens, which includes its own river and island! It’s a stunning location for weddings, events and even filming! There have been several famous guests over the years.

If you’re looking for wedding music for your wedding day, get in touch! Click HERE to contact us. We can provide string quartets, jazz bands, DJ’s, party bands, solo musicians and plenty more! We can also provide lighting and audio equipment, if required.

Ardington House is a wedding venue set in Oxfordshire. If you’re interested in finding out more just click HERE.

Music for Weddings | Syon Park

Music for Weddings
28/06/2017

Music for Weddings

Syon Park is a stunning house and 200-acre park set in leafy Isleworth, West London. Steeped in history, Syon is an incredible wedding venue and events space, which also houses a garden centre and cafe.

syonhouse

Last weekend we were delighted to be providing all the music entertainment for a lovely couple tying the knot here at Syon Park.
It was a part-Jewish wedding with both a religious and civil ceremony.

We had our Gypsy Jazz act, Nouveau Boheme Quartet, playing during the ceremony and performing a mixture Parisian and Gypsy jazz (as well as some Beatles songs as requested by the couple!)

Followed by DJ Callum in the evening, playing a mix of traditional Israeli, dance, funk, soul and Motown music!

Syon Park is a gorgeous wedding venue set in West London. If you’re interested in finding out more just click HERE.

Music for Weddings | Corinthia Hotel London

Music for Weddings
31/05/2017

Music for Weddings

We were back at Corinthia Hotel London this month for another incredible wedding party!

music-for-weddings-corinthia-london

The Ballroom at Corinthia Hotel London

music-for-weddings-corinthia-hotel-london

The Courtroom at Corinthia Hotel London

The wedding couple booked a full line up of fantastic live music, starting with string quartet, ESQ, performing classical repertoire during the ceremony which took place in the stunning Courtroom.

String Quartet, ESQ

The Dream Big Jazz Band were next to perform in the Ballroom, during dinner. They performed mostly Rat Pack repertoire, plus an original reworking of Coldplay’s ‘Green Eyes’ for the wedding couple’s first dance.

Dream Big Jazz Band

Finally, the wedding party danced their way into the early hours with music provided by DJ Zulu, who played a mix of Iranian music and commercial RnB.
For this wedding, we also provided the DJ booth and lighting!

Corinthia Hotel London is a truly beautiful wedding venue set in the heart of London. If you’re interested in finding out more just click HERE.

Music for Weddings | St Pancras Renaissance Hotel & London Bride

Music for Weddings
26/05/2017

Music for Weddings

We recently worked on a vibrant and super-stylish Colombian-themed wedding party held at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, and meticulously planned by wedding planner extraordinaire, Charley Beard.

The bride was Colombian, the groom, Italian, and they had seriously good taste in music! Which made working with them great fun. The couple wanted a mix of Cumbia, Salsa and Afro-Beat music so we booked Latin specialist DJ, DJ Zulu! The perfect choice, given their lovely review:

“We were very happy with the music and with DJ Zulu’s performance. He really got our tastes right and many guests have told us the music was great!”
Susy & Francesco, Bride & Groom

It was fantastic to work with wedding planner, Charley Beard. Charley is one of London’s most sought after wedding planners, and won ‘Best Wedding Planner in London & South East’ at the London Wedding Industry Awards 2016. She’s also (as if that weren’t enough!) Founder and Editor of the multi-award winning Wedding Blog, London Bride.
Charley’s blog is an absolute must-read for anyone planning a stylish wedding. It’s full of inspiration, from traditionally elegant to urban-inspired weddings. There really is something there for everyone! We very much look forward to working with Charley on more fabulous weddings in the future!

If you’re looking for a DJ for your wedding party, why not get in touch? Our DJ’s specialise in Funk, Soul, Latin, RnB, Commercial, 80’s , Afro Beat, UK Garage, and everything in between. We’d love to hear from you! Click HERE to contact us.

Music for Weddings | Corinthia Hotel London ft. The High Tones

Music for Weddings
26/04/2017

Music for Weddings

We had the pleasure of providing the music entertainment for lovely couple, Caroline and Adam, on their wedding day at the gorgeous, Corinthia Hotel, London.

They booked rock n roll/blues trio, The High Tones, for the early evening set, followed by DJ Deetraine who kept the dance floor packed until the early hours.
We also provided the LED DJ booth, and all staging was provided by Outrage Events.

Here’s what the wedding couple, Caroline and Adam had to say…

“The High Tones and DJ Dan were both perfect, everything went so smoothly – we couldn’t have hoped for a better evening. The High Tones set the atmosphere wonderfully and our guests absolutely loved them. Dan had the dancefloor packed all night and he played some of our favourite tunes that hold the happiest memories for us 🙂 They were both everything we hoped they would be and I cannot thank them and you enough for making our evening such fun for us and our guests.
I don’t think I could ever put into words really how much we enjoyed our day and what a huge part you all played in it, but I hope it’s enough to know that I’m so incredibly glad we chose Sound Generation (for the fact I got to organise everything with you!) and the High Tones and DJ Dan (for the fact that they completely made the evening).”

Watch the High Tones HERE.

Listen to example playlists by DJ Deetraine and more Sound Generation DJ’s HERE.

If you’re looking for wedding entertainment for your wedding day, please feel free to get in touch with us HERE.

Music Entertainment for Wedding at Corinthia, London

Music for Weddings | Smashing The Glass feature; A Jewish Wedding

Music for Weddings
07/03/2017

Music for Weddings.

SG were delighted to be feature on Smashing The Glass recently – a fantastic resource for couples planning a Jewish wedding!

photography by: SE3 Productions

Smashing The Glass was founded by Karen Cinnamon, and is recognised as one of the UK’s leading wedding blogs, and specialises in cool, creative Jewish weddings.
We had the pleasure of working with – now newlyweds – Amy and Adam on their Jewish wedding, which featured SG band, Dukebox City.
You can read all about their colourful wedding on STG HERE!

YOUR JEWISH WEDDING

If you’re planning a Jewish wedding, we would love to hear from you! We believe that the music entertainment is one of the most important elements of your wedding day. It’s an opportunity to select songs and music that are really personal to you both, and getting the music right is essential to setting the right mood. The music is the soundtrack to your wedding day, and is high on the list of what your guests will be talking about afterwards.

Band for a Jewish wedding Briggs Street Players.

Whether you’re looking for cool, contemporary music on your wedding day, or traditional Israeli music (or both!), we can help. All our acts are selected for their outstanding ability, reliability and professionalism so you can be sure of getting the best in the business.

Band for a Jewish wedding Soul Essentials

Some acts can provide traditional Israeli music, including bands, Dukebox City and Soul Essentials, but we also provide harpists, string quartets, jazz trios, acoustic duos, DJ’s and more.

Cecilia

To get in touch with us to discuss your requirements please click HERE!

A ROUND UP | An SG guide to Wedding Entertainment Hire & Live Wedding Bands & Musicians

Music for Weddings
18/02/2015

An SG guide to Wedding Entertainment Hire & Live Wedding Bands & Musicians

Music is hugely important on your wedding day. It’s proven (by scientists, no less) to be one of the most powerful ways of evoking emotions and memories, reminding you of all the wonderful moments you’ve shared with, not only your partner but your closest family and friends.

Music is also a fantastic way of setting the mood. Try to encourage a range of emotions on your wedding day. Guests should feel moved, happy, and of course – it goes without saying – so ecstatic that they’ll lose all inhibitions and bust their best moves on the dance floor later in the evening!

Most couples will refer to ‘their song’, which will almost certainly feature on the big day, but there may also be a song that you first danced to together, a song that was a big hit the year you met, a song you both find hilariously funny etc, etc… So it’s a good idea to compile a list of all those songs you will want to feature, well ahead of your wedding day.

WHERE MUSIC CAN FEATURE?

During the ceremony – this is one of the most emotional parts of the days. Whilst traditionally couples would opt for classical music, couples are now often choosing more contemporary songs to accompany the procession and recessional. Artists such as Adele and John Legend are popular; have a look at our list below for more inspiration.

Suggested styles: classical, jazz or acoustic
Example Sound Generation acts: Cecilia (classical), Elisa (jazz) or Libby (pop/soul)

Drinks reception – post-ceremony everyone will be socialising and no doubt talking about the bride’s dress, so you should select an act that’s just going to create a bit of ambience. Guests won’t really want to be entertained yet as they’ll be too distracted.
Suggested styles: classical, gypsy jazz, jazz
Example Sound Generation acts: Vicenza (classical), Nouveau Boheme (world/specialist), Nina (jazz)

Wedding breakfast – again, this is a time when guests will be chatting and later, listening to those all-important speeches, so as with the drinks reception you want to choose something that’s not too intrusive.
Suggested styles: solo piano, solo guitar
Example Sound Generation acts: Ed, Jo (instrumental)

Evening – this is when the party really gets going so you want a band or a great DJ that’s going to get everyone up on their feet and that can really work the room. For wedding bands, a five-piece is generally recommended, although if budget is an issue, a four-piece works well, or even a three-piece if the vocalist also plays an instrument. Bear in mind, the more musicians you have, the bigger the impact.
Suggested styles: soul, funk, blues
Example Sound Generation acts: Replay (bands), Copper Roads (bands), DJ Zulu (DJ’s)

TRENDS

Music to fit your theme – most weddings have a theme and couples increasingly want their music selection to fit that theme. For example you might decide on a vintage-style wedding, in which case a jazz trio or a vintage vocal group would work very well.
Sound Generation suggests: Scarlet Starlets (bands)

Mini music festival – creating a festival vibe is very popular at the moment. Book a selection of varied acts for a real festival experience. Go for independent artists as opposed to ‘wedding bands’ for an authentic feel.
Sound Generation suggests: Louise, Dan, Charlie (all pop/soul artists)

Element of surprise – a lot of couples want to book a wedding band that put a twist on instantly recognisable songs. For example a blues band performing a Rihanna track, or a classical string quartet performing a Jay Z tune. It’s totally unexpected and creates that ‘wow’ factor.
Sound Generation suggests: Copper Roads (bands), Cecilia (classical), Raff (pop/soul)

TOP TIPS!

Consider your guests (I know, it should be all about you!) – generally wedding guests will cross several generations so bear that in mind when you’re selecting what songs you want the band to perform. Try to choose a range of music that spans several eras so that you can be sure everyone has a great time.

If you’re on a tight budget – if you’re working to a budget then prioritise the evening band/DJ and see what’s left for anything else. The evening music should be the highlight, as it’s most often what guests remember most (providing they don’t knock back too many glasses of bubbly!) A lot of acts can also provide a laptop DJ set as well as a live band set, so you might not need to book both. You can also look at cutting back on the number of musicians to rein in costs e.g. a harpist or classical duo instead of a string quartet.

CD’s as favours – often acts have released albums & CD’s. Why not give your guests a copy as a unique wedding favour.

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF…

Power supply – usually acts will have their own PA equipment, so all they will need is somewhere to plugin.

Catering for the musicians – musicians will often be on site for several hours so will need a hot meal and soft drinks to ensure they have the energy to get your party started!

Set up/set down – musicians will need time to set up and set down, typically around 60 minutes. This will be included in your fees, but if the time on site runs over a surcharge will sometimes be applied.

Special requests – if you have any special requests for the band, make sure you provide them in plenty of time. Also, bear in mind some of your requests might not work given the band you choose.

OUR TOP TEN WEDDING CEREMONY TRACKS!

You Do Something To Me – Paul Weller
May You Never – John Martyn
Iris – The Goo Goo Dolls
With Or Without You – U2
Nowhere – Dan Wilde
I Love Every Little Thing About You – Stevie Wonder
Til There Was You – Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston
Where You Lead – Carole King
If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

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