Your wedding, your choice...
Friday, 29 January 2010
I've just finished a project that proves that when it comes to your wedding, you can have anything you want. Don't be put off by a parents' disapproval if you want to eschew the traditional fruit cake. Ignore your chief bridesmaid's sneering views on the colour scheme. And don't let a hotel wedding planner persuade you to cut your guest list so you can fit into their venue. One guy tried this with us, needless to say we nodded politely and chose to celebrate elsewhere.
Finally, when it comes to your first dance, you should do exactly what you want. I've just finished editing a seven minute megamix for a couple featuring sixteen songs! They didn't choose an old smoochy number to please their gran or something 'cool' to impress their friends They plan to take their guests on an epic musical odyssey featuring Shania Twain, Elvis and The Birdie Song. The music they want to hear.
It might not be to your taste. You might shudder at the thought of The Macarena being played on your big day. But you know what? Who cares? This is not your big day, it's theirs. I can't mention the happy couple's names as the whole thing is top secret. This should make it all the more fun for the guests who are sure to be clapping and singing along.
The first dance is always a focal point at any wedding reception and ideally the time when the party can really begin. When we sing live, we usually fill the dancefloor by performing our party set straight after the first dance. This sets the evening in full swing as the guests party until the early hours.
We often perform the first dance live, a great way of making a special moment even more memorable. If that's what you fancy, then great - get in touch and we'll start learning the song you want to dance to. But if you have an idea, no matter how crazy, then let your entertainer know. I'm sure they'll be happy to help you create your perfect first dance whether it's through music choice, first dance choreography or even a few confetti cannons.
Whatever you choose, enjoy it. You only get one first dance.
Labels: Elvis Presley, first dance, first dance choreography, Get Wed, Shania Twain, The Birdie Song, wedding entertainment, Wedding Singers, your wedding
posted by James McCann @ 01:39,
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Talking the talk...
Saturday, 1 August 2009
I got asked a strange question whilst DJing last night: "Do you talk?"
At first, I wondered exactly what he meant. I'd announced that the buffet was open and introduced a karaoke singer. It was obvious that I had a tongue in my head. After a brief discussion, it turned out that he wanted me to get on the mic and encourage people to dance. I pointed out that the floor was already full and talking over the music would just interrupt the flow. He simply shrugged and walked away.
Although he'd consumed his (and Amy Winehouse's) share of alcohol, his words got me thinking, should I be more vocal during a disco gig? I've heard other wedding DJs committing the cardinal sin of introducing each song as if working on a commercial radio station. That's definitely overkill, as if you're picking the right songs, the music should speak for itself. Unless it's a request for a specific person (a 'shout out' if you will) then keep schtum.
I'm totally at home with a microphone. As a former cruise ship compere, I've been trained to engage audiences and keep them interested. I host quizzes at weddings, introduce couples, organise dance-offs (Run DMC vs Jason Nevins is very popular!) and generally keep things ticking over. I regularly host the Galpharm Stadium's wedding fayre fashion show and of course, introduce songs during our live singing sets. But here's my point for today (and you knew there was one was coming!)
When it comes to DJ chatter, less is more
During the evening, numbers on the dancefloor naturally ebb and flow. Dancing is hard work and everyone needs a drink (or a sit, or a even a smoke) to allow them to keep going. Every DJ hates an empty floor but it's important not to panic and start cajoling people to get up. You can't enjoy a wedding when you're being hassled with someone with a mic.
On the other hand, I'm often booked for gigs where they want a 'personality' to get people moving. These are corporate gigs more often than weddings as the 'colleagues night out' mentality usually leads to a more raucus affair.
These nights are great as we can bring different departments together with quizzes, games and themed activities. But they're totally different to weddings.
So should I talk more at weddings that are already running smoothly? After much soul searching, I've decided...(drum roll)...no. Anti-climax, eh?
What I will do is speak the the bride and groom beforhand and ask exactly what they want. Some already know. Last month, I had an email asking me to announce the buffet, last orders and nothing else. It was a brilliant party and people danced all night without me telling them they had to. Perfect!
But all couples are different and have an idea of a perfect reception in their heads. We just have to ask the right questions at their consultation and ensure we get it right!
Labels: commercial radio, corporate disco, DJ chatter, song requests, theme night, wedding consultation, wedding dj, wedding entertainment, wedding reception
posted by James McCann @ 20:09,
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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!
Labels: live wedding entertainment, wedding band, wedding disco, wedding entertainment, wedding season
posted by James McCann @ 15:34,
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