Your Sussex Wedding - October/November 2019 (Issue 81)

W hen you’re slicing up your wedding budget, entertainment is definitely something that’s going to need a decent share of the pie. It’s been said by many a bride and groom that, for them, their big day passed by in a flash. It’s a complete whirlwind as you’re whisked from the preparations to the ceremony to the confetti to the couple shots to the drinks reception, to… well, you get the picture. The experience of your guests, however, is somewhat different. While your loved ones are undoubtedly delighted to be with you to show their love and support, a wedding can be a long, drawn-out and frankly tiring day if you’re not the ones caught up in the blur of romance and confetti. We’ve all been on the guest side of proceedings enough times to remember that slightly awkward feeling of not knowing the people you’re sipping champagne with or the unfamiliar face sitting opposite you at the dinner table. But nothing brings people together more than laughter and shared experiences. Imagine the fantastic images your photographer will capture as guests’ faces light up in amazement at a magic trick or claps of delight erupt as they hear their request played by the band. Your wedding day will be an event to be remembered forever, and you’ll have photos that exude happiness – and that’s not even counting the hilarity snapped in the photo booth. These experiences are worth their weight in gold. Read on as we explore ideas, from the traditional to the more off-the-wall, allowing you to express your personalities and keep guests enthralled all day long. Meet Sussex’s wedding entertainers to find out how to keep a smile fixed on guests’ faces from noon ’til night ON WITH THE SHOW CEREMONY Consider your musical choices for your entrance, walking up the aisle and signing the register… ❤ Harpist We suggest: harpmusic.co.uk ❤ String quartet We suggest: sussexstringquartet.com ❤ Dove release We suggest: sussexdoverelease.co.uk ❤ Solo vocalist and guitarist We suggest: tombutterworth.com MEET TOM BUTTERWORTH What’s your style? Instrumental acoustic guitar and vocal. To what part of the day would your act be best suited? The ceremony and drinks reception. Tell us about your favourite gig… A few years ago, I played at the wedding of a deaf couple in Petersfield. Both bride and groom used sign language throughout the ceremony. However, the bride was determined to use her voice as well as sign her specially written vows to her new husband. She was utterly beautiful, emotional and resolute. Although she found it difficult, she spoke each word out loud with such feeling that it was a spellbinding and very moving experience. Find out more about Tom at tombutterworth.com , @tombutterworthmusic or @butterworth.tom MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT 75