They tied the knot in London’s RSA, a stunning Grade II listed building that’s romantic and full of Georgian charm and character. The venue is perfect for a wedding, with access to The Vaults for your post-ceremony party, that can carry on into the night.

To help them celebrate, Nicole and Martin opted for a band who ticked all the right boxes and delivered a personality of their own, plus heaps of talent too! Cosmic Balloon are an alternative indie, rock and pop band who combine their equally exceptional musical talents to deliver a show that gets crowds dancing, singing and having… well the best night ever! It’s no wonder Nicole and Martin booked them!

Photos courtesy of the superb Gavin Photography!

Getting Ready:

Nicole and Martin got ready together on their wedding morning. This is the start of forever – spending it together and building the excitement for your special day is all part of the fun. We personally love it when couples do the slightly less traditional thing to make their day unique.

They looked so sharp, with Martin in a dusky-pink double-breasted suit and Nicole donning a silk button-up top and a creamy off-white trouser suit.

Once they were ready to get hitched, they head out and strutted the streets of Soho and got some quite frankly awesome photos in a vintage-style record shop.

Daytime:

In the gorgeous hall in The RSA, Nicole and Martin said their vows and were finally newlyweds! Congratulations!

They beamed as they walked back down the aisle and then celebrated with a bright rain of confetti outside. Nothing beats the pure happiness in confetti shots!

They had their wedding breakfast at tables that were beautifully decorated in neutral tones with peach and blush accents. We particularly love their cake-topper, with Nicole and Martin in a row boat surrounded by roses – a show-stopper cake-topper!

Evening Celebrations:

Onto the party! Nicole and Martin absolutely stole the show with their recreation of the iconic Pulp Fiction dance, originally danced by John Travolta and Uma Thurman – is that not the coolest thing to do at your wedding?!

They booked Cosmic Balloon for their reception, a 4-piece outfit with a repertoire that’s packed with indie hits that’ll get guests singing, and dancing until their feet and throats hurt (but in a good way!).

Here’s what the pair had to say about the band!

The Review:

“We spent a lot of time looking for the perfect band for our wedding. When we found Cosmic Balloon we felt we hit the jackpot. They look great, they have an amazing repertoire and each member had effortless style and character. We could tell they were professional musicians not trying to shoehorn themselves into the cliché wedding band bracket. As we started communicating with them, we found they were easy to talk to, happy to bounce ideas around and seemed enthusiastic. On the actual wedding day, they were amazing. Our dance floor was never empty and the energy was amazing. We had so many comments about how cool the band were and how well they fitted in with the wedding. I will seriously strongly recommend Cosmic Balloon.”

To top off an amazing evening, Nicole even joined the band as their new drummer! And she looked amazing doing it!

Check out their wedding video:

Videography by Philip White Weddings

Thank You!

A huge thanks to Nicole and Martin for their lovely review, sharing the photos of their wonderful day and to the talented Gavin Photography for capturing it so beautifully.

Being a skilled and experienced wedding videographer, Nicole is no stranger to weddings. It will have certainly helped the planning process for her own big day – insider knowledge is everything! Check out her company here: Reel Life Films.

Congratulations again to the happy bride and groom – we hope it was everything you’d dreamed about! And, we’re over the moon that Cosmic Balloon could be part of it and make it so memorable for you both.

Learn more about Cosmic Balloon:

Watch Cosmic Balloon’s video below (and even more on their profile!) and get to know the amazing sound of these 4 impressive musicians. They are one of a kind and a really spectacular band that’ll add that extra something to your reception.

On the hunt for a live wedding band? We are here to help!

Get in touch with our friendly expert team to step into your wedding planning shoes and get the ball rolling! You can call us on 0800 53 000 35 or drop us a line on info@entertainment-nation.co.uk! We can’t wait to hear from you.

The post Nicole & Martin’s Fun London Wedding With Cosmic Balloon appeared first on Entertainment Nation Blog.

Who are The Flintlocks?

“Hi there! We’re The Flintlocks, aka Greg – Lead Vocals/Guitar/Keys; Luke – Lead Vocals/Guitar; Trev – Drums/Backing Vocals; and Dai – Bass.”

Give us a wow fact about you!

“The Flintlocks were once the warm up act for Rod Stewart!”

What can a wedding couple/client expect when they book you?

“A highly professional, polished but totally flexible service.”

Do you offer any optional extras? If so, what are they and why should people book them?

“Yes! We offer acoustic duo or solo performances from one or both of our terrific front men Greg and Luke. This type of performance is ideal for the daytime portion of the event and really helps to fill the whole day with a musical vibe.”

Which song is your favourite to perform?

“‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams as it’s great watching the crowd get involved.”

Which is the song you can always rely on to fill the dance floor?

“‘Mr. Brightside’ by The Killers, always.”

Top requested song?

“‘Mr. Brightside’ by The Killers again haha”

Top choice for a first dance song?

“‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ by Frankie Valli seems very popular this year, in general though I think ‘Stand By Me’ by Ben E. King is the most common choice.”

Favourite sing a long song?

“‘Come on Eileen’ by Dexys Midnight Runners gets the dance floor shaking!”

What inspired you to be musicians?

“Our love of performing and making that our full time job.”

Do you get along with each other all of the time?

“Yes! Unbelievably we never argue and love each other to bits!”

Who has the most annoying habit and what is it?

“Dai can be a bit bossy at times haha.”

What’s the best thing about being musicians?

“Doing what you love for a living!”

… and what’s the worst?

“There honestly isn’t one!”

Most memorable moment of your career as musicians?

“Performing at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff was very special.”

Weirdest moment/thing that’s happened at a wedding/event?

“Our singer was once set upon by an absolutely enormous moth! Luckily no person or animal ended up being harmed in any way haha.”

If you weren’t musicians, what would you be doing?

“Greg loved gymnastics as a child so may well have gone down that route! If Luke wasn’t a singer himself he would likely be a vocal coach. Dai would probably explore his passion for martial arts in one way or another. Trev would likely play or coach hockey.”

Top tip for anyone booking wedding/party entertainment?

“Book the band you want for your day! Guests will always have a great time and the day is for you as a couple to remember above all else.”

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat to us guys! If you’d like to find out more about this awesome foursome, check out their profile below!

Make everlasting memories on your dance floor with a jaw-dropping pop and rock wedding band that’ll have your guests talking for years to come. For more information in finding the perfect act for your big day, our friendly team of experts are happy to help! Give us a call on 0800 53 000 35 or drop us an email info@entertainment-nation.co.uk.

The post The Flintlocks In The Spotlight appeared first on Entertainment Nation Blog.

So if you’re looking for Frank Sinatra love songs for the more intimate parts of your special day or some floor-filling masterpieces to get everybody on the dance floor, look no further! We’ve collated all his romantic numbers and reception party songs in one place to help you find your perfect Frank Sinatra wedding songs!

Frank Sinatra Wedding Songs

Love songs by Frank Sinatra go hand in hand with weddings. Whether you love old swing music or are more of a contemporary couple, the chances are on your wedding day you’ll want to include some golden oldies on your wedding playlist. They’re total crowd pleasers, everyone knows them and are guaranteed to get people dancing. What more do you need? You can’t go wrong by choosing songs by Ol’Blue Eyes himself. You could choose one of these Frank Sinatra wedding songs for a timeless first dance, a fairytale walk down the aisle, to play while you’re signing the register, or in the evening for a right old knees up! Let’s get started!

Want Frank Sinatra Wedding Songs Performed Live At Your Wedding?

Then you’re in the right place! At Entertainment Nation we have a huge selection of show-stopping jazz, swing and Rat Pack-style singers and quality swing bands for hire. Whatever type of wedding entertainment you’re after, we’ve got you covered, so head over to our website below to discover your dream act!

More Wedding Music Inspiration

The post 60 Frank Sinatra Wedding Songs That Will Melt Your Heart appeared first on Entertainment Nation Blog.

When choosing hymns for your wedding ceremony, there are so many beautiful songs to choose from, but where do you start? Whether you want traditional hymns that everyone knows, or want to choose something a little more personal, what you choose to sing with your guests will join your first dance and processional song in a collection of music that will be special to you for the rest of your life.

There are rules about which wedding hymns you can choose, depending on the type of ceremony you’ve chosen, so we’ve outlined these below, along with some popular and more unusual hymn choices to help you decide. We’ve also made suggestions about how to provide the music for the hymns you choose, so let’s get started!

What Are The Rules About Which Wedding Hymns I Can Choose?

We’ll talk about this one first as it’s extremely important – if you are having a civil ceremony (in a building that is not a place of worship) you are not allowed to sing hymns at all. In fact, no songs that reference religion or God are permitted in this type of ceremony. If singing hymns at your wedding is really important to you, you might want to consider getting married in a church instead.

If your wedding ceremony will be in a church, then at least a couple of hymns will be normally be expected. If you’d like to include some non-religious songs, it’s always best to check with your minister as different churches will have different rules about whether they allow secular songs to be included.

How Many Wedding Hymns Do I Need To Choose?

Couples normally choose two or three hymns to be sung during their wedding service. The first is sung near the start of the ceremony, the last is sung just before the final blessing and many couples choose a third hymn to be sung during or just after the signing of the register.

What Are Some Popular Choices Of Hymns For Weddings?

Here are some of the most popular choices of wedding hymns this year. When choosing, think about when they would fit into your ceremony. Most couples choose their most upbeat and celebratory song as their final hymn for example.

How To Choose Your Wedding Hymns

This is a very personal choice. You might want to start by thinking about your favourite hymns. If you are a regular church-goer, you might have some hymns that are particularly dear to you that you want to include straight away. However this might not be true for you, in which case you could consider the following ideas…

Is It Important That Everyone Sings?

The sound of everyone singing together creates an uplifting and joyful atmosphere. If you want your guests to provide a rousing chorus when they sing your hymns, they’ll need to know the tune at least. Some hymns are more well-known than others and your guests will feel more comfortable singing out loud if they know the melody. Tried and tested wedding hymns that are popular for this very reason include All Things Bright And Beautiful, One More Step Along The World I Go, Amazing Grace and Give Me Joy In My Heart.

Read the Lyrics

If the sentiment behind the song is more important to you, then have a read of the lyrics. When you find a wedding hymn that speaks to you and reflects what marriage means to you as a couple, you might just have found what you’re looking for! This can be a really great way of personalising your wedding ceremony and making it unique to you. If you’re worried that no-one will know it and won’t sing, don’t worry – there are ways around this that we’ll cover later.

Ask Your Friends And Family

If you’re still struggling to find the perfect wedding hymns, try asking your friends and family for ideas. This will give you an idea of what your guests are likely to know and enjoy singing on your big day.

Who Will Play My Wedding Hymns?

When you think wedding hymns, the sound of an organ instantly springs to mind. Many churches provide their own organist or choir, who will usually be available to hire for a small fee. However, if your church doesn’t have its own organ, you’ll need to source someone to play the hymns for you. When you hire a classical musician or band to do this, they will usually play music as your guests arrive, a song while the bride walks down the aisle, a couple of songs during the signing of the register, a song as you walk back up the aisle, as well as your hymns. When choosing which songs you’d like to hear, remember to check with your minister that they are allowed at your religious ceremony. Classical processional and recessional pieces are are a good choice and provide a sense of regality to the occasion.

Classical Musician

Classical musicians are a really popular choice for church weddings – especially pianists and string quartets, who can easily provide all the harmony and accompaniments needed to create a full sound. Other soloists such as violinists and saxophonists will normally use a backing track as accompaniment. Whichever instrumentalist you choose, they’ll bring your music and hymns to life, creating a really intimate feel.

A Singer

Via Joy

This is a really good choice if you’re going for wedding hymns that may be less well-known to your guests as they can perform them for you, making it easier for everyone to join in.

A Gospel Choir

Genesis Of Voice

What could raise spirits higher than gospel choir at your wedding ceremony? Imagine walking down the aisle to the warm and enchanting sound of one of these incredible ensembles on your wedding day. They’ll also bring passion and energy to your wedding hymns and make everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside. An absolutely unbeatable option if you ask us!

How Do I Book?

It’s really simple to book a ceremony musician! Simply browse the selection of acts available below and fill in the enquiry form on the profile of the act you love. We’ll get back to you ASAP with a fully comprehensive quote. If you need any help choosing or have any questions, give us a ring on 0800 53 000 35 to speak to one of our lovely advisers!

The post 40 Wedding Hymns For Your Church Ceremony appeared first on Entertainment Nation Blog.

Music creates memories, tugs at heartstrings and allows us to feel every single emotion more strongly, so it’s obvious why live music at your proposal will make things extra special. Whether you have a particular song you both love, want to take your partner back to the time your first met or simply want to choose a romantic ditty to help emphasise how you feel about your loved one, hiring a live musician for your proposal will help to make your once in a lifetime experience completely unforgettable.

Musicians For Your Proposal

When choosing which type of musician is right for your proposal, you first need to consider the practicalities of where you’re going to propose. Is there room for an entire band? Unless you’re having a party and are planning to hire a party band to perform a special song for you to propose to, the likelihood is you’ll need a musician that doesn’t require a lot of space or set up time. For that reason, solo musicians and sometimes duos are by far the most popular choices for marriage proposals.

A Guitarist

Adrian Peters

Guitarists are incredibly versatile and are usually able to play pretty much anything you want them to. Even if the song you’ve chosen isn’t already in their repertoire, most will happily learn it for you free of charge. An acoustic guitarist requires little to no set-up time and can suddenly appear out of nowhere for your special moment because they don’t require amplification, making them the perfect musician for a proposal! If you’d like to learn more about hiring a guitarist, check out our guitarist booking guide.

A Pianist

Michael Mezzo

If you’re able to have your musician set up prior to your arrival, a hiring a pianist is another excellent choice for your proposal. The timeless and sophisticated sound of the piano will make your magical moment classy and elegant. Equally as versatile as a guitarist, a pianist will be able to learn practically any song you’d like them to perform. As long as there’s a plug for their piano and amp, they are able to play pretty much anywhere and don’t take a long time to set up. Don’t worry, they’ll bring their own instrument with them so there’s no need to source a baby grand for yourself! Our guide to booking a pianist will teach you all you need to know before you book!

A Harpist

Emily Ria Harpist

Possibly the most romantic instrument imaginable, the harp will create a spellbinding musical backdrop to your proposal! You’ll need a little more space and careful planning to make this one a surprise due to the size of this magnificent instrument, but trust us when we say it’s so worth it. Harpists are able to play a range of both classical pieces and modern love songs so there’s a really good chance your special song is already in their repertoire and most will be happy to learn your chosen song for free. Our guide to booking a harpist will tell you more.

A Violinist

Satin Violin

Another popular choice is a violinist. These talented musicians require little to no set up time if playing acoustically, can appear at a moment’s notice and create an exquisite sound for your proposal. If you have the space available you could also consider a full string quartet to help you create a dream-like accompaniment to your special moment.

A Saxophonist

Smithson Sax

Some of the coolest instrumentalists on the planet, saxophonists make a great choice of proposal musician! They have a fast set-up time and hardly take up any room at all so they’ll be ready to make your proposal as slick as you want it in no time. Find out more about booking one of these awesome performers in our saxophonist booking guide.

An Acoustic Duo

Bellerose Duo

If the place you’ve chosen to propose is a little on the noisy side, you might prefer to boost the sound of the music by hiring two musicians instead of one. With two singers you’ll be treated to stunning harmonies and when you choose an act with two guitarists, you’ll get a richer, fuller sound from the accompaniment as well.

A Roaming Band

The White Shirts

Perhaps you’re planning a romantic walk in the park, a private rooftop dinner or a stroll down the beach at sunset? What could be more romantic than bumping into an acoustic roaming band who just happen to be playing your favourite love song? Nothing, that’s what! That’s why roaming bands are the ultimate proposal musicians. They can move around freely, positioning themselves exactly where you need them and can even follow you as you walk along if you’d like. The warm harmonies and unrivalled energy they deliver will make it highly likely that you’ll get that yes!

Popular Songs For Proposals

If you’re in need of some inspiration for the perfect song to play while you propose, check out these popular proposal songs. You never know, they could one day become your first dance song as well!

How Do I Hire A Musician For My Proposal?

If you’d like to hire a musician to help make your proposal absolute perfection, head over to our website using the link below and discover the incredible full range of instrumentalists available for hire. When you find an act you love, fill in the enquiry form and we’ll get back to you with a fully-comprehensive quote. If you don’t have a specific date in mind for your proposal, feel free to give our friendly advisers a call and they’ll be able to recommend a range of musicians for you to consider. We can’t wait to hear from you and good luck with your proposal!

The post Musicians For Proposals That Will Help Get You That Yes! appeared first on Entertainment Nation Blog.

Ed Sheeran wedding songs are always extremely popular choices and it’s easy to see why. If there’s one musician who knows how to write a faultless wedding song – it’s undeniably Ed. His lyrics are heartfelt, his melodies are catchy and easy to sway to and his love songs are just so ‘perfect’ for creating that oh-so-important swoonworthy moment, it’s like they were written to be played at weddings. Maybe they were – he’s a very romantic man we’ve heard!

Of course, Ed doesn’t just write romantic numbers – he’s also the king of irresistible pop tracks that are guaranteed to have your guests flocking to the dance floor at your reception. Basically, if you choose his songs for your wedding, you can’t really go wrong! But with such a huge catalogue of Ed Sheeran wedding songs to choose from, where do you begin? To help you out, we’ve chosen some of our favourites for you to peruse. Whether you’re looking for an Ed Sheeran first dance song, a song to walk down the aisle to or a total banger to get guests jumping in the evening, you’ll find what you’re looking for here!

Romantic Ed Sheeran Songs

We think these songs would be absolutely ideal for the intimate parts of your day and would make fantastic first dance songs, songs to walk down the aisle to, or to play during your wedding ceremony at some point. You could even play them at your drinks reception for a romantic, laid-back vibe!

Perfect

Lyrics of love:

Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms,
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song,
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful,
I don’t deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight.

We had to start with this one. Some might say it’s overplayed but when songs become this popular it’s usually for a good reason. The lyrics are, well, perfect for a wedding. The waltz-like feel to this beautiful love song make it one of the most requested first-dances of the modern era.

Thinking Out Loud

Lyrics of love:

Take me into your loving arms,
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars,
Place your head on my beating heart,
I’m thinking out loud,
Maybe we found love right where we are.

As Ed Sheeran wedding songs go, this one is a classic. The simple acoustic backing helps the charming melody to soar and the lyrics talk of everlasting love. We adore this passionate tune and think you have to go a long way to beat it as a first dance song.

Tenerife Sea

Lyrics of love:

You look so wonderful in your dress,
I love your hair like that,
The way it falls on the side of your neck,
Down your shoulders and back.

It was difficult to choose lyrics to highlight for this absolute stunner of a song – they’re all just so romantic! Ed’s done it again and written a killer wedding song about how true love is enough for the rest of your life. If you want to feel like a princess on your wedding day, this song is ideal.

Everything Has Changed

Lyrics of love:

All I know is you held the door,
And you’ll be mine and I’ll be yours,
All I know since yesterday,
Is everything has changed.

OK, so this one is a joint effort with Taylor Swift but we think it still counts as an Ed Sheeran wedding song! It tells a sweet story about meeting the love of your life and knowing that from that moment on, things are going to be different. Definitely a great choice to play during your wedding breakfast or drinks reception!

Kiss Me

Lyrics of love:

I was made to keep your body warm,
But I’m cold as the wind blows so hold me in your arms.

A cute song about what it feels like to fall in love, so probably more suited to your drinks reception or wedding breakfast rather than a first dance. Nevertheless, it’s another gorgeous number that with a wonderful sentiment for your wedding.

Photograph

Lyrics of love:

So you can keep me,
Inside the pocket of your ripped jeans,
Holding me closer ’til our eyes meet,
You won’t ever be alone, wait for me to come home.

If you’ve ever spent a long time apart from your betrothed, you’ll understand the importance of a simple photograph of them. This gorgeous song about loving each other, even when you’re apart is totally bewitching.

The Joker And The Queen

Lyrics of love:

And I know you could fall for a thousand kings,
And hearts that would give you a diamond ring,
When I fold, you see the best in me,
The joker and the queen.

The most recent collaboration between Ed Sheeran and Tay Tay is this sweet song that tells a simple love story from the point of view of both partners. The message is clear – true love doesn’t require extravagant gifts. Just being with each other is enough.

How Would You Feel

Lyrics of love:

How would you feel, if I told you I loved you?
It’s just something that I want to do,
I’ll be taking my time, spending my life,
Falling deeper in love with you,
So tell me that you love me too.

Despite being one of Ed’s lesser-known album tracks, this is an adorable song about falling deeply in love – a classic Ed Sheeran wedding song in other words! Its lilting melody and easy-going feel make it easy to slow dance with your partner to, whether it’s for your first dance or during the day.

One

Lyrics of love:

Take my hand and my heart and soul,
I will only have these eyes for you.

When you realise your partner is the only thing you want in the whole world, this song makes sense. If you and your partner have made it through thick and thin, this could be the song for you.

All Of The Stars

Lyrics of love:

I looked across and fell in love,
So I took your hand, back through lamp-lit streets I knew,
Everything led back to you.

Ed wrote this song after being inspired by the film ‘The Fault In Our Stars’, and in fact it features on the credits of the blockbuster movie – a spine-tingling masterpiece about the importance of true love in the face of adversity (We’re not crying – you’re crying!) Despite the morbid connotations it might evoke, the overall theme of this song is that love conquers all and it’s all you need, so we think it’s simply beautiful.

Wake Me Up

Lyrics of love:

And you will never know,
Just how beautiful you are to me,
But maybe I’m just in love,
When you wake me up.

This song is just so relatable. It tells a realistic story of the ins and outs of daily life and how a couple falls in love while doing the most mundane activities. If it resonates with you, maybe it could be your song!

Hearts Don’t Break Around Here

Lyrics of love:

Oh my baby, lately I know,
That every night I’ll kiss you, you’ll say in my ear,
Oh we’re in love, aren’t we?

We love this Ed Sheeran wedding song about feeling safe when you’re with your significant other. It’s another track with an easy-to-dance-to swaying feel, ideal for a first dance.

Ed Sheeran Wedding Reception Songs

After your first dance it’s time to party! We’ve chosen our favourite wedding reception songs by Ed Sheeran that will undoubtedly get everyone showing off their best moves. We always think that live music is unbeatable for an all-out party so the videos we’ve chosen show some of our top wedding bands singing the songs!

Shape Of You

The Lightmen

This absolute banger is always a big hit at weddings and we love The Lightmen’s fresh and folky rendition of this modern classic. It would sound amazing at a rustic wedding don’t you think?

Castle On The Hill

The Footmen

Castle On The Hill has that driving energy that means it’s perfectly suited to acoustic folk bands with their Mumford and Sons vibe. How great does it sound played by The Footmen? There’ll be dance moves a plenty once this one starts!

Bad Habits

Grayson

From the second this track starts, your guests’ toes will be tapping and by the time it kicks in, everyone will be in full dance mode. We adore Grayson’s version of this track with the smooth sax solos to give it an extra lift!

Shivers

The Brightsons

From the catchy riff to the infectious beat, this is a dance floor filler if ever we heard one! It’s easy to sing along to and sounds absolutely awesome live.

Galway Girl

Coastlines

It’s impossible not to be tempted onto the dance floor by one of Ed’s biggest hits, which must be why Galway Girl so is such a popular choice at wedding receptions. There’s nothing like a touch of Irish charm to get people in the mood to party so expect a full dance floor when this one starts playing.

How Do I Hire A Band To Play These Songs?

If you love the idea of hearing your chosen Ed Sheeran wedding songs played live, you’ve come to the right place! Pretty much all our wedding bands will learn your first dance for you if they don’t already know it and these songs feature heavily in their repertoires because they are always crowd-pleasers! Head over to our website using the link below and check out the huge selection of incredible wedding bands for hire. When you see an act you love, fill in the enquiry form and our team of friendly advisers will get back to you ASAP!

More Wedding Music Inspiration

The post Ed Sheeran Wedding Songs To Play On Your Big Day appeared first on Entertainment Nation Blog.

From daytime entertainment to late finishes, wedding bands can offer so much more than a couple of sets in the evening (and even that’s amazing!) We’re here to help you get the most out of your wedding band to help you save money and ensure that your wedding day is as spectacular as it deserves to be. Here are our top tips!

Book Daytime Entertainment

Did you know that many bands offer acoustic daytime sets as well? If you’d like some live music during your drinks reception, it will nearly always work out cheaper to hire musicians from your evening band to perform rather than booking a separate act. Many offer solo or duo performances but often the whole band will be available to perform acoustically. They may even offer a roaming service!

Or maybe you’d prefer them to play during your wedding ceremony? A live musician will bring an incomparable level of intimacy to this magical part of your day and will captivate your guests far more than a recording.

To find out whether a band offers a daytime service, check their profile or speak to your adviser, who’ll be more than happy to help you find a band that offers exactly what you’re looking for!

Boost Their Line-Up

Brightmoor Motown

Have you checked the line-up of the band you love? It’s very possible that there are optional extras available that can add a huge amount of extra pizazz for a very small price! Many bands have the option to add in extra players, for example a sax, keys player or extra singer. Some offer whole horn sections and even dancers! The impact that these additional players can have on the atmosphere a band can create is phenomenal, and well worth the money if you can afford it. Soul and Motown bands sound incredible with added brass instruments and acoustic folk bands sound next level with the addition of a smooth sax!

Use The Band’s DJ Equipment

When you book a wedding band, it’s highly likely that a DJ playlist service will be provided as standard. This means that music will be played through the PA system so that guests can continue dancing while the band aren’t onstage. So this is great news, as it means you don’t need to source a DJ to fill in between sets. Some bands offer a manned DJ service or even a full pro-DJ service as standard and others might offer these services as an optional upgrade. Find out more about DJ services to decide which service is best for you and opt to upgrade or ask about a band who offer your chosen service as standard if you’d like everyone to be able to make requests.

Some bands offer more than a pro-DJ service! Look out for bands that offer a DJ and live musician option. This will often be a saxophone or drum soloist who will play along with the DJ tracks and ensure your guests never want to leave the dance floor!

Ask The Band To Learn Your First Dance

There’s nothing like a first dance song performed live. It’s so much more intimate and memorable when you have a personalised performance of your chosen song. The good news is, nearly all wedding bands offer to learn and play your first dance as standard, so make sure you take them up on it! Ensure you give the band around a month’s notice if you’d like them to learn a song so they have enough time to get it perfect for you. Some bands will learn more than one song so you can have some of your favourite tracks played throughout the night as well. Awesome!

Use The Band’s PA System For Your Speeches

Most bands will be happy to allow you to use their PA system and microphones for your speeches. As long as you have agreed this in advance this can be a great way of saving money if your venue doesn’t have an in-house system.

Book A Late Finish Or An Extra Set

When you book a live band for your wedding, nobody will want the night to end because of the electric atmosphere, so if your venue has a curfew after midnight, you should consider choosing a band that offers a 1am finish so everyone can party into the early hours. Normally this will be their DJ service for the last hour, but if you agree it with the band prior to your wedding you can often book an extra set to keep the party going longer. You only get married once so it’s worth the small fee to extend the best night of your life. You can see whether each band offers these services on their profiles.

Get The Most For Your Budget

The State Lines Duo

If your budget won’t stretch to a standard 4 or 5-piece band, never fear! There are so many smaller options that will keep your dance floor packed all night and create the same level of excitement as a larger band. Soloists or duos will often use backing tracks to produce a full track sound while providing the live music element your guests will crave. Or why not consider a three-piece wedding band? They will create a full-band feel and are generally cheaper than larger bands.

Let’s Get Started…

If you’re ready to browse different acts, check out the best wedding bands available for hire in the UK below. Once you’ve chosen your act, fill in the simple enquiry form on their profile and we’ll get back to you with a quick and comprehensive quote. Or give us a ring on 0800 53 000 35 to speak to one of our friendly advisers who can help match you to your dream wedding band!

The post How To Get The Most Out Of Your Wedding Band appeared first on Entertainment Nation Blog.

Hear us out – weekdays are a great time to have your wedding! Why? Let’s find out…

Why Have A Weekday Wedding?

It’s obvious why Saturdays and Sundays are the most popular days for weddings. But there are so many benefits to choosing a weekday for your nuptials instead. Not only can you save a load of money, but there are other benefits that will make life easier, not just for you, but for your guests as well. So let’s have a look at some of the reasons why weekday weddings rock.

Your Dream Venue And Vendors Are More Likely To Be Available

And what’s more, they might be cheaper too! Many venues offer midweek discounts and sometimes you can save not just hundreds, but thousands of pounds by steering clear of the weekend. While some venues will get booked up years in advance on Saturdays during the peak summer months, you might be able to bag a bargain at your dream venue, even at short notice if you choose to book on a weekday.

Image Credit: Martin Dabek Photography

It’s also more likely that food vendors, photographers and videographers, florists and other suppliers will be available midweek and you may find that there are discounts available too. It makes the whole process of booking everything you need so much easier if you book midweek!

There Will Be More Wedding Bands and Musicians Available

Railroad Kin

It stands to reason that if fewer weddings are booked during the week, it’s more likely that your perfect wedding band will be available if you’ve booked a weekday wedding. Some of our top wedding bands get booked over two years in advance for peak times, but it might still be possible to book them for your weekday wedding. This of course goes for other types of acts as well. From saxophonists to string quartets and magicians to brass bands, you’re far more likely to bag the best wedding entertainment on a weekday! However, saving money on your wedding entertainment isn’t the only reason to book a weekday wedding…

Your Guests Can Find Accommodation and Transport More Cheaply

Finding a hotel at a reasonable price over the weekend is becoming an absolute mission these days. But during the week, most hotels charge a lot less and are more likely to have rooms available and your guests will thank you for this. The same goes for flights and train tickets – Friday and Sunday tickets are priced at a premium to accommodate weekend travellers. With the economic climate the way it is at the moment, having a weekday wedding might mean that some guests, who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to afford to attend will get to see you on your big day. Yay!

A Weekday Wedding Can Give You More Time To Celebrate

If you choose to book your wedding on a Thursday or Friday, why not plan to spend the remainder of the weekend with your nearest and dearest, making your wedding celebration last as long as possible? No-one will have to rush off straight after the wedding if it’s followed by a weekend. Multi-day weddings are becoming increasingly popular, with couples enjoying the company of their friends and family for the day after the wedding (or longer!) for shared meals, group activities and more fun in general. The money you save by booking a weekday wedding can be put towards the extra celebrations.

Image credit: Zoé Harris Photography

Make The Most Of Quiet Photo Locations

If you plan to take photos outside of your wedding venue, perhaps to get an awesome shot with a landmark, a stunning portrait by a lake or an edgy snap with some cool graffiti, it will be much easier on a weekday when everyone else is at work. No-one wants the general public in the background of their wedding photos so relish the chance to get some special photographs while it’s easy to do so.

Avoid Wedding Clashes

It’s amazing how many people have had to choose between weddings because they’ve been booked on the same day. It happens a lot more than you’d think! With summer Saturdays the most popular dates for weddings and a short wedding season thanks to the weather, guests are often forced to choose whose nuptials to attend, which can be upsetting for everyone involved. However this is far less likely to happen if you book your wedding on a weekday and it means there’s a greater chance that everyone will be able to celebrate with you.

Your Guests Get A Day Off Work

We get it. There’s always the fear that guests won’t want to use their precious annual leave to attend your wedding. But that’s nonsense. Monday and Friday weddings are ideal, because let’s face it – who doesn’t love a long weekend? Don’t worry too much about what others will think – most people will just be happy to have a day off work and be invited to your awesome wedding! Even midweek weddings can easily be incorporated into much-needed longer breaks from work, so with a little bit of persuasion and explaining how much you want them there, your guests will be more than happy to celebrate with you. If they need more than a little coaxing, do you really want them there anyway?

Image Credit: Dan Biggins Photography

So I’m Having A Midweek Wedding – How Can I Find The Best Entertainment?

We’re glad you asked! If you’re ready to start your search for your dream wedding entertainment, you’ve come to the right place. Using the button below, browse through the top wedding bands, classical musicians and entertainers available in the UK. We can’t wait to hear from you and help get your journey started!

The post Why You Should Consider A Weekday Wedding appeared first on Entertainment Nation Blog.

Keen to keep the energy high and the party pumping until the early hours, they opted for a corporate band to impress which is exactly what they got, with Neon State! This youthful and dynamic 4-piece effortlessly deliver a night full of decade-spanning hits with their fiery passion and floor-filling expertise.

It’s no surprise after all the hard work of the last year, that business owners, corporate teams and event planners alike were ready to let their hair down. We are so pleased that they were able to achieve that ‘night of the year’ vibe with the help of Neon State.

Photos courtesy of James Gifford-Mead

The Hustle Awards 2023:

“The Hustle Awards are here to celebrate all the founders, co-founders and team members that have disrupted, impacted and taken a leap of faith with their business.” – The Hustle Awards

Being presented with a Hustle Award is very prestigious for any business and provides a platform for new startups and entrepreneurs to propel themselves further into the business world. The recognition of the team’s hard work and dedication to making magic happen is exactly what the whole evening is about.

With a guest appearance of Maisie Adam, hilarious comedian, actress and writer, the awards evening was a roaring success. Drinks were had, photos were taken and mingling was in full swing.

The Band & Party:

Neon State are a professional and slick outfit who have wow-ed crowds at events across the country for many years.

As a 4-piece, complete with show-stopping female and male lead vocals, guitar, bass and drums, they produce a full sound that resonates around the room and pulls guests from left right and centre to join them as the party atmosphere grows. They have a natural ability to stir up a crowd and use their magnetic stage presence to interact with guests and get feet on that dance floor!

Check out the amazing photos below to see how the party went down! We would’ve totally been showing off our moves!

Thank you!

A big thank you to The Hustle Awards for choosing Neon State to help celebrate their annual awards night and we hope they had the most fantastic time!

Also a massive thank you to photographer James Gifford-Mead for capturing the awesome photos – it’s so lovely to step back into the moment.

Get In Touch:

If you’re planning a work party, annual corporate event or a company showcase then we’d a million percent recommend investigating corporate entertainment to make your party POP! Our sensational team of corporate event experts are on hand to help you make that initial entertainment plan, or simply help you secure the entertainment you’re looking for.

You can get in touch via email on info@entertainment-nation.co.uk, or by phone on 0800 53 000 35. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post Neon State at The Hustle Awards Corporate Event appeared first on Entertainment Nation Blog.

If you’re planning a wedding on a tight budget but still want some live music we totally get it! Live music hits harder and helps create unforgettable memories and an unrivalled atmosphere. Try as you might, it’s very difficult to achieve all this with a playlist.

So what are your options if you want to secure some top quality wedding entertainment on a limited budget? Well, there are actually a range of different types of act available for hire around the £500-£600 mark – an absolute bargain for the party atmosphere these top-drawer musicians will create for you! Let’s take a look at some brilliant ideas for acts that will get you the most bang for your buck at your wedding reception.

An Acoustic Soloist

Katie Iris

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to hire a whole wedding band to get your dance floor jumping. These sensational acoustic soloists might be small in stature, but they’ll certainly pack a punch at your wedding reception. Most will use backing tracks or loop pedals to create a full-track sound to fill your venue with irresistible floor-filling tracks as they play and sing over the top to inject the live element that will bring it all to life.

A Rock And Pop Duo

The State Lines Duo

Very similar to acoustic soloists, these top rock and pop duos will also regularly incorporate backing tracks and loop pedals into their performance but not always. With two instruments and voices available there’s more opportunity for added harmony. These seasoned professionals know how to get your party started and are an incredibly popular choice for couples wanting to hire a crowd-pleasing act on a budget.

Alternatively, check out our top acoustic soloists and duos for weddings!

A Saxophonist

Jay G Sax

Another budget-friendly wedding entertainment idea is the ever-popular saxophonist. Everyone loves the saxophone thanks to its soulful tone and versatility. Whether you want Ibiza club classics, rock, funk, soul or pop chart-toppers, a wedding saxophonist will be able to deliver fresh and funky versions of it all. For evening entertainment, saxophonists often use light-up LED saxophones and backing tracks to create an unforgettable club vibe for your special day. Alternatively, you could consider a DJ and live musician act, who’ll combine the flexibility of a DJ with the thrill of a live musician.

How Much Does A Band Cost?

The Wildermen

The more musicians you add into the mix, the more expensive an act becomes, so bands generally cost quite a bit more than a soloist or a duo. You should expect to pay anything around £1000-£2000 for a three or four-piece band and even more for larger groups. If you’d like to check out the unbelievably talented wedding bands available for hire at Entertainment Nation, check out the link below!

How Can I Save Money On My Wedding Entertainment?

You can save on your wedding entertainment using these top tips:

• Book Local – When you book a musician for your wedding, bear in mind that you will also need to pay for their travel costs, so booking an act who lives close to your venue will save you money.
• Book Early – Take advantage of today’s prices. The cost of hiring a musician will rise with inflation each year, so booking early is a good money-saving tip. It will also give you the biggest choice of acts before they get booked up (sometimes up to two years in advance!)
• Book Off-Peak – Many musicians will be less busy and might even offer discounts if your wedding is out of the peak summer and Christmas seasons, or on a weekday (Mon-Thurs). It’s always worth asking!

How Do I Book One Of These Bargainous Acts?

It’s really quick and easy to book your wedding entertainment. When you’ve chosen the act you’d like, click the enquiry button and fill in the form with the details of your wedding. We’ll get back to you with a fully comprehensive quote ASAP! Our friendly advisers are here all day every day to help match you to your dream act and make the booking process as fast and simple as possible. Have fun on your search!

The post Wedding Entertainment Ideas For Modest Budgets appeared first on Entertainment Nation Blog.