It’s your big day, where do you start?
From choosing the date, venue, photographer, dress and the huge list of other important things which go into making your day the most special, unforgettable and memorable day EVER! You may decide to look at Wedding Entertainment and with that comes Music!!
As music lovers at Jack Entertainment we want to inspire you with ideas for your Wedding! Depending on the level on planning and involvement from us, we can meet with you in person or skype to talk through ideas and find out a bit more about your Wedding theme. Which genres of music you like. Is the Wedding indoors or outdoors? Starting to put together all these pieces in the Wedding puzzle will help us to advise you with which acts and bands to choose from.
For those that are looking for a complete end-to-end service, we can provide this at Jack Entertainment upon request. From your initial enquiry with us, through to us booking the musicians on your behalf, we can meet with you or your wedding planner at the venue in advance to discuss your plan, go over logistics and then if you wish, on the big day we can be on site co-ordinating the music throughout your day, we can do it all! It is very important to us that you get to enjoy your day. We are there to make things easier for you at the start with decision making, through to the evening party where all your guests dancing the night away.
We offer a bespoke service also. If there is something particular you have in mind, and you can’t see the exact type of musician or act on our website, we will do our very best to source what you are looking for, however unusual or quirky it may be. Working as musicians ourselves in this industry we know a lot of musicians and can therefore find high quality acts to present to you, and if it doesn’t exist yet, we can create it!
By choosing us as your musical event co-ordinators we have some of the finest acts and musicians who will entertain your guests. They have a brilliant reputation and we love working with them. You no longer need to trawl through the internet looking at lists and lists of bands or string ensembles. At Jack Entertainment we have already done a lot of the decision making for you by hand-picking the ‘cream of the crop’.
Still not convinced? As we say, we are very hands on and if you can’t see something you like we will do our very best to provide you with the live music act you are looking for.
We’ve laid out some examples of the types of acts you might like to book, for different parts of the day. There are usually 4 different time events that make up the Wedding day. Beginning with the Wedding Ceremony, secondly the Drinks Reception which is closely followed by the Wedding Breakfast and lastly the Evening Reception where you finally get to let your hair down!
For the bespoke end-to-end service Jack Entertainment can arrive on site from midday setting up the music and stage with the artists.
Wedding Ceremony, between 12 – 2pm
Some clients have more traditional choices and may opt for a classical string quartet or a harpist. Both are beautiful and really set the scene. They will perform songs whilst your guests are seated. A song to accompany you down the aisle, the signing of the register and one piece as you walk back up the aisle as a married couple.
You may want to move away from tradition and need inspiration for something completely unique and different. If it’s a non-church Wedding and you are marrying outdoors, a solo guitarist or small gospel choir might be the perfect choice.
Two friends of ours who our both musicians walked up the aisle together holding hands whilst singing the classic love song – Endless Love. Yes, I was in tears, it was beautiful! I’ve never seen anything like this before. It was something so unique and personal to them.
Drinks Reception, between 2 – 4pm
It’s time to Celebrate! You are having you photos taken, your guests are sipping champagne and mingling. Some are walking around the beautiful grounds you have chosen of your venue. The reception can last for 2hrs so it quite nice to have some interactive entertainment during this time.
A ‘wandering band’ with musicians who mingle and mix music with comedy. If you are indoors or outdoors these kinds of acts are perfect, light hearted and can be one of the most memorable parts of your day.
An acoustic band is often a good option also, whether it’s an acoustic pop band or a gypsy jazz band. No wires allows them to set up anywhere, meaning they can be in the lobby, the garden, by the fountain, in the marquee, by the hay-bales, anything goes!
Wedding Breakfast, from 4 – 6:30pm
By this stage your guests are hungry. Whether you are going for a formal sit down meal or BBQ its great to have some background music.
By this stage your evening band may have already set up and sound checked if you don’t want any disturbances during your meal – It’s a great one to think about. By having the band setup early, you can make use of the PA for background music via the ipod and use their wireless mics for during your speeches.
Some bands offer an acoustic lineup or jazz set during dinner before the main event in the evening, it’s worth asking us or the band you choose to book. A lot of our bands are very versatile in their lineup options and styles.
Maybe you would like a complete contrast to the evening reception. With string quartets, vintage bands, wandering acts and Unique Gyspy Jazz Bands, you’ll be sure to find perfect entertainment for the mid-afternoon celebrations.
At our Wedding in 2011, Russell surprised me with an impromptu piano performance, a piece by Helen Jane Long accompanied by with Korda String Quartet. It was amazing, I couldn’t believe he had this up his sleeve and I knew nothing about it. Russell’s first instrument is not the piano, which is why it was even more amazing as he learnt to perform the piece from scratch within 6 months.
During the time where your guests have finished their meals, you’ve had your speeches, perhaps now they are taking the time to write in your Wedding Guest Book, have some photos taken or enjoy some other forms of entertainment outside of the main room. We work closely with some hand-picked close-up magicians, caricature artists and children’s entertainers.
Evening Entertainment, between 7:30 – midnight
As your evening guests start to arrive, our bands will provide background music right up until your 1st dance (if you’re choosing to do one, not everyone does).
Now might be a good time to cut the cake. All guests gather round the dance floor with the cake in the centre. Champagne glasses are raised, with a lot of cheer the band begin playing your first dance. It’s worth noting many bands will learn and arrange your special first dance or song just for the two of you.
If you haven’t choreographed your first dance and you’re feeling a bit conscious, you might like to invite your family and friends onto the dancefloor as the band end your song and storm into a fun filled 1st set.
During one evening reception the mother of the groom took to the stage to play the saxophone alongside our band. Her family many years ago suggested she should learn. So she took to the task and spent 2 years mastering to playing 3 pieces so she could perform for her son on his Wedding day. It was a real highlight! Perhaps one of your family members could perform alongside our musicians. We are happy to find these details out, just ask. We are also very well connected in the music teaching profession..
For the rest of the evening you can enjoy the band mixed in with either pre-arranged i-pod playlists made by the band or a professional DJ who will work alongside the band.
With a vast range of DJ’s, we offer something to suit varied tastes from 60’s to current hits, Specialist Funk DJ’s, Soul/House DJ’s, Reggae and Club DJ’s.
As the clocks strike 12, what better way to end the night with the band playing your favourite song or a classic such as ‘You got the love’ or ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ as everyone raises their hands in unity on the dancefloor!
As you set off into the night, your guests could be treated to a fireworks display or mini sparklers as you leave in style in your Wedding car.
The end of the night
The band packs down and we reflect on what has been a magical and amazing day for all. Our work at Jack Entertainment is complete. We will look forward to catching up with you over the coming weeks to hear your thoughts on the all the musicians and hopefully some nice words from your guests too.
