Getting Wed? Think space!
Thursday, 30 July 2009

Believe it or not, the British summer is here! Even if the weather hasn't given you any clues, you will have noticed the abundance of wedding cars pootling around on Friday and Satuday afternoons. Ribbon sales have gone through the roof and at Get Wed, we are spending every weekend entertaining audiences across the North of England. And the Midlands. And down South. Actually, we're pretty much everywhere really!

For those of you who may be planning a wedding, I thought I'd pass on something that struck me at a couple of recent wedding receptions. So please keep reading, as I do have an important point (promise!)

We're often asked to provide the whole evening of reception entertainment, including live music and disco, but occasionally we are booked to work with a band. This has happened several times over the last few weeks and one thing has become abundantly clear:

BANDS NEED SPACE

It may sound obvious, but even after ten years in the entertainment industry, I was shocked at just how much cabling and equipment a five piece outfit required. I had a prime view as the only place for my DJ table was wedged in behind the keyboard player. From there, my view of the audience was obsucred by a skyline of mic stands, monitors, amps, speakers, bass bins, instruments and music stands with lyrics on. By the way, if you sing for a living, I strongly believe you should know your lyrics without needing them written down (best not get me started on this, we'll save that discussion for another day!)

Surprisingly, power sockets weren't a problem. I ran my sound equipment and lightshow from just one, and they happily powered their gear with the other seven (though I suspect one was being used to charge a mobile phone!)

We weren't working in a particularly large room and several tables had to be shifted to give the guys enough space. By the time they were set, they took up exactly half the room! Subsequently, dancing space was limited and numerous people went without chairs. Luckily there was a side room available for those without a seat but it did mean splitting guests up on a day that's supposed to bring people together.

Live entertainment is a brilliant way to ensure you and your guests have a fantastic time. The right performers can interact with the audience, fill the dancefloor and really make your wedding reception swing. They can play your favourite songs and charm your mother-in-law with a couple of oldies. There are other things to consider though. Boring and mundane things perhaps, but it's still vitally important that you get answers to these questions:

Will they physically fit into the venue, leaving room to dance and socialise?
How many power sockets do they require?
Will they be set and sound-checked before your guests are due to arrive?
HOW LOUD WILL THEY BE?

To find out all these answers, you should insist on meeting them in your reception space, ideally with a representative from the venue. Only then can you establish exactly what you want and ascertain whether they can provide it. Prepare a list of questions beforehand and probe until you're happy with all the answers.

You shouldn't have to compromise on your wedding day, especially when it comes to entertainment. The number of performers and acts out there means that you'll eventually find someone to provide your perfect entertainment in the space you have available. Just don't leave it too late, we're already taking bookings into 2011!

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posted by James McCann @ 15:34, ,