Is it a surprise these days when the waiters and waitresses who have been serving you through the Wedding Breakfast suddenly burst into song? Well, it may be depending on how loud they sing... as in, BOO! Surprise! But, is it really that shocking anymore... or, has it gotten to the point where you are more surprised if the waiting staff actually don't burst into song?
But, things have moved on in this realm of wedding entertainment. For example, the once humble surprise singers only sang classical tunes such as Ave Maria etc. But, now there are also more contemporary options where the singers burst into classic rock and pop songs by ABBA or Bon Jovi. It has also become popular for these acts to actually perform with live instruments as well to add a truly unique touch to the surprise. Check out this video of one such act, The Singing Waiters: Live:
In addition, instead of these acts being purely waiters or waitresses the act has also evolved so that you may experience the surprise of a singing policeman or a surprise singing fireman! And, even where this may not be surprise enough... what about the cleaner? The Janitor? Yep, no role or vocation is now safe. In fact, I have even spotted a surprise singing Pavarotti! I kid you not!!
Yep, magicians... what are your thoughts? Is it rabbits out of hats? Paul Daniels? Or, something more stylish like Dynamo or David Blaine... or, even Criss Angel??! I got talking to a friend over the weekend about this subject and the stock answer I received was 'magicians are boring, they do my head in by coming over and doing card tricks.' And, I can see where he was coming from, sometimes they can be intrusive and unfortunately without reason. What I mean is, if you're going to come over and start performing magic tricks for me (as in the Royal me, not me per se) make sure they are AMAZING! I want to see something new and worthwhile, not something that I saw when I was 6 and have done every year thereafter.
Take a guitar for example... there are LOADS! You can buy a £99 package with amp, strap, Burt Weedon (RIP) lesson book and plectrum! Or, you can spend £600 and get yourself a Fender Stratocaster. Or, you can buy a locking system Ibanez, or a semi-acoustic.... etc.... etc... there are lots to choose from and some will be fantastic and some will be utter... well, you know. Cheese wire to smooth as silk... it's all about playing them and seeing what fits. And, magicians are the same by comparison. There are magicians who perform more old school magic tricks and there are the new breed of magicians who are great at street magic, mind reading and pick pocketing.
To find a magician that will wow you it's a case of doing your research. Watch videos, read reviews, even take a look at their photos. If they look like Dynamo in style and appear to be on the street then the chances are that this is they style they are aspiring to. But, if they are in a restaurant and have a piece of rope or a hanky train then you can see they are probably a more 'stock' magician. Now, there's nothing wrong with either from my point of view, but it's all about choosing one that is right for you and your event. For example, maybe don't hire a magician that performs the old school hanky and rope tricks for a University ball... chances are they will find it a very tough gig. For this kind of gig you need the street smart, contemporary style that will truly keep the guests on their toes. Similarly, if you are booking for a corporate event you will more than likely want the safer option so the guests are comfortable.
But, if it's your wedding you are thinking of hire a magician for you need to think about your guests and what would appeal to them? Are they of a certain age group that would suit the street-smart magician or are they more a relax and enjoy the old schooler? This is where you really will need to do your research and not just settle for the first magician that meets your budget. It may even be worth stretching the budget in all honesty just a little to get the right one. The right magician can add to your day like you would not believe and really get guests mingling, in the mood for partying into the night and having a laugh! It sounds cliche, but a magician that wows and amazes will keep your guests talking for ages!
So, I think a magician is a great idea and as long as they are coming over to me to show me something truly ace then I will never mind if they interrupt :)
Believe it or not, an advert for Doritos has massively increased the demand for Mariachi Bands to perform at weddings and parties in the Dorset area! It is probably a national occurrence, but as this blog features mainly on Dorset and the surrounding counties then this is where my focus will stay.
It seems that people from Poole and folks from Farnham just cannot get enough of these Mariachi performers. Just in case you have been living on Mars and haven't actually seen the band I am referring to, here's the video:
Familiar now? Ring a bell? Well, having done a bit of research on the advert and these guys I can point you in the direction if you want to book either this actual Mariachi band, or, another similar but maybe less costly one (not that these are actually that costly... but, after having a chat with them, availability is now their biggest problem).
As the link about shows, the guys are based in London / Middlesex (is that the same thing?!), but they travel really well and all over the UK... and, obviously, to Dorset :)
As I touched upon above, such is the bands popularity now that they have very little availability. but, this is great news for additional Mariachi Bands such as Mariachi Tequila who are now seeing their best year since they started! Good work Walkers!
Any excuse for another video here are the guys again with their Christmas special video....
A final pointer is that because the genre has become so popular in general, and especially when you add the fusion of Mexican / Spanish Mariachi with Western tunes, there are now comedy versions that have popped up in a similar style to the Surprise Singing Waiter style shows that were very popular a few years ago (bit, not so popular now as most people have seen them in action and so it isn't as much of a surprise as it used to be). But, comedy Mariachi bands, like these guy, can be great fun!
And, that's it! If you are looking for Mariachi band hire then all of the bands mentioned above are available at great rates, and, will all travel to Dorset :)
All things change – even traditions. The wedding stands on years, decades and even centuries of tradition, but it too is experiencing changes that are great fun and definitely exciting. An important part of the wedding is the after wedding party – the reception. Family and friends are there to have a good time, eat, drink, spend time with the newly married couple, and dance the night away. For many years the traditional wedding band (check out http://www.warble-entertainment.com/wedding-entertainment-ideas was the staple for wedding receptions. Mostly, the band consisted of a group of guys, some with more talent than others, and maybe the bride or groom had a friend in the band that wanted to play at the reception. Sometimes they were good, and sometimes they were not. A good band made the party a success and nearly everyone stayed until the last encore. DJs became popular with mobile, top quality sound equipment and they could bring songs from most any band right to the dance floor. Guests would even toss a napkin on the DJ’s stand with a favorite song request written on it and the DJ could easily comply. This took the wedding reception to a new level for dancing entertainment.
Fast forward to new ideas becoming a part of wedding receptions. These ideas may not trump the band or DJ and they are usually added to the music at the reception. Couples want the wedding to be all about them, but the reception has now made a turn to be more about the guests. A lively wedding reception party is hopping with activity and one trend is to have roving entertainment. A mind reader will be visiting the guests at their tables and entertain them by reading their thoughts. This can be real fun, but awkward if a guest has a crush or torrid love history with the bride or groom! A strolling magician does tricks for those eating dinner or setting at their tables while others dance.
Other guest oriented wedding entertainment that is becoming popular is photo booths. Guest hop inside a booth either alone, with a friend or even with the bride or groom. Many couples choose to write a message on a board to hold with them for well wishes to the couple. In the social media age, photos booths now can be connected to the internet and the photos will be instantly posted on Twitter or Facebook.
Kids are either bored or getting in the way on the dance floor at wedding receptions. Couples are finding that providing games or activities for large families with lots of children can be a good diversion, but also a something different for kids to do. The bouncing play areas, face painting or a clown can make the wedding reception a good time for kids.
Outside wedding receptions are enjoyable in seasonal times of the year. A fireworks show with themed colors or flowered sparkling rockets is another increasingly popular wedding reception form of entertainment. Guest at wedding receptions held indoors can also enjoy fireworks if there is enough window space or an outside area for guests to stand and watch.
With a band or DJ and a banquet hall full of guests dancing to loud music, many people only see each other on special events and would like to visit but the music is just unbearable for conversation. Reception halls now have specific areas for a lounge away from the party atmosphere with comfortable chairs, and even separate drinks and snacks for those guests wanting some quiet time to catch up with old friends and family.
In addition to these wedding entertainment possibilities and realities there is a growing list many others. Wedding receptions are truly becoming a party for the guests to enjoy on behalf of the bride and groom. Party on!
We
all know the bride will be beautiful, but a lot of thought and money
goes into making the wedding and reception stunning as well. If you have
planned a wedding you realize the seemingly endless possibilities for
decorations, and they can be as subtle and simple as you like or as
extravagant as your checkbook can stand.
The location where the
wedding ceremony will be held offers plenty of decorating opportunity.
Banners, flowers, or streamers can announcement the couple’s wedding day
on the outside of the church or other location. Decorations inside the
church will provide the setting for the ceremony. Flowers are the most
popular items used to decorate at weddings. Flowers are versatile enough
to be used on their own or combined with candles, balloons, or fabrics
and will bring an added touch of class. The altar where the couple
exchanges their vows is the focal point at the church. An archway can
stretch over the couple and have multitudes of blooming flowers or
foliage. Flowers in urns can grace each side of the altar, or items with
special meaning to the couple can also be on the stage. Antiques,
seasonal fruit, statues, or most anything that has meaning to the couple
can be used in decorating the altar or stage. Decorating inside is only
limited to the size and type of venue where the wedding is held.
The
reception is where decorations can go wild. Truly formal weddings will
have formal receptions. Classic table center pieces, linens, chair
coverings, tasteful streamers from chandeliers, a lettered table cloth
for the head table, possibly a fountain, and of course flowers to adorn
every available space. A more casual wedding reception may have colorful
balloons as table decorations, theme pieces at the tables such as
pumpkins, seashells, or even the logo of the couple’s favorite sports
team. The couple may choose to have their wedding cake as the main
attraction and downplay decorations to keep the reception simple. If the
wedding reception has a buffet meal, that table may have food
positioned as decorations, carved fruit and vegetables, and possibly an
ice sculpture. The bar can also have a theme or a large flowing punch
bowl for those wanting a little spike in their fruit juice. A melted
chocolate fountain with cherries or strawberry for dipping can be a
great visual experience as well as a delicious treat.
Lighting
certainly adds to the ambiance of any wedding reception. Soft colored
lights along the walls can complement the colors the bride has chosen
for her wedding ceremony. Laser light shows are an amazing way to
entertain guests and a clever lighting technician, vibrant light beams
will decorate the walls and ceilings with shapes and lettering.
Decorations at weddings are a reflection of each couple’s taste for celebrating their big day, and new ideas are coming forth beyond imagination.
Your wedding will most likely be the biggest social event of your life, and you want everything to go smoothly. Experts in weddings and event planning will all come together to assist the bride and groom with the arrangements. Choosing a beautiful dress, selecting a caterer to prepare the delicious food, and finding an exquisite location, all need to be done so you can enjoy the big day with family and friends. The reception is the time to celebrate - choosing the right entertainment agency can truly make your wedding reception a memorable celebration.
As with all other aspects of your wedding, you rely on experts. Then do the same when choosing an entertainment agency. They all do not provide the same services and of course, the fee they charge can vary considerably. Be sure the agency is a full service agency that actually has a staff and can offer you a wide range of bands and entertainment to choose from. There are agencies representing themselves as a full staff agency, but you will find out their “agency” is a one man show ran from a kitchen table. It takes a knowledgeable staff to provide all services an entertainment agency does to assure your wedding reception has talented entertainment. A full staff agency with years of experience will research all bands and entertainment they book to assure they are top notch. Their reputation is hard earned and they would not risk having a poor band ruin their credibility as an agent. An involved agent will help connect you with a band that fits your genre and taste, not try to make a band fit you. The agency will have vetted bands first, has a profile of them, testimonials of those that have had the band at their event, and usually audio and video samples of them. The agency should also be able to provide you a listing of gigs the band has played and where they will be playing in the future, should you want to listen to them in person.
Be wary if an entertainment agent says over-confidently, “You won’t even have to talk to the band”. He must not want to know what the band actually is. After you have chosen the band, a good agent will let you correspond with the band to coordinate special songs and sets. He will take care of necessary details such as being sure the venue will be ready, the electrical needs of the band are arranged, and the necessary insurance is in place for liability. The agent is there to support any issues you have. There are agents that will provide 24 hour support in case there is something out of the ordinary that happens.
A reputable entertainment agency represents talent that will showcase their booking services. The website or literature about their agency will show the quality of their agency and services, but be sure they can actually provide what they portray. A visit to their office in person, will give you a real feel regarding their reputation, their ability to serve you, and of course that you will be investing in someone that can make your wedding tremendous. The most expensive agent is not always the best either, so compare agencies in price, services and talent they offer. The band or entertainment at your wedding will the highlight while you celebrate – choose wisely so you’re not disappointed or frustrated. When seeking an entertainment agency, it is not just getting what you pay for. Shop wisely for an agent, and get more for what you pay.
Andy The Hampshire Guitarist has a Contemporary Setlist
It very much used to be the case that if you hired a guitarist for a wedding reception or a wedding ceremony you were almost certainly looking at them either being classical or Spanish in style. Don't get me wrong, every now and then you would almost certainly find an accomplished guitarist who was more than happy to perform The Beatles in their finger-picked style.
However, zooming forward to, erm, well... now, there are a lot more options with regards the type of guitarists available. Of course, there are still the much-loved and favoured classical chaps and chappesses who will play lots of Stanley Myers (the 'Gallery' theme from Take Hart, or, as it is genuinely known, Cavatina, the 'Theme from Deer Hunter'), Prelude number ?!, the Wedding March, etc... and lots of Spanish Rodriguez-type things. But, nowadays, there is a new breed of guitarist and I am happy to say they are not based too far away from Dorset! BINGO!
For example, check this for a set-list:
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Someone Like You – Adele
Thousand Miles – Christina Perri
Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
Fix You – Coldplay
Yellow - Coldplay
Red – Daniel Merriweather
Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
Fields Of Gold – Eva Cassidy
Wherever You Will Go – The Calling
Sunday Morning – Maroon 5
She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5
Home – Michael Buble
Use Somebody – Kings of Leon
Cannonball – Damian Rice
The Blowers Daughter – Damian Rice
I Wont Give Up – Jason Mraz
Love The Way You Lie – Rhianna
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams
Heaven – Bryan Adams
Everything I Do (I Do It For You) – Bryan Adams
Gravity – John Mayer
Put Your Records On – Corrine Bailey Rae
Only Exception – Paramore
More Than Words - Extreme
Man Who Can’t Be Moved – The Script
Rule The World – Take That
You Make It Real For Me - James Morrison
You Give Me Something – James Morrison
Run – Snow Patrol
Lego House – Ed Sheeran
True Colours – Eva Cassidy
Cavatina – John Williams
Quatro Valses Venezolanos (No. 1) Asturias – John Williams
If you have a look at the link above you will find a good few options for guitarists who have performed at venues in Dorset, such as: Sandbanks Hotel (Poole), Sherborne Castle, Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Crown Hotel (Blandford) and many more...
Have a listen to their audio clips as well because some of them are mesmerizing!
Something a little different for wedding entertainment or for a corporate event that I recently stumbled upon is the 'Photon Glow Show'. These guys are available to hire at www.warble-entertainment.com exclusively and the prices start at nearly £1000. Now, that may sound expensive, but the great thing about this entertainment is that it can provide a fantastic WOW factor for a wedding and can even include logos for corporate events, which is a unique way of getting your brand across to customers or potential clients.
Also, where the Photon Glow Show comes into it's own is that unlike fire performers where performing indoors can often be problematic, it is easy for these entertainers.
But, what is the Photon Glow Show? Well, here's a little video to give you an idea:
Basically, it is 2 performers wearing custom-made Glow
suits, which are programmed to 0.01 of a second, that allows them to react to the
glow performer and music to create a stunning visual feast.
Having looked into the act a little more I can see that it appears their fee is pretty much set as standard and wherever they perform in the UK it remains the same. In the Dorset area the quote is around £980. Apart from the price, here's a few other questions answered for you as well....
Q. How long does the performance last?
A. The show is up to 10 minutes in length.
Q. So, you can use my company logo in the performance?
A. Providing the booking is made in good time the Photon Glow Show guys are able to air-write it in the air with
lasers and also develop laser animations.
Q. Can you perform at weddings and parties as well?
A. Yes! Just let the guys know a few details and they'll be happy to make some laser animations to suit.
Q. So, what are the logisitcs? I.e. what do I need?
A. Basically, a dark (the darker the better) room and standard plug sockets. And, that's it!
The Photon Glow Show is a unique entertainment idea for pretty much any kind of event (although, it may be a bit lively for a funeral?!) and will add something different that probably nearly all of your guests would not even know existed.
I was at a party a couple of years ago and saw a bit of a crowd gathering in the corner of the room. The crowd stayed all night and only seemed to get bigger.... and bigger.... and bigger... So, I decided to mozy my way over to see what all the fuss was about. When I got there I could see a caricaturist busy drawing away on his easel while guests watched and queued waiting for their turn.
Now, I've seen caricaturists when I have been abroad in tourist hot spots and whilst they seem steady as far as work goes they never seem to be inundated. But, stick a caricaturist at an event or party and it seems that the guests go 'mad for it' (to coin a good old Northern phrase)!
The caricaturist who was working away that night was a young man called David who I discovered is based in Sussex. But, he told me he travels throughout the whole of the UK pretty much and does some pretty cool corporate events as well for folks like IKEA, Goodwood, Samsung etc... he did say that he is popular in Dorset and works a lot in Blandford Forum, Dorchester, Poole, Bournemouth, Weymouth, Wimbourne, Lulworth and other places too...
I managed to track down some web info on David and you can check some examples of David the Caricaturists work here. I even managed to get some video footage of David in action:
After chatting to David it seems that caricaturists are extremely popular for weddings and they work really well during receptions (afternoon or evening) and work as a great way to break the ice for guests. It provides a talking point apparently to entice guests who have never met before to interact and start chatting.
After I went over and witnessed David in action it has to be said that it is quite a hypnotic process to see. To watch a blank sheet of A3 be turned into a piece of art in front of your eyes... and in a very short time! That's one thing to remember... these caricaturists are expected to hit the mark in a very short amount of time per person because although they don't get paid per sketch/drawing/caricature, they are put under a lot of scrutiny from bookers who want to ensure they are getting their money's worth.
But, yep... in short, a great idea and addition to any kind of party or event. There are lots of artists out there so it is worth looking to see what sort of style you like, becuase, some caricaturists can be a little 'sharper tongued' with a pencil than others.. if you get my drift ;) IE. they can make you look particularly grim! Not that this is a problem for everybody though and apparently some bookers like to have the worst brought out in their guests as it makes for great fun. I suppose this is where an experienced caricaturist will come into play as they will perhaps be able to gauge who is and isn't 'up for it' so to speak.
Anyway, for caricaturists in Dorset, get yourself on Google and see who you can find, what styles you like and what the prices are (as these can very quite a lot as well).
Does anybody remember the phenomena that was karaoke? I know a lot of people still enjoy it but it does seem a little yesteryear these days. But, what if you had the chance to do karaoke with a live backing band? Oh, to feel the power of the bass and the kick of drums whilst wrapping yourself over the guitarist in a Jagger and Richards style pose... Oh, that's just me... OK.
Well, another idea that I love and have tasted first hand is this new breed of karaoke... bandeoke!
There are a good few bandeoke bands out there these days so you shouldn't have any difficulty in finding one but, the things to look out for are how each one handled the singer. It's all very well saying that they have top of the range equipment and lighting to make you feel like the real deal. But, if you are singing from a folder on a music stand then it all looks a little bit naff and takes away the 'performing with a live band' vibe that you should be giving off.
These days as well with technology as it is there is no reason that triggers and stuff like that (technical hey?!) can't be used to scroll the words in a similar fashion to good olden times karaoke. iPads and things like that are bound to have some kind of useful app for lyrics and the like so it shouldn't take too much by way of imagination for a bandeoke band to sort it out and lose the flip chart.
The other thing to look out for is what I like to call the 'genuine rockstar experience' - see what exactly the band can provide to allow your guests get taken up in the moment. Great lights? Smoke Machine? Anything that might add to the atmos and make you really give it your all will surely help.
My little experience of bandeoke was performing with this great band one night in Poole, Dorset. It was a fancy dress party and so I was already slightly hidden in my costume and had a lot of Dutch courage as well. But, after deciding to sing Back in the USSR by The Beatles I took to the stage and the band began to play... they were awesome, the lighting was awesome, the sound was awesome, the crowd were awesome... I was just a bit rubbish. But, I had a total blast! And, after doing it once, believe me you will find it hard to keep guests off the stage... Once bitten and all that...
So, for another slightly off the wall idea of entertainment you can book in the Dorset area I would recommend checking out a bandeoke band becuase you really will have a great night with some amazing memories and brilliant photos.
By the way, check here to see the bandeoke band that I sang with... who, incidentally used iPads for the words and so made my job as the kick ass lead singer in a rock and roll band very easy :)
Next up is something a little bit different. And, there are a lot of event organisers looking to hire something different for their wedding or event, so hopefully this will help.
Whilst many folk are happy to go with fireworks as a grand finale to their big day or event some more forward thinking lovelies are now starting to opt for fire performers.
Having seen quite a few of these I would say that the best group I have come across is an act called Juggling Inferno. What Juggling Inferno offer is a choreographed, group or solo fire show that may include fire juggling, fire eating, fire breathing, staff juggling and more! But, the main difference to fireworks (well, apart from the fact the performer isn't shot 100 feet into the air!) is that the show is interactive. It is high
energy entertainment provided by a professional fire performer who will joke and involve your guests.
The fire shows also come with the fantastic option
of a pyrotechnic finale, which having seen myself I can say is totally worth booking.
So, hopefully that will give you a little food for thought when you reach out for the Yellow Pages looking to see who can provide fireworks for you... in fact, as far as health and safety issues are concerned as well, a Juggling Inferno fire performer is much easier to hire. They have all the relevant risk assessments and health and safety paperwork you will need and can advise you exactly what you will need to check with your venue. Sorry, suddenly jumped to that because I remember a friend who once hired a firework finale and it was a bit of a pain because they needed ordnance survey maps and aerial pictures of the venue etc.
Anyway, I digress... for something fun, different and an unusual entertainment idea, check out Juggling Inferno.
Right, as promised... here we go! First on the list of great Dorset wedding bands is The Magic Tones
Although based in Hampshire, for these guys that is a stones throw away in distance to Dorset and as hardened, professional musicians traveling is no issue anyway. The band offer a couple of different line-ups to include either male vocals, female vocals or both and are a perfect option for weddings, parties or corporate events down on the south coast.
From the research I have done I can see that the band are available starting at around the £1050 mark, which is a very good price for such a well-respected and top sounding band. But, you may need to add travel onto this because as I say the guys are based in Hampshire.
The full line-up of the band is:
Drums
Bass / Backing Vocals
Guitar
Keys / Backing Vocals
Lead Female and / or Male Vocals
And, the repertoire includes everything from Bruno Mars and The Kaiser Chiefs to Jackie Wilson and ABBA... so, pretty varied as well. In addition, the band has some excellent feedback from previous customers, which is always a good sign.
Hello! I have decided to start this blog to wedding bands and wedding entertainment in Dorset for one reason... I can't see that much going on there! But, I know there is because Dorset has some amazing wedding venues and I have worked in a lot of them with some fantastic bands, musicians and entertainers.
So, let's see where this goes....
I'm going to be investigating and finding out just what is available in this lovely area of the UK and will be posting reviews, videos, audio etc. for everyone to have a nosey at.
Personally, I like the slightly quirky and different so there will also be some unique wedding entertainment ideas as well. Of course, I will also be showing straight ahead, proven track record entertainment as well... so, fear not! There will be something for all.
Anyway, grab a brew, crack open the Jaffa Cakes and sit back because I am about to begin...
