PLANNING SOS 43 Planned to perfection How to organise your dream wedding DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY Nick Merchant from Merchant Music (www.merchantmusic.co.uk) reveals how to choose your dream wedding entertainment. Consider your audience: Choose entertainment that appeals to a wide range of guests and can adapt to their energy, ensuring a packed dancefloor and a memorable experience. Focus on budget: Quality over quantity every time when it comes to entertainment. If you’re on a budget, opt for a skilled DJ over a lesser experienced band as an example. Do your research and seek advice from agencies if you’re unsure. Get organised: Entertainers can get booked up years in advance, so plan ahead. Identify your ideal entertainment, set clear objectives about what you want, and contact your shortlisted suppliers early. The flow of the day: Mix up the pacing to keep your guests engaged. Consider a string quartet during the drinks reception for a touch of elegance, followed by a lively band or DJ to get the party going at the evening celebration. When booking a band: Bands typically play for 90-120 minutes during a six-hour reception. To maintain energy, pair the band with a DJ who can keep the vibe going and interact with your guests. Timing is everything: Work with your suppliers to create a smooth timeline. For example, don’t start the first dance too early in the evening reception and coincide the end of the band’s first set with the evening food. Doing so makes more sense for the audience and allows a natural flow to the proceedings. Make it personal: Add a personal touch by curating a playlist for the wedding breakfast or asking guests to submit requests with their RSVPs. Your venue and sound limiters: Check your venue’s noise restrictions, especially if they have a sound limiter and ensure your entertainment can work with these limitations. Stay flexible and relax: While planning is key, leave space for spontaneity. Some of the best moments come from unplanned fun, like a surprise dance-off or a performance from a guest. Planning your perfect wedding can be stressful, so to help you create the day of your dreams, we’ve rounded up local companies and asked for their top tips...
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