If you have been put in charge of looking after the music and entertainment for your next event, here is a definitive guide from entertainment industry guru, Daniel Morris of the Morris Agency.
Money Saving tips for your music event by The Morris Agency
If you are feeling the pinch and the credit crunch has bitten into your Entertainment or Music budget, don’t panic! here are some cost saving options from The Morris Agency that look and sound great and doesnt take you over that budget.
Less can be more
Many of our clients find that a combination of solo or duo musicians and a DJ and if budget will allow can go a lot further than just a main band in the evening.
Look at themed musicans such as a Mexican or other Latin bands:
These artists give a big sound for less than you think (and you can go from solo, duo, trio and up)
They can play from 45 mins and more which can also help with costings
Live Music Early:
If you book the bands earlier in the day then you can usually get a better deal as they can go and perform at another location in the evening still and this can really help to slash the fee.
Barter:
We don’t always ask for money off and these things are not always set in stone, if you don’t ask, you don’t get! failing that, speak to us and we will do it for you!
Are a perfect new option for anyone who is restricted on budget, space and sound volume. Performing large repertoires, dynamic and roaming, they are brilliant when you want an unusual band to entertain your guests.
So, you are getting married and the one thing your loving bride to be has asked you to do is to book the entertainment for the big day.
You proposed a year ago so there is plenty of time right?
The bells of Big Ben sound on New Years Eve and as well as the post NYE celebration hang over you are suddenly brought to a sobering though…..
“I get married this year and I haven’t even started looking for a band” It’s a pretty familiar situation we hear this time of the year.
Why should I worry?
It’s not great news on that front guys I am afraid. If, like me, you leave everything to the last minute, you might find that the short listed bands you looked at with your partner last year are long gone. Especially if your date is in the wedding season ( now running from May to September ) you might have a problem.
Why shouldn’t I worry?
Well, that’s what we are here for. We can assist you in getting to the acts that you need, at the price you want (hopefully under budget if we can!)
We have access to loads of artists for you top listen to and if you can’t find what you are looking for then you can always call us and we can go on a search.
Why go with you?
Good question. Like all things, the DIY approach is always cheaper. We often lead a busy life and the research, emails, the replies from bands telling you they are ‘not available’ can take a lot of time.
Look at us as your band concierge. We will go to the bands style of choice, get the fees and availability and deliver it all to you in one email with links to the bands. You make your choice
Bingo, happy other half!
or email us info@themorrisagency.co.uk and we can do the rest.
If you are having a party or having your wedding reception with a live band, you may find that the venue you visit mentions a sound limiter to you. They may not, and this is always a good question to ask them. The thing is that, most venues are reluctant to tell you as they either don’t know much about it or feel that you might not book with them as a result. as you can see below:
What is a Sound limiter?
Its a device that is set at circa 95 db and limits the sound that is used to restrict noise pollution. See https://aquietrefuge.com/decibel-noise-level-chart/ where regulatory noise limits are specified. Normally positioned on a wall, it cuts out the power to the unit that the band would plug their equipment into.( looking a bit like this: http://www.sound-light-company.co.uk/soundlimiters.php )
What are the issues?
Besides the potential cutting of power resulting in possible equipment damage, the main area for concern for you is this; if you can picture the scene:
The band are in the middle of a song and the power cuts out, the band lights and equipment goes off and you then have to wait for it to reset and then they can restart. Pretty disruptive for you and annoying when it happens more than once.
The other side effect to sound limiters on a performance is that the band might be conscious of keeping the sound down that they are not giving it their all and also have to keep an eye on the limiter.
Can you get around it?
As it is the local council enforcing the installation it is not even possible to bypass by going through another power source. It would be helpful to find out where the band are likely to be positioned in relation to the limiter as this can make a difference.
Below is a guide to db ratings that might put it into perspective:
Near total silence – 0 dBA whisper – 15 dB
Normal conversation – 60 dB
A lawnmower – 90 dB
A car horn – 110 dB
A rock concert or a jet engine – 120 dB
A gunshot or firecracker – 140 dB
Other options for bands that have no issues with sound limiters can be found here
When you are looking at hiring a band for your wedding you might be thinking that maybe don’t need to stretch the budget that much really. I mean, is it that important?
Well the answer to that is yes it is pretty important.
If you have ever been to a wedding before then do you honestly remember the wedding cake or the favours or the flowers? I imagine, not really.
The amount of times I do hear from people that they remember the music if it was good or bad!
I make a lot of bookings for the same bands due to seeing them at a wedding.
I would put it to you all that it is something that fills up such a large percentage of the day and evening, it is something that your evening guests experience as well as the day ones. On average this is from 3 to 4 hours and is what the day ends on.
So with the average cost of a wedding cake being £500 or more maybe there should be more consideration to a lasting memory and the cost of that?
Here is an introduction into how to choose your live wedding band first dance…..
Is your favourite here? The final Top 10 went like this:
Aerosmith – Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing
Bryan Adams – Everything I Do (I Do It For You)
Lonestar – Amazed
Shania Twain – You’re Still The One
Shania Twain – From This Moment
Van Morrison – Have I Told You Lately
James Blunt – You’re Beautiful
Savage Garden – Truly Madly Deeply
Robbie Williams – Angels
Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
Is old-fashioned best when it comes to your first dance song? Only three of the top 10 wedding songs date from the past few years: James Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful’, Robbie’s ‘Angels’ and Savage Garden’s ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’.
Unusual Choices
Looking for something a little less predictable? Our complete Popular Wedding Songs list contains a wide range of songs with something to suit every taste. Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Elton John bring classic romance to the list, with tunes that were simply made to be popular wedding songs .
But there are also plenty of unusual choices for your first dance song. Cool couples are choosing Snow Patrol (Chasing Cars), Jack Johnson (Better Together), or David Gray (Sail Away). And there’s the mother’s choice – Ronan Keating, Westlife or Robbie have plenty of tracks simply made to be first dance songs.
Father / Daughter Wedding Songs
Traditionally, the bride and groom will be alone on the dancefloor for the first dance song. Sometimes the bride’s father will cut in and dance with the bride halfway through, but sometimes the second dance is reserved for the bride and her father. Brides who have more than one father figure may wish to dance with both during the song. If the father of the bride wants to choose a song, you might want to direct him to this page!
Bette Midler – Wind Beneath My Wings
Bob Carlisle – Butterfly Kisses
Charlie Rich – The Most Beautiful Girl
Luther Vandross – Dance With My Father
Nat ‘King’ Cole – Unforgettable
Paul Simon – Father and Daughter
Temptations – My Girl
Mother / Son Wedding Songs
Shortly after the bride and her father take to the floor, they are traditionally followed by the groom and his mother. Finally, the newlyweds dance with their in-laws, and bridesmaids and ushers join the dancing.
Boyz II Men – A Song For Mama
Boyzone – No Matter What
Commodores – Three Times a Lady
Deniece Williams – Let’s Hear It For The Boy
Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
Queen – You’re My Best Friend
Robbie Williams – She’s The One
First Dance Tips
The very thought of their fiancé throwing his best moves on the dancefloor is enough to give most brides palpitations. If you or your beloved spouse are lacking in the disco department, it may be a good idea to take a couple of dance lessons. Many dance tutors and schools offer short wedding dance courses to couples who want to pick up some moves – fast…
Visit UK-Jive to find your nearest modern jive / LeRoc / Ceroc class.
Alternatively, how about live dance lessons – at the wedding? “We hired a big band and a swing-style singer for our wedding reception,” explains Anna Hollisey, who married last year in South Wales. “We wanted to get everyone dancing but we didn’t want to embarrass ourselves! So we hired two dance tutors to come and provide an hour’s dance lesson at the start of the evening. I think we were the slowest to learn, but it had everyone crying with laughter!”
POPULAR BAND STYLES AND GENRES FOR WEDDINGS AND EVENTS 2018
With the Wedding season fast upon us we are noticing some very exciting band hire trends again and for those of you who are into what is top and what is not we have a breakdown of who and what is popular for 2017 and 2018 ( as we are already booking for then! )
1: FESTIVAL FOLK STYLE BANDS 2018
These acts are really popular this year with that boho wedding or tipi style event looking for that festival feel. We have stacked out our site with some of the best and are pretty booked up for 2018 already. Hey Ho! VISIT VINTAGE FESTIVAL FOLK BANDS
2: 20s SWING BANDS 2018
Still going strong in 2017 are the ever popular sounds of the Gatsby style roaring 20s Jazz bands. Many themed corporate launches and weddings are right on trend with this style and we don’t see much changing into 2016. Wot wot! VISIT MORE 20S SWING BANDS
Mariachi UK
3: MARIACHI BANDS 2018
With Doritos still being responsible for the surge in Mariachi bookings we still get numerous requests and bookings for Mariachi all year round. Great for corporate events and also weddings as its such a festival, celebratory feel and we are pleased to have all the top players in the UK. Areeba!!!
4: BEATBOXERS 2018
Something a little more of a curve ball this year is the rise of Beatbox bands. So much is the demand for beatboxers that we have teamed up with a dedicated beatboxing agency to provide the artists for corporates, weddings and also we have had some nice T.V work too. ‘Boots and Cats’ or something! * HAVE A LISTEN
This concludes our current run down on the most popular music styles of 2017/18 so far, but if anything changes I will be sure to update you.
*Boots and Cats is what you say to learn your first beat boxing beat.. try it, I dare you!
Looking for that authentic Downton Abbey style themed band?
A perfect addition to your vintage wedding or 20s tribute party .
We have been supplying many corporate themed events and weddings all around the country with our 20s and 30s style acts.
The sophistication of this era lends itself to be a perfect match for a grand wedding or party, coupled with the specialist 20s 30s and 40s acts we have make it an unforgettable event.
1920s duos London and South
We can provide duos if you have limited space or budgets
1920s Trios and Quartets London and South
A roaring 4 piece jazz band is perfect for that middle sized event and for 2 hours of music with clarinet and maybe double bass and drums thrown in it will be a fabulous sound.
1920s 7 piece bands London and South
If you really want to swing, we have a big treat for you. A 7 piece act called KD Jazz are perfect for you if you are in London, Hampshire, Surrey or anywhere in South East. With wailing sax, trumpets and trombone, coupled with smooth keys, Bass and a swinging drum kit, it makes an amazing show to be remembered! The vocalist ( look out for the megaphone!) tops of the show.
Clients have included the BBC, RAF, Claridge’s, Lexus Cars, The Royal Navy and even Canterbury Cathedral!
WANT TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF MUSIC IS PLAYED IN THE SET?
In The Mood – Glen Miller
All I Do is Dream – Buble
Now’s The Time – Charlie Parker
Almost Like Being In Love
Straighten Up & Fly Right – Nat “King” Cole Trio
Your Feet’s Too Big – Fats Waller
Lady Is A Tramp – Frank Sinatra
Everything – Buble
All of Me – Frank Sinatra
Choo Choo C’Boogie – Louis Jordan
American Patrol – Glen Miller
Night Train – James Brown
Soul Bossa Nova – Quincy Jones
Got You Under My Skin – Frank Sinatra
Pick Up The Pieces – AWB
Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Hoots Mon – Lord Rockingham
Sway – Buble
Flip, Flop, Fly – Blues Brothers
I Wanna Be Like You – Jungle Book
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
We Have All The Time In The World – Louis Armstrong
Want to get ahead of the game for this years NYE 2014 events? now is the time to start thinking about booking the christmas and new year’s eve party band 2014.
What would you have done differently this time if they were available?
We have loads of party bands and Jazz bands to hire for your new year’s eve party booking and you can secure them for a small deposit now and pay the balance later.
We can offer you plenty of unusual and unique bands for NYE events. Just visit our band hire section for more details or contact us on 0871 8901015 or email me at info@themorrisagency.co.uk
Well. The preperations for the jubilee are upon us. We seem to be getting a trillion last minute band bookinhs for vintage themed tea parties all over the country.
We are more than happy to help but we are running out of jazz bands to do the jobs now.