The Duplettes https://theduplettes.co.uk Premium Band for Weddings, Parties and Corporate Events Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:28:55 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://theduplettes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cropped-the-duplettes-logo-square-32x32.jpg The Duplettes https://theduplettes.co.uk 32 32 Booking Guide - Electric Medley Duo for Evening Parties https://theduplettes.co.uk/booking-guideelectric-duo-for-evening-party/ https://theduplettes.co.uk/booking-guideelectric-duo-for-evening-party/#respond Wed, 19 Jul 2023 17:25:39 +0000 https://theduplettes.co.uk/?p=9658 The Duplettes Electric Medley Duo is a new lineup for evening parties as an alternative to the 5 or 6-piece Party Band. It’s perfect for large venues but also will fit into smaller venues where a full party band might not and situations where the acoustic duo might be too chilled. 

What is the Electric Duo

Most people have seen party bands who usually play individual songs one after another throughout their entire set. The duo ditches that idea and instead plays nothing but mashups and medleys like a DJ at a club. We combine Anna & Jim’s vocals and Jim’s guitar with samples and elements taken from the original tracks to create a loud, energetic, party atmosphere perfect for getting everyone up and dancing.

The medleys are each centred around a genre or theme such as 70s pop or UK Garage but we also like to mashup the eras every so often, one minute you’re bopping to  “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan, which then suddenly morphs seamlessly into “About Damn Time” by Lizzo. We love to keep the crowd engaged as well as entertained so it’s always funny watching people trying to guess what comes next.

What genres and artists do you cover?

The medleys cover a wide range of genres with each medley lasting between 7-10 minutes and containing 5 or 6 songs. The set is filled with all the biggest hits from the most well known artists, from Marvin Gaye, Elton John and Abba, all the way through to Lizzo, Ed Sheeran and the Arctic Monkeys. 

We have enough material to cater towards younger or older crowds so during the booking process we like to send a short questionnaire to help us gauge the audience in advance.

What does the Electric Duo suit?

We’ve performed large marquees and halls as well as event spaces with our own PA equipment so we’re totally at home in large venues, but the duo works really well in smaller venues where a 5-piece band might not fit, such as a pub or even a garden marquee.

Can we request songs?

For weddings we ask the bride and groom to choose a first dance, which we will usually play at the start of the first set. The rest of the set is pre-mixed using samples and elements from the original tracks, allowing us to sing and perform to a high standard on the night. It does mean that we can’t take requests on the fly or add new songs into the medleys though.

Should I book the Electric Duo or the Party Band?

That depends on what you want! Both will give you and your guests a terrific night to remember. The Party Band is great fun and looks and sounds really impressive, while the Electric Duo is fun and unique providing a memorable twist on the wedding band concept.

How to Book the Electric for your wedding reception

Our booking process is very simple. Once you have made your initial enquiry and received a quote from us that works for you, we’ll begin the following procedure…

1. Contract & deposit

We’ll send you our standard performance contract to assess, if you’re happy with the terms just send us a signed copy back. At the same time we’ll also send you an invoice for a 30% deposit to secure the date, once we receive the deposit payment and signed contract we’re all set!

2. Call for final details

We like to arrange a call either on the phone or via Skype/Zoom around 4 weeks out from the date. It’s a nice opportunity to say hi, discuss final details and give you a piece of mind that everything is organised and under control.

3. Balance payment

Around the same time as the call we’ll send out an invoice for the balance payment which is payable 2 weeks prior to the event. 

At this point everything is finalised and sorted but you’re still welcome to let us know any last minute questions or details.

On the day

Setup space

For the Electric Duo we like to bring our own PA which includes two speakers, one subwoofer, a mixing desk and some lights. We can fit into a space as small as around 3m x 2m but a bit more is usually a bit more comfortable.

From the venue we only need access to a power socket.

Setup time

To load in the equipment and set up we need around 90 minutes but we try to arrive 2 hours prior to the start of the event just in case.

What we wear

For wedding receptions Anna will wear a dress and Jim will wear a suit unless you have any special requests. 

The Electric Medley Duo

We hope that gives you a bit more info about the Electric Medley Duo but feel free to ask us any questions that spring to mind and clear up anything you're not sure about.

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Booking Guide - Wedding Ceremony Acoustic Duo https://theduplettes.co.uk/booking-guide-wedding-ceremony-acoustic-duo/ https://theduplettes.co.uk/booking-guide-wedding-ceremony-acoustic-duo/#respond Tue, 18 Jul 2023 16:41:57 +0000 https://theduplettes.co.uk/?p=9599 We thought it might be nice to give you some helpful information on what to expect when booking our acoustic duo for your wedding ceremony. We’ve put together all the frequently asked questions and extra bits we thought would be helpful, but do feel free to ask us anything we haven't included below.

Booking the acoustic duo for your wedding ceremony

We like to keep the booking process as simple as possible. Once you have made your initial enquiry and have received a quote from us that works for you, we’ll begin the following procedure…

1. Contract & Deposit

We’ll send you our standard performance contract for you to assess, if you’re happy with the terms just send us a signed copy back. At the same time we’ll also send you an invoice for a 30% deposit to secure the date, once we receive the deposit payment and signed contract we’re all set!

2. Call for Final Details

We like to arrange a call either on the phone or via Skype/Zoom around 4 weeks out from the date. It’s a nice opportunity to say hi, discuss final details and give you piece of mind that everything is organised and under control.

3. Balance Payment

Around the same time as the call we’ll send out an invoice for the balance payment which is payable 2 weeks prior to the event. 

At this point everything is finalised and sorted but you’re still welcome to let us know any last minute questions or details.

Acoustic duo at wedding ceremony

On the day

Now let's talk about what to expect on the day of your wedding ceremony. We've outlined some points below but as ever, feel free to ask us questions on anything you're not sure about.

Setup space

For a wedding ceremony we like to bring a micro setup that can fit discreetly into a limited space (once you’ve crammed all your friends and family in). Often this is at the back of the room if you're inside or off to the side if you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor ceremony.

We bring all our own equipment and the only thing we require from the venue is access to a power socket within a reasonable distance (we have a 20 metre extension cable).

Setup time

To load in the equipment and set up we need just under an hour but we like to arrive 90 minutes prior to the guests arriving just in case.

What we wear

For wedding ceremonies Anna will wear a dress and Jim will wear a suit unless you have any special requests. 

Outdoor ceremonies

If you have planned your ceremony to be outside then that's no problem for us as long as there is access to power (we have a 20 metre extension cable). 99% of the time outdoor ceremonies are close enough to a power source, but if you’re planning a more remote location, we might need to make arrangements for battery powered equipment, which is fine with enough notice.

If possible, we would also really appreciate some shade from the sun and to protect the equipment if it rains, but we can work around this if it's not possible.

Wedding Ceremony Song Choices

You’ve booked us to play music at your wedding ceremony, so let’s talk about the music. Wedding ceremonies usually involve five stages with music being used in 4 out of the 5.

We recommend
Guests ArrivalOur collection of pretty, acoustic songs
Arrival of the Bridal PartyChoose a special song
The CeremonyNo music usually required
Signing of the Registers2 or 3 songs chosen by you or taken from our rep
Bride & Groom’s DepartureUpbeat, celebratory song chosen by you

1. Guests Arrival

We recommend: A collection of 4 or 5 love songs or pretty acoustic covers

As your guests arrive and find their seats it’s nice to provide music to create an atmosphere and set the tone for the ceremony. We find that a mixture of classic love songs and pretty, acoustic versions of pop songs work really well for this section. 

Our advice is that it’s important to remember that this music is more for your guests and that the actual song choices for this section are best not to be stressed over. We have a collection that we think works really well and would advise saving your requests for the moments in the ceremony when you’re actually in the room!

2. Arrival of the Bride and Bridesmaids

We recommend: Choose a special song 

The arrival of the bride and bridesmaids is the central moment to the wedding ceremony so it’s a great idea to choose a really special song. If you’re struggling for inspiration we have a list of our recommendations here.

If you are splitting this into two stages then choose a song for the entrance of the bridesmaids and the entrance of the bride.

3. The Ceremony

The actual ceremony is usually the one stage in the ceremony that doesn’t require music although if you’d like a song in this part of the ceremony then feel free to let us know.

4. Signing of the Registers

We recommend: Choose 2 or 3 songs from our rep

While you’re signing the registers it’s a good idea to have some music to entertain the guests. These days this point of the ceremony doesn’t usually take too long and often we only get half way through the second song before the registers are signed. 

We have plenty of pretty, acoustic songs we can play that will fit this section nicely, but if you have a song you’d really like us to include then that’s fine too.

5. Bride & Grooms Departure

We recommend: Choose 1 upbeat song to celebrate the end of the ceremony

So you’ve had the ceremony and signed the registers, the only thing left now is to exit the ceremony and begin your married life with a party! For your departure we recommend a triumphant, upbeat song to get everyone in a party mood ready for your drinks reception and wedding breakfast.

Hope that helps!

Hopefully, that has provided you with a nice overview of hiring The Duplettes for your wedding ceremony and what to expect on the day. We’ve included our recommendations to make it easier for you to visualise how your ceremony might look, but we also like to point out that we are flexible and can accommodate special requests with enough notice.

We hope you have the best wedding ceremony and that it’s a moment to remember forever.

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Hiring a wedding DJ? Here's what to consider to make sure you have the best day: https://theduplettes.co.uk/how-to-book-a-wedding-dj/ https://theduplettes.co.uk/how-to-book-a-wedding-dj/#respond Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:04:04 +0000 https://theduplettes.co.uk/?p=9145 Want to book a wedding DJ but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry this article will give you everything you need to know about booking a DJ for your wedding. Whether you're planning a traditional wedding or a more modern celebration, the right DJ can make all the difference. We’ll cover all the essential information that will help you make the best decision including how to choose the right DJ, what questions to ask, and how to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the big day.

The most important things to know when booking a wedding DJ include your budget, their price, if they offer background music for drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts, how much space they will need and if they can cover a suitable selection of music for your event.

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Before we get into it, it’s also important to remember that wedding DJs are usually not club-style DJs who will perform live mashups, beat-match and use decks. Wedding DJs will usually use a music streaming service and focus on making sure your guests get the music that will keep them on the dance floor.

Should I hire a professional DJ?

Although you may have a few mates who reckon they’re a dab hand at spinning the decks or a large bluetooth speaker you’re thinking of sticking on the corner, it’s a better idea to actually hire a professional DJ who has experience in performing at weddings. Professional DJ’s will have the right equipment, music selection and be able to keep guests entertained while their experience will help ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Being able to read a crowd and choose the right music at the right time is a skill that an amateur is unlikely to possess along with the know-how to create a playlist that will appeal to everyone and get them on the dance floor. Mixing in appropriate song requests from guests (and ignoring the best man requesting “Baby Shark” for a gag) should help everyone enjoy the best time.

Professional DJs will have high-quality equipment such as speakers, microphones and lighting plus backup equipment in case of technical difficulties meaning that nothing should interrupt your fun on the night.

Need to make announcements throughout the day? A DJ will have you covered and be able to announce important points such as “The buffets open” or “Last orders” over the PA, keeping the reception running smoothly and ons schedule.

The Duplettes offer a FREE DJ service with any evening reception booking, click here for more info…

Should I choose all the wedding music myself?

Although it’s tempting to micro-manage the music for the whole wedding, any DJ worth their salt will be able to choose appropriate music throughout the day based on general style recommendations, the venue’s atmosphere and what is working on the dance floor. 

It’s a good idea to discuss any must-play and do-not-play songs with the DJ ahead of time too as this will help them to create a playlist that reflects your taste and ensures that all your guests enjoy themselves. But avoid curating the music for the whole day, you’ll just drive yourself mad. It’s also likely that your guests will want to make requests, so leave room for spontaneity!

Remember that you are hiring a DJ - you don’t need to do it yourself! Once you have given the DJ the broad strokes and a few specific songs to play or avoid then it’s a good idea to let go and focus on enjoying your wedding day. The chances are you will be so busy getting married that you yourself won't actually hear most of your painstakingly curated playlist, as long as your guests are on the dance floor then the DJ is doing a good job!

How much space does a wedding DJ need?

Most professional wedding DJs need an area of around 2m x 3m. It’s important that they have access to suitable power sockets for their equipment and it’s a good idea to have the DJ set up adjacent to the dance floor. Most wedding venues will have a regular spot that the DJ sets up in and you can always put the DJ in contact with the wedding venue in case they need to discuss anything in depth. 

How long does a wedding DJ need to set up?

DJ’s will generally need around 60-90 minutes to load in equipment, setup and clear away bags and cases. For an evening function a wedding DJ would usually arrive around 5:30/6pm to start the evening music for 7:30pm.

Do DJs play music during dinner at weddings?

If you have hired a wedding DJ for your evening reception then there’s a good chance that they will be able to provide background music during dinner as an extra service, which they will usually charge for. Although many venues will have a sound system that can be used during dinner, it’s often not a particularly great sound system and you may be limited to the venue's own playlist.

The Dj should also be able to provide microphones (preferably radio mics) for dinner speeches too.

When choosing music for dinner it's a good idea to choose fun, light styles will allow guests to converse without having to shout over the music. Popular examples of dinner music choices include Motown and Soul music, acoustic music and jazz versions of famous pop songs (such as Postmodern Jukebox).

Have a great wedding!

Hiring a reputable professional wedding DJ is a great way to make sure your wedding goes off with a bang. If you are hiring a wedding band then it’s likely that they will be able to offer a DJ service as part of a package. 

Make sure you communicate with your wedding DJ regarding musical styles, any “must-plays” and “don’t-plays”, the day's schedule including important moments like the first dance or cutting of the cake, and any other important information regarding the guests or the venue.

In the end a recommended, professional wedding DJ will be experienced meaning that you can relax and focus on having the best day!

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How to plan the music for your whole wedding day https://theduplettes.co.uk/how-to-plan-wedding-music/ https://theduplettes.co.uk/how-to-plan-wedding-music/#respond Thu, 23 Nov 2023 13:31:00 +0000 https://theduplettes.co.uk/?p=9020 Wedding music plays a huge part in keeping your guests entertained throughout the course of the whole day so it's useful to know when you will need music and what your options are.

A wedding day will usually need music for the wedding ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and the evening function. Each part of the day needs a different type of music to create the perfect atmosphere, while a mix of live music and prerecorded music (from a playlist or DJ) will help to keep your guests engaged and having a great time all the way through.

In this article we'll go through each part of the day and give an insight into what to think about and some ideas for choices for your wedding music.

First here's a breakdown of a common wedding day schedule...

TimeActivity
2pmWedding Ceremony
3pmDrinks Reception
4:30pmWedding Breakfast
6pmSpeeches
7pmEvening reception with DJ or playlist music
8pmCake cutting
8:15pmFirst Dance leading into bands first 45 minute set
9pmEvening food/buffet
9:45pmBands 2nd 45 minute set
10:30pmDJ until midnight
MidnightWedding venue curfew

Wedding Ceremony: Getting the music right

The first part of a wedding that requires music is the wedding ceremony, which itself can be thought of as a series of mini-events that all need considering individually.

Typically it’s a good idea to have music at five points in a wedding ceremony as shown in the table below,

SectionMusic Requirements
Arrival of the guestsA collection of about 3 songs to set the tone and entertain the guests
Processional pt IA song as the bridesmaids enter
Processional pt 2A song for the entrance of the bride
Signing of the registers1/2 songs to be played for the guests
RecessionalA song to be played as the couple and guests leave the ceremony

Wedding ceremonies usually require around 7/8 songs or pieces of music which could be played live by an acoustic duo or string player for instance, or from a device such as Spotify on a phone connected to a speaker. For some ideas on great wedding ceremony songs check out our list here.

Drinks Reception: Music for mingling

The drinks reception is the part of the day where all the guests get relax a bit as the bride & groom have their photos taken. Guests are usually ready to chat and mingle by this point, often catching up with old friends or family members, the music should provide fun & interesting background music rather than a full, featured performance that requires attention. 

A drinks reception typically lasts around 60/100 minutes and is a great opportunity to include some live music. A small ensemble usually performs around 90 minutes of live music at a wedding drinks reception with a short break in the middle making it a perfect fit. 

Live music at a drinks reception is a great way to create a fun, relaxed vibe and give your guests a talking point or ice-breaker. An acoustic duo or trio performing cool live-lounge style versions often works really well. 

Wedding Breakfast: Create the right vibe for chatting

The wedding breakfast is a point of the day which often goes overlooked when it comes to music and entertainment. However, light background music is a great option to create a fun atmosphere as your guests wait for their meals and get to know their table partners. 

This could be a well crafted playlist like this or a small ensemble or band of musicians. The vibe of this playlist or band set should be fun but not too loud or energetic. Chilled, acoustic covers of famous pop songs played in a different style work particularly well here.

wedding breakfast musicians performing to guests
wedding breakfast musicians performing to guests

It’s also possible to hire microphones for speeches from musicians you have hired for another part of day. We include free microphone hire for speeches for all couples booking a package of daytime and evening live music as well as playlist background music between sets. 

First Dance: Create an unforgettable moment

The First Dance is a special part of the day and usually takes place during the early part of the evening reception at around 7/8pm, just after the cutting of the cake. It opens up the evening of partying for all your guests as they join you on the dance floor.

The history of the first dance can be traced back to 17th century France where it was called the “Minuet”. In modern times it's normal for the couple to take their first dance before their guests who join them on the dance floor around half way through the song. Interestingly, in Victorian Britain wedding music it was the other way around as it became common for the guests to dance first and the married couple to join in later.

first dance music band
first dance music band

Today many couples choose a song for the first dance that means something special to both of them. Often this is a slow pop song or a more energetic song that has been arranged as a slower ballad. Alternatively, a first dance can also be light-hearted with some couples opting for an uptempo song and a rehearsed dance routine, a great way to add some fun into your wedding music.  

Evening Reception: Let's dance!

After the first dance the party really begins so it’s important to get everyone and up dancing right away. If you have hired a band they will usually move straight into their first set at the end of the first dance, often around 7:30/8:30pm. The music needs to be upbeat but accessible as you will likely have a wide range of ages to cater for early at this point.

Typically wedding bands will perform 2 x 45 minute sets or possibly split their performances into three sets so it’s a good idea to at least roughly plan their set times to coincide with the evening food and any other activities such as sparklers and evening speeches if there are any.

We would recommend that the band finish their last set at least 40 minutes before the end of the evening in order to give your guests time to make some DJ requests after the band has finished. If you have guests scheduled to leave before the curfew then that can be considered too. 

wedding band musicians on stage

Wedding venues usually have a midnight curfew but in some cases you may want to extend the party beyond. Most bands can make arrangements for this and will be able to provide you with hourly rates for music after midnight. 

Enjoy your amazing wedding music!

Hopefully this article has helped to inform and inspire your musical decisions for your upcoming wedding. The Duplettes can help with every stage and we'll happily provide musical advice for the whole wedding, even the parts of the day you haven't hired us for!

To find out more about how we can help your wedding check out our line up options here.

Let us know if we answered your question using the form below!

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6 song ideas for the bride's entrance at your wedding ceremony https://theduplettes.co.uk/songs-brides-entrance-wedding-ceremony/ https://theduplettes.co.uk/songs-brides-entrance-wedding-ceremony/#respond Fri, 16 Dec 2022 20:09:17 +0000 https://theduplettes.co.uk/?p=8996 Choosing the right song for the bride's entrance during the processional at your wedding ceremony is always going to be a tough decision. At the end of the day it's one of the most special moments in a person's life so you want to get it right, but where to start?

Bride's entrance

Some brides are lucky and have known which song they would play since they were young, but if you're not one of those, don't panic! This post aims to give you some beautiful songs to choose from that will have everyone reaching for the tissues as you walk down the aisle at your wedding, and even if you don't end up choosing one of these songs perhaps it will inspire you to make an even better choice for the bride's entrance.

1. "Songbird" by Eva Cassidy

"Songbird" was originally written and performed by Christine McVie for the 1977 Fleetwood Mac album "Rumours". The Fleetwood Mac version features McVie's voice alongside a beautiful piano and subtle acoustic guitar. The song was also famously covered by Eva Cassidy who accompanied herself with an intricate fingerstyle acoustic guitar arrangement which she played herself. Where McVie's version is light and pretty, Cassidy's rendition is slightly slower and as a result more dramatic.

We've included both versions below for you to compare.

2. "Feels Like Home" by Edwina Hayes

"Feels Like Home" was originally written by Randy Newman for the musical "Randy Newman's Faust" but was subsequently covered by other artists including English singer-songwriter Edwina Hayes and was part of the soundtrack to the 2009 film "My Sister's Keeper" (for more information on the track click here). The lyrics provide the listener with a portrayal of how having that special person in your life provides you with security and comfort, or "feels like home".

Edwina Hayes version features her soaring vocal performance accompanied by a fingerstyle acoustic guitar combining to create a beautiful rendition. We've included our own cover of the Edwina Hayes version of this song below which we've also performed at a number of wedding ceremonies this year.

3. "You & Me Song" by The Wannadies

"You & Me Song" by The Wannadies is a bit of a curve ball for a wedding ceremony but hear us out! It’s a great example of how a slightly rockier pop song can be adapted as long as the lyrics suit the occasion. This indie-pop classic was originally released in 1994 on Indolent Records but was also featured on the soundtrack of the film “Romeo + Juliet”. 

In our version below we’ve slowed it down a little and arranged it for acoustic guitar making it perfect for a bridal entrance. 

4. "A Thousand Years"

”A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri was released in 2011 on Atlantic Records and featured on the soundtrack to "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1". The song is an immaculately written love song with the sentiment of the lyrics revolving around the concept of waiting forever to find the one true love while facing and overcoming one's fears in the process.

The original combines Perri's fantastic vocal performance with piano and acoustic guitar however as you can see in our video below the song works just fine with only acoustic guitar.

5. "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran

“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran was released in 2017 on Asylum Records and Atlantic Records. The chord progression of the song takes strong influences from classic songs such as “Stand By Me” by Ben E King and “(What a) Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke, while the guitar picking pattern is similar to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. 

The lyrics of the song are tailor-made for a wedding ceremony or first dance as they describe the feeling of finding the “perfect love”. 

We’ve included a section from “Perfect” in the video below.

6. “At Last” by Etta James

“At Last” by Etta James is a timeless classic song that’s has been played at many wedding ceremonies, and for good reason! The lyrics describe the feeling of finally finding a soul mate while the meandering chord sequence compliments the melody perfectly. 

Released in 1960 on Argo Records (a subsidiary of Chess Records), the song has stood the test of time and it’s certainly been a song we’ve played at many weddings through the years. For more information on the song “At Last” click here.

We’ve included our version below. 

So what's your song for the bride's entrance?

The truth is that music like all art is subjective and the secret is to find the song that means something to you. The song could be the right song for any number of reasons, often it's because the lyrics reflect your feelings towards each other or the situation under which you met or even got engaged. Other times it could just be a song that you both just love.

Our advice would be to do your due diligence and check that the song is something your musicians can deliver. Also it's probably a good idea to think about the meaning of the song and check that it doesn't have any weird lyrics that you may have missed. But the main advice is to follow your heart and the right song will almost choose itself. Good luck in your search!

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5 things to consider when hiring musicians for your wedding ceremony https://theduplettes.co.uk/5-things-to-consider-when-hiring-musicians-for-your-wedding-ceremony/ https://theduplettes.co.uk/5-things-to-consider-when-hiring-musicians-for-your-wedding-ceremony/#respond Wed, 14 Dec 2022 18:32:46 +0000 https://theduplettes.co.uk/?p=8991 Hiring musicians to play live music at your wedding ceremony is a beautiful way to create unforgettable moments on your big day that will stay with you and your guests for a long time. In this article, we’ll discuss five things to take into account when selecting musicians for your wedding ceremony.

We'll touch on style and pricing to the size of the ensemble while walking you through the process of finding the perfect musical accompaniment for your special day. So, keep reading to learn the five essential things to consider when hiring musicians for your wedding ceremony.

To find out more about hiring The Duplettes for your wedding click here.

1. What atmosphere are you looking to create?

Music at a wedding ceremony is central to creating the mood and atmosphere of the occasion, while also playing a useful role in keeping your guests entertained while waiting for the bride to arrive. Many couples choose to create a pretty, tender mood with possibly an acoustic guitar, vocalist, piano or even a string quartet.

That isn't the only option though, for instance a bold rock song during the bride's arrival or a dramatic anthem as the married couple leave the ceremony can work really well too. It can be useful to reflect on your own personality and musical interests to help you imagine what combination would suit your wedding.

2. Which parts of your wedding ceremony will benefit from live music?

Wedding ceremonies usually involve five stages which are...

  1. Guests arriving and waiting for the ceremony to start
  2. The arrival of the bridal party
  3. The Ceremony
  4. Signing of the registers
  5. Guests and couple leaving the ceremony

Four out of these five stages are perfect for music with the obvious exception being the ceremony itself! As an acoustic duo we have a collection of well-known ballads, soul songs and pop songs to entertain the guests as they arrive and during the signing of the registers while our wedding couples usually choose a song for the arrival of the bridesmaids and a song for the arrival of the bride.

For a more in-depth look at choosing music for your wedding check out our booking guide here.

3. How much space does the wedding ceremony venue have for the musicians?

If you are planning on live music during your wedding ceremony it's important to know that there will be enough space for the musicians and to plan where you'd like to put them. If the musicians are simply acoustic and unamplified such as a violinist then you only need enough space for them to stand.

If they require a speaker to be heard like most vocalists do then they will need a bit more space for their speaker and usually access to electricity.

Musicians can usually be placed at the side or back of the wedding ceremony venue where they can be inconspicuous but still not have to be too loud for people to hear.

4. What is the perfect song to walking down the aisle?

While we can't give you a precise answer for this question, we can give you some useful ideas on what to consider when choosing a song to walking down to the aisle. We take a look at some classic choices in our article about wedding ceremony song choices here.

There are a wide range of songs that can work in this situation from classical music to arrangements of modern pop songs, the main point is that the song reflects and means something to you.

Other considerations include the lyrics of the song (lyrics about death or a break up are probable not the best idea!). Jokes aside it has been known for couples to have chosen songs with unfortunate lyrics that perhaps aren't apparent on a casual listen, so do a bit of research and check that the song is about what you think it is.

5. Are the musicians experienced at delivering wedding ceremony music?

Although it may not seem like it, providing live music for a wedding ceremony is a high pressure service! It can be much more nerve racking delivering a delicate acoustic version of someones favourite song in an intimate setting to a small number of people than it is blasting out a more technical song later in the day to 100 people at the evening party. Not all bands or musicians have the experience to deliver the quality that a wedding ceremony demands.

For this reason it's a good idea to make sure you have seen video of the musicians performing something similar to what you are asking for on your wedding day. Reading reviews on Google, Facebook or some other review provider is also a great way to gauge if they can deliver for you.

You can find our reviews on google here and our facebook reviews here.

Conclusion

Hopefully that gives you a good idea of things to consider when hiring musicians for your wedding ceremony. With these considerations in mind you should be able to narrow down your choice of which songs, instruments and musicians would be most suitable fo your own wedding ceremony.

If you need any further advice then feel free to contact us using the form here and we'll be happy to advise you via email or even arrange a call.

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Finding the Perfect Wedding Musicians https://theduplettes.co.uk/finding-the-perfect-wedding-musicians-tips-tricks/ https://theduplettes.co.uk/finding-the-perfect-wedding-musicians-tips-tricks/#respond Mon, 12 Dec 2022 16:59:56 +0000 https://theduplettes.co.uk/?p=8903 Wedding music is one of the most important elements of your special day and finding the perfect wedding musicians to provide the soundtrack for your big day requires a little bit of research and consideration. From 10-piece wedding bands to the string quartets and acoustic duos, selecting the right music can really help make your wedding day truly memorable. 

In this article, we'll provide you with some tips and tricks for finding the perfect wedding musicians, from researching your options to making sure the musicians understand what you’re looking for, we'll help you make the right decisions for your big day. 

Researching Potential Wedding Musicians and Bands

When it comes to finding the perfect wedding musicians, research is key. Taking a little bit of time to research potential candidates can be the difference between adding beautiful and memorable moments to your day or experiencing the stress and awkwardness of a band who can’t deliver what you hired them for. 

Like anything else, it’s just about knowing what questions to ask and what information to look for.

Only Use Experienced, Professional Wedding Bands

The first important point is to limit your search to established, professional wedding bands rather than amateur musicians or local bands. Playing music for a wedding (one of the most important occasions of your life) is very different to smashing out a few covers at The Dog & Parrot.

The musicians have to be familiar with the music and atmosphere expected at a wedding ceremony or reception and a band playing at the evening reception needs to be able to provide a performance that will be fun for all your guests. 

Reviews or references from previous clients are a great way for couples to be reassured about the quality of the musicians and whether they are capable of providing the services they offer.

Consider the styles of music you want for different parts of the day

Live music at a wedding usually consists of music at the wedding ceremony, drinks reception and evening reception. Professional wedding musicians will be able to provide suitable music for the part of the day you have booked them for. 

Musicians that perform in a niche style such as a hip-hop, brass quartet may be more suitable for the drinks reception and become a talking point as guests are mingling whereas the evening reception probably requires a more mainstream and widely appealing range of styles. 

All wedding musicians have a repertoire and general style that they are comfortable covering so make sure you’re not asking an Indie-Rock band to play sophisticated jazz songs in the wedding ceremony.

Make sure the musicians are familiar with the venue and wedding program

Discussing the venue and wedding program with the musicians early on can help to avoid curve balls down the line. Some venues for instance have sound limiters which some bands are not comfortable performing with (some venues also have limiters which are so quiet they make performing live music almost impossible).

Giving the musicians a good idea of the timings for different parts of your day is also helpful as they can then plan their arrival time based on how much set up time they need and when the space is available. Musicians performing at the ceremony or drinks reception typically can set up in less than an hour whereas larger bands performing for the evening may need more like two hours to set up and sound check.

Discuss the musicians availability and fees

Once you have found some potential candidates to perform at your wedding it’s important to ask them to send you their availability and fees. Ask for a detailed estimate of the services they provide (including any extras that could make your life easier such as microphone hire for the speeches). 

It’s advisable to avoid simply looking for the cheapest option as these musicians often aren’t the most experienced or talented. You should be able to find some good quality live music for a wide range of budgets even if it’s just for one part of the day. Much better to have a beautiful wedding ceremony and a playlist for the rest of the day than someone incompetent providing music for the whole day!

Wrapping Up: Finding the Perfect Wedding Musicians

Hopefully that has provided you with a few quick tips on how to find the perfect wedding musicians for your big day. It’s not too difficult or risky as long as you do a bit of research and ask the right questions.

In the meantime if you are looking for wedding musicians then take a look here at what The Duplettes can offer for your event or contact us here.

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How long does a wedding band play for? https://theduplettes.co.uk/how-long-does-a-wedding-band-play-for/ https://theduplettes.co.uk/how-long-does-a-wedding-band-play-for/#respond Thu, 03 Feb 2022 14:37:31 +0000 https://theduplettes.co.uk/?p=7765 When planning your wedding day, timing is a critical component to consider in ensuring the day is a success. Accurately planning how long each part of your day will take and where to fit different aspects in will have a considerable effect on how stressed you are and the enjoyment of your guests. 

A wedding band will normally perform for around 90 minutes to two hours, with the performance broken into two sets between 8pm and 11pm and the band taking a break of 30 to 45 minutes between the two sets. Acoustic musicians such (solo, duo’s or trios) are usually booked to play earlier in the day around 1pm - 4pm during the drinks reception and might perform 2 x 45 minute sets or 1 x 90 minute set without a break to fit between the ceremony and the wedding breakfast.

What do I need to consider when planning live music?

If you are booking live music for any part of your wedding day then there are a few important considerations to make regarding times which are…

  • What time do you want the live music to start and end?
  • How long does the band play for?
  • How long will the band need to set up and will the band have time to set up in the space?
  • What time the band will eat (if this is part of your agreement)
  • What time will the band need to arrive?

We would advise you to think about these points in the order above as it will help you to easily plan how the musicians fit into your day.

The answers to these questions will depend on what part of the day you are having live music, the size of the band, the amount of equipment they bring and other factors such as if you are hiring a separate AV team or DJ.

What time do you want the live music to start and end?

A wedding band booked for the evening reception will usually play 2 x 45 minute sets with the first set starting after the cutting of the cake around 8pm and ending around 11pm with a DJ or a Spotify playlist continuing the dancing up until the midnight curfew that most wedding venues impose. Audiences usually want more music after the excitement of a live band so it works well for the band to finish playing at around 11pm and the DJ to finish the night.

In the event that the day has run late (as is often the case) the band can usually push their sets together and play 90 minutes without a break.

If you have hired a venue with a later curfew or no curfew at all then you can negotiate a later finish with the band that might also include an extra set.

An acoustic duo or trio booked to play during the drinks reception will often play 2 x 45 minutes or 1 x 90 minute set from 3pm or 4pm through to the wedding breakfast at 5:30pm. It’s always good to give the band at least a short break if possible so that they singer can rest their voice.

wedding band musicians for hire
wedding band musicians for hire

How long does the band play for?

Wedding bands usually divide their performances up into 45 to 50 minute sets and perform live music for a total of 90 to 100 minutes in total. Around 90 minutes of live music is a good length for a wedding finishing at midnight as it means that guests have time to mingle, eat, order drinks and build up the courage to dance.

Some bands will offer up to 60 minutes per set or extra sets as an optional extra for weddings where there’s a late curfew or the bride and groom are particularly fond of live music. 

The good news about booking extra sets for wedding parties that finish later is that because the band is already at your wedding the chances are you will get a fairly hefty discount on that extra hour of live music.

How long will the band need to set up and will the band have time to set up in the space?

It’s easy to forget that the band will need a considerable amount of time to set up depending on the size of their set up. Most professional bands booked to perform at an evening party can go from an empty room to fully set up and sound checked in around 60-90 minutes. 

If the band for the evening are performing in the same room as the wedding breakfast then the band will usually set up after the speeches at the end of the wedding breakfast at around 6/6:30pm. It’s common for guests to leave the main reception room or area for drinks in the bar and this provides the perfect opportunity for the band to set up and be ready for 8pm.

An acoustic duo performing at the drinks reception can achieve this in 30 to 45 minutes because they have less equipment.

What time the band will eat (if this is part of your agreement)?

Professional wedding musicians usually include a request for 1 hot meal per member as part of their standard contract, mainly because they will be at the venue from 6pm and finish packing up after midnight without chance to head out for food. It’s a good idea to plan for the band to eat either on arrival or before their first set after they have set up the equipment.

What time will the band need to arrive?

Acoustic duos booked for music at the afternoon drinks receptions will usually aim to arrive around 60 to 90 minutes before they are due to perform which gives them time to set up, sound check and get changed into their stage clothes. 

A band booked to play the evening music will usually aim to arrive around 6pm to 6:30pm so that they have time to set up the equipment, sound check, eat and get changed into stage clothes before the cutting of the cake and first dance around 8pm.

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Can a wedding band play with a sound limiter? https://theduplettes.co.uk/can-a-wedding-band-play-in-a-venue-with-a-sound-limiter/ https://theduplettes.co.uk/can-a-wedding-band-play-in-a-venue-with-a-sound-limiter/#respond Wed, 12 Jan 2022 15:38:04 +0000 https://theduplettes.co.uk/?p=7732 If you have chosen the perfect wedding venue for your big day it can be a bit of a worry to find out that they have a sound or noise limiter installed if you intend on having live music or a DJ at your wedding reception. 

If a wedding venue has a sound limiter that is above 95db then you are safe to book a band or DJ but it’s a good idea to give them some warning so that they can prepare in advance. A band may need to bring a smaller drum kit or even an electric kit while a DJ may bring a smaller sound system. If its less than 95db then you will need to check with the band that they are capable of this or hire an acoustic, un-amplified band

The Duplettes wedding band is experienced at performing in venues with sound limiters and happy to discuss the best approach for your wedding with you.

Why do wedding venues use sound limiters?

A growing number of wedding venues are installing noise limiter devices to prevent sound above a certain level becoming a nuisance to the local community. Sound from a party can travel a surprising long way especially if there’s a band with a live drummer. 

Sound monitoring and limiting devices are intended to allow party guests to enjoy themselves and make noise up to an agreed level without too much disturbance for the venue’s neighbours. They are often installed at the request of the local council after complaints or on condition of the issuing of an events licence.

What do sound limiters do?

Sound limiters at wedding venues monitor the overall volume of sound in the local environment and are usually placed in the function room where the evening reception is held. Some venues simply use sound monitors and will ask members of staff to work with the band to keep the volume down if it is above a certain level but many have limiters which temporarily switch off the electricity once the volume is above a certain level for more than around five seconds.

This can obviously interrupt the party but it’s also not very good for the band’s equipment so it’s a good idea to try to avoid this as much as possible.

How do bands prepare for playing with a decibel meter?

These days professional wedding bands and DJs are quite used to dealing with sound limiters as they have become so common at wedding venues across the country. DJs will often bring a smaller sound system or can simply “turn down” until the desired volume is reached.

“Turning down” is a bit more tricky for a live band for a number of reasons and a band that sounds quieter to the audience than the DJ can actually be scientifically louder and set off the limiter. This is because of the difference in how live music and pre-recorded music are produced. Without getting too technical the basic difference is that pre-recorded music has been carefully balanced, edited and mastered to give it a very consistent overall sound level.

The sound that a live band makes is a bit different because it is produced by multiple live instruments like a drum kit or a guitar amp and it also hasn’t been mastered. This means  that the overall volume is less consistent and can get really loud for short periods while relatively quiet at the rest of the time. The band needs to be much more aware of their volume dynamics to reduce the loudest parts and avoid setting off the limiter which takes a bit of extra skill and experience. They can also bring special equipment such as an electric drum kit and in-ear monitors if the venue has a particularly quiet noise level.

Will the wedding venue tell me if they have a sound limiter?

Yes they should and most will tell their clients about the noise limiter although it’s not always clear what the implications of the noise limiter will be. The venue should be able to tell you if they have had live bands on before and whether it had caused any difficulties. 

In reality there are very few wedding venues that have not made provisions such as sound-proofing to allow for evening entertainment at reasonable levels as it is one of the basic facilities that are required from such a venue. 

Will a sound limiter ruin the music?

If the band isn’t prepared and their set is constantly interrupted by the power being cut then of course that is a problem but the sound limiter shouldn’t ruin the music for you or your guests if you have a professional wedding band and you have given them some notice about the situation. 

With a combination of skill, awareness and the right equipment it often won’t make much difference to the sound at all and if the band does set the limiter off once or twice it’s not really that big an issue because the power to the stage is usually back on within ten to fifteen seconds. We’ve had a few weddings where this has happened but the drummer kept the beat going while the audience sang along until the band could join in again, which is often a really fun moment for everyone. 

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Can a wedding band play outside? https://theduplettes.co.uk/can-a-wedding-band-play-outside/ https://theduplettes.co.uk/can-a-wedding-band-play-outside/#respond Thu, 06 Jan 2022 16:06:50 +0000 https://theduplettes.co.uk/?p=7702 It’s great to plan your wedding around a vision of the perfect day for you and your guests. For many that involves a summer wedding with lots of sunshine and a big party taking place outside with great light and all their favourite people together dancing and having fun. One question that often isn’t considered until the day itself is can the wedding band actually play outside?

Wedding bands can play outside as long as there is access to power and shelter from the sun or rain in case the weather changes. A small gazebo is perfect for protection from the sun and can stop any rain from damaging the band’s equipment if the weather changes. It’s also wise to consult with your venue or your neighbours regarding sound levels as there may be a time where noise has to be below a certain level.

wedding music outside

When to have live music outside?

In our experience we find that for weddings in the UK it works best to have live music outdoors for the wedding ceremony or drinks reception. With the timing of most wedding ceremonies and drinks receptions falling in the middle of the day we find that this is the perfect time to be outside and it’s even better if there’s a small band such as an acoustic duo or trio.

For evening music it’s usually best to have this inside the venue or marquee given the unpredictable nature of British weather and the location of the bar although in other hotter countries it’s perfectly reasonable to have the band perform outside for the evening reception.

Bands playing outdoors need access to electricity

Bands playing outside don't need much in the way of extra consideration, but an absolutely essential item is access to electricity to power the bands equipment. Even acoustic duos require a small sound system featuring usually one or two speakers, a microphone and a mixing desk to deliver high quality sound that your guests will be able to enjoy.

This doesn't have to be industrial strength power either as most bands can run their equipment from a standard mains socket and use an extension reel to reach the area you would like them to play. It’s probably a good idea not to have this too far away from the power source but most bands will carry an extension lead that reaches up to 25 meters.

Should I provide shelter for the wedding band?

Often when we’ve been asked to play outside it has been decided at the last minute because the weather happened to be great that day and it’s always been a really fun way to create a nice atmosphere. If you are having a summer wedding or a wedding abroad and considering having live music outside we would advise you to plan to provide shade or shelter for the musicians as protection from the sun or even rain if the weather changes. 

The Duplettes playing outside

During a drinks reception the musicians can be performing for up to two hours and if it’s a hot day this can be uncomfortable at best and a bit of a nightmare on a scorching day. If it begins to rain then the equipment is in danger and it’s obviously not a great idea to have electronics out in the open during a shower.

Consider providing a small gazebo or if you are sure that it’s not going to rain then place the band in some natural shade provided by a large tree or a building.

Consider noise levels when hiring a band to play outside

Bands create sound, even a small acoustic duo. Indoors this isn’t usually an issue as the walls and ceilings provide varying degrees of soundproofing, although more and more wedding venues these days have noise meters even for indoor performances. 

Outdoors sound can travel really far, often much further than you’d imagine. In some cases such as from venues on hilltops or in valleys this can be as much as a few miles, so even seemingly remote wedding venues in the countryside can have quite strict guidelines to stick to when it comes to sound or “noise” levels. 

outdoor summer wedding

Most noise complaints from neighbours are to do with evening wedding music from a loud band so an acoustic duo in the day is much less likely to create complaints than a band with a drummer in the evening. However, it is advisable to talk to the venue in advance to check on their noise considerations and policy. If you are having the wedding in your home or garden then mentioning it to your neighbours is a worthwhile courtesy as most will be understanding for a special occasion, even more so if they are invited!

Conclusion

For weddings in the UK having an acoustic duo or trio for the drinks reception is the easiest way to create a great atmosphere for the rest of the day and is a lovely backdrop for guests while they sip on champagne and mingle. It’s really simple to organise and the band will do most of the work so just make sure that they have access to electricity and some form of shade or shelter if possible.

If you are having a destination wedding then it’s quite probable that the venue have experience of musicians playing outside and once informed on your intentions can organise this quite easily.

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