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Get fit for your wedding day

adam — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:13:55 +0000

This may just be the most depressing piece of news you have heard all day but unfortunately there are no quick fixes! That’s pretty much the only fact you will ever hear about Health and Fitness but fear not, there is an answer out there for everyone. In the most basic form, weight loss is all about calorie expenditure – if you burn more calories than you take in then you will lose weight.

If you want to lose some weight for your big day then plan in advance – the more time you have the more weight you will lose and tone up. Pretty much anyone can make drastic changes to their body, given six months and some hard work. Here are some top tips for anyone looking to get fit for their wedding:

Get yourself a Diet Diary (Soon to be downloadable on here) and keep track of what you eat. You will be very surprised at just how many calories you eat per day from things that you don’t think about. For example, an average serving of pasta is around 350-400 calories.
Eat little and often. Easier said than done, right? We did say that it wouldn’t be easy. Try to split your meals into two. Have something light before you leave the house for breakfast and then something similar for brunch. Have half your lunch at the right time and another half in mid afternoon, and then eat something when you get in from work and again at dinner time. Make sure you don’t eat six full size meals though! Try to cut back on your carbs. Allthough they are essential for energy, generally we eat too many. As a rule, no carbs after 8pm.
Get to the gym. Weights and Cardio are essential for any programme. Women, don’t be afraid of the weights, there is absolutely no way that you will look like a body builder over the course of a few weeks. Weights build muscle, and muscle burns fat. Guys, do some Cardio; it’s important no matter what that bloke in the gym told you. If you’re short on inspiration have a look to see what classes are on in your local area.

So forget diet pills, forget dieting altogether and forget quick fixes. Strap on your trainers and get down to the gym.

For more help visit….www.hollandandbarrett.com

Plan Hen and Stag Night Party UK

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:31:08 +0000

Click to Book Entertainment

There is a massive range of activities available, from Bungee Jumping, Paint-balling and Driving Adventures through to relaxing Pamper Days. Don’t be alarmed by the vast array of 18+ gifts that you will undoubtedly receive from friends, and do join in the fun by wearing L-plates, personalised printed T-shirts or giant chicken outfits so that everyone knows who you all are! These personalized hen party ideas, whether an evening out in your local town or a weekend in a European Capital give you your chance to let your hair down and do what you really want to do. If you are bewildered by the choices available, contact a Party Organizer who can help you narrow down your options to find something suitable.

For your reception party, the choice is immense. It’s up to you whether you choose to celebrate your Wedding on a Riverboat cruise with 50 handpicked companions, or hire out the worlds biggest hotel and invite everyone you have ever met. Marquees are used more and more frequently; long gone are the days of old smelly tents used by the Scouts, options now include a varied assortment of colours, styles and lighting, with optional furniture, stages and dance-floors. Don’t forget portable toilets! If your Ceremony and Reception are in different venues, you will need to decide on transport between the two for yourselves and your guests. You may wish to use the same vehicle that took you to your ceremony, for example a horse and carriage, vintage car or limousine. You may also wish to consider hiring taxis, a mini bus or a coach to ferry your bridesmaids, close family members and elderly or disabled guests. Your wedding is initially announced to your guests by your choice of invitation and other stationery. You should ensure that your venue is suitably decorated to continue your theme, and there is a plethora of ways in which to do this. From magnificent Balloon Arches and Ice Sculptures to Floral Decorations and Favours, there are many ways of decorating your venue to your taste. Don’t forget that there are Venue Decorators who can book everything for you, giving you one less thing to worry about! Choose from many options including caricaturists, hypnotists, mind readers, look-a-likes, magicians, stilt-walkers, fire-eaters, or even tarot or psychic readers. In the evening, remember that you will be pretty busy chatting to guests, but don’t let that take over. Make sure that some time is spent with your new spouse, not just the first dance! Choose a suitable entertainment such a Country & Western or Celilidh Band to get guests dancing. Remember that if you are having live performers, they will require a rest from singing or playing so you may need a Disco to play all your favourite classic records or another form of entertainment to fill in the interim periods. Jazz or Blues bands are frequently booked to add to atmosphere, and Tribute or Original Bands are brilliant for die-hard music fans. If you’re trying to organise your stag or hen night you want your party to go with the sort of bang that has people talking about it decades later. You want to be a legend of all-conquering partydom. You want to be the prince or princess of stags or hens. But have you ever tried organizing a party night? Ever tried getting all the mates you know in one place at the same time – even if it’s just down the local for a drink and a pack of dry roasted? We’ll assume drinking and eating are no-brainers but how else are you going to fill those hours? Will your stag weekend be spent quad-biking, paintballing or clay pigeon shooting? Will your hen weekend involve rally-driving, archery or learning the seductive art of pole dancing? Start canvassing your friends. Get a few opinions. Ignore the one who says they’d rather stay in and watch Jeremy Kyle. Stag and hen nights don’t have to be confined to Britain, although you’d be hard-pushed to be stuck for something to do in places like Blackpool or Brighton. Europe is a fast growing party destination with places like Dublin and Riga offering a wild weekend just a little different to the norm. Stag/hen party participants will all be experiencing something original, and even the experienced yachtsman will be fascinated by the very different but extremely sophisticated systems required to sail a Thames sailing barge.

What matters to you on your wedding day?

admin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:38:53 +0000

By Mike Watts http://www.michaeldwatts.com

You could print out two copies of this and fill them in independently, then discuss the results. (Try not to fall out at this stage or I might feel really really responsible!)

Rate the following from 10 (very important) to 1 (completely indifferent)

____ Appearance – the bling, flowers, decorations, mood etc.

____ Clothes – what you and your guests wear, jeans and sandals to top hat and tails.

____ Family & Friends.

____ Religion – the spiritual side of you wedding, church etc.

____ Food

____ Drink – Do you do a booze cruise or buy cases of Verve Cliqot.

____ Music – Disco or big band.

____ Convenience – for you or your guests.

____ Photography – You see I’ve put it at the bottom even though it will be all you have left to remember the day.

When you look back at your wedding, what do you most want to remember?

____ Romance. – How romantic the day was.

____ Beautiful. – How beautiful it all was.

____ Exciting. – How much excitement you remember.

____ Smooth running – How easily and smoothly the day went.

____ Parents and family -How happy they were.

____ Formal – How formal the day was.

Circle several words that you think will describe your wedding.

Romantic – Religious – Casual – Classic – Classy – Loving – Posh – Glamorous – Relaxed – Formal – Themed – Budget – Luxurious

– Old fashioned – Sporty – Cute – Solemn – Traditional – Cheap.

List three other words that might describe your day.

_________ __________ __________

Budget – Even if you haven’t worked out your budget yet put some preliminary thoughts down now :-

How much might you spend.

Up to £1000.00

£1,000 to £5,000

£5,000 to £10,000

£10,000 to £20,000

£20,000 to £50,000

When are you thinking of getting married :- Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter?

On a special day, holiday, anniversary etc?

Have you thought about what the weather might be doing and where you would go if it’s wet, windy etc?

Have you thought of a theme for the day – What would it be?

Have you though about a colour theme? List your choices_____________________

Now look at our wedding planner and start making some decisions.

Please let me know if there are things that matter to you that I have missed out as I can update this blog so that other brides can benefit.

Article & photos by Mike Watts.

Www.MichaelDWatts.com

Please feel free to reproduce with a by-line

Should I have a DJ at my wedding?

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:50:16 +0000

Back in the seventies, most DJs were part timers. They worked in various professions, then fuelled their passion for music in the evenings and at weekends. There was no time for preparation or meetings. It was a case of throw on the jeans and T shirt and head out of the door armed with the usual selection of singles. Lights flashed in your eyes, choking smoke, and music so loud it was distorted……those were the days!!!

Times have changed considerably, thank goodness. There are more full time professional mobile disco companies than ever before. As well as presentation, more emphasis has been placed on individualising the entertainment to suit the occasion and the guests attending. The whole ‘Mobile Disco’ experience has moved up a gear too with reputable companies providing contracts of engagement giving you peace of mind, carrying certificates of insurance, reassuring you that they comply with guidelines and laws and generally going the extra mile to make your evening truly special and memorable.

‘Specialists’ have emerged too, such as the ‘Wedding DJ’…..an unusual breed that have worked hard to finely tune their skills, to raise the standard of wedding entertainment and to change the perception of the humble DJ of the seventies. These clever little critters have come together to form the Wedding DJ Association.

The Wedding DJ Association was formed two years ago as a National organisation, bringing together wedding DJ specialists of the highest standard. Membership is strict, with each individual having to prove they have reached the required criteria. To maintain this standard, each DJ has to comply with a code of ethics and agree to abide by the constitution of the Association.

For many brides and grooms, booking a DJ is a fairly new experience. Booking the right DJ is paramount to ensure that the end of their special day is how they want it to be and fits in with how they’d imagined. With the Wedding DJ Association, Brides can now find a wedding DJ specialist in their area and be confident in the knowledge that they have found a supplier of the highest standard.

What can you expect from your DJ from The Wedding DJ Association?

Many members are happy to meet with you prior to booking. You need to have a good rapport with the person and be confident that they can create the atmosphere you want as they will be leading your evening entertainment, and be part of your day for 5 hours or more.
Discussions about how you want your evening to progress. From lighting and sound to including particular events such as a bouquet toss or types of music, WDJA members are committed to making your reception entertainment unique and personalised.
All agreements and payment will be in writing, signed and duplicated.
They will always be appropriately dressed for the occasion.
They will be in attendance at your venue in plenty of time, courteous to all your guests and attentive to your needs and requirements.
They will source the music you want, and present it in the way you request. For example, some people prefer a more sophisticated approach with minimal input from the DJ and less microphone work. Others opt for a personality DJ who is able to entertain and encourage a party atmosphere. WDJA members will discuss your options with you and ensure the evening is to your taste.
Backup! Whether it’s the DJ himself who blows a fuse or the equipment he uses, WDJA members ensure they have a backup plan for life’s unforeseen eventualities.

Other things to consider when deciding on your evening entertainment:

Music too loud can drive some guests home early. Don’t be afraid to ask your DJ to play music at a volume that is suitable to dance to, but also comfortable for those wanting to chat.
Not all discos provide mobile night clubs. If you have more senior guests attending, engage a DJ that lights only the dance floor and doesn’t flash disco effects in the faces of seated guests.
If you have children attending, many wedding DJs are happy to accommodate them with suitable dances and games.

Every wedding is unique and finding the right DJ to match your needs and requirements will ensure your evening is just how you want it to be, personalised and memorable.

Sandy Sounds, The Wedding DJ Association (WDJA) www.weddingdja.co.uk

How to plan a UK wedding

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 11:33:39 +0000

How to Start Planning Your Perfect Day… Planning a Wedding can be both stressful and time consuming, and it’s hard to know where to start… With so many options, it can feel a little overwhelming. Hiring an experienced Wedding planner is a great start, and doesn’t have to cost the earth either. Initially, you should expect a free consultation, where you can get to know the Wedding planner, and explain what you are looking for as a couple. The Wedding planner will be able to advise you on budget planning, give you ideas and tips, and guide you through the planning process making sure that you don’t miss anything. For a full Wedding planning package you should expect to pay 10-15% of your Wedding budget, but in fact you should make enough savings by using their recommended suppliers to cover the majority of the cost. It is of course important to find a Wedding planner that you get on with, and most importantly that inspires you, but who doesn’t try to force you into anything, or try to take over completely- it is your day after all! If you decide to plan your Wedding yourself, start by setting a realistic budget, and sticking to it! Make use of the budget planners that you can find in most Wedding magazines, and do your research. Visit local Wedding Fayres for ideas and inspiration, but don’t feel pressured into booking all your services on the day, and bear in mind that the people exhibiting at Wedding Fayres are not necessarily the cheapest, or the best. Keep a scrapbook of ideas as you go along, as you are likely to change your mind about colour schemes and table decorations several times before the big day. It is also important to make use of the free service available to you from the Wedding or Event planner at the venue that you choose- they will be able to advise you on timings, and may even recommend good local suppliers to you. Above all, the planning process should be fun and enjoyable. As you get closer to the Wedding, many Wedding planners offer a “last minute” or “final touches” package, where they can check through everything for you, making sure nothing has been missed and all your paperwork is in order. This can be a great idea if you start to feel a bit panicky in the last couple of months.

Hannah Solomons

Hand Maid Weddings & Events www.hand-maidevents.co.uk 07725 252200

Ladywood Estate, www.ladywoodestate.co.uk

Hire Wedding Magician UK Weddings

admin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:19:42 +0000

Weddings are magical occasions for all involved but to bring that extra spark of enchantment, you should look into hiring a magician to perform at your wedding reception.

When it comes to organising your wedding party, you have a wide range of options. You could have a simple event or a themed party, perhaps featuring 60s, beach, Bond, or medieval themes. Or you could have a casino or celebrity look-a-like. As for decor, you could feature an ice sculpture or chocolate fountain.

You’ll need music of course and you have the choice of a live band, jazz band or a DJ laying down disco beats. Or your might prefer a string quartet, harpist, singer, piper or pianist.

You could employ a toastmaster to be the master of ceremonies and keep the event moving along. And on the all-important entertainment front, you could hire a caricaturist or silhouette artist. But for a wedding party that really goes with a bang, you can’t beat a magician.

When we say magician, we’re not talking about a man on a stage pulling a white rabbit out of a hat. We’re talking about a modern interactive close-up magician. This magician moves among the tables or groups of people and entertains them with a sophisticated magic routine. Below are some great reasons why having a magician at your wedding reception will make it a rousing success.

Firstly, nothing gets a wedding party swinging quite like a magic routine. It provides an immediate spark to the atmosphere, creating a genuine buzz of excitement. Along with tucking into the food, swilling down the champagne and dancing to the band, your guests will be be delighted to find you’ve arranged something special. Imagine their cries of surprised joy when the magician begins to weave his way through the tables and groups of guests bringing that special touch to the occasion. By personalising his act for each group, the magician is perfect for building and maintaining the relaxed atmosphere that makes every wedding party a success.

This means that magic acts are great for breaking the ice and bringing people together. Many of the magician’s tricks require audience participation which further delights the guests. It often creates an ambiance of friendly competition and results in copious laughter and a flow of playful banter. Enjoying and participating in magic tricks forges a sense of community and shared experience that is possible in few other ways. And it also draws people out of themselves, so that even the shyer guests start participating and enjoying themselves more.

On a purely practical level, your magician can fill in if things get off schedule. Wedding parties are complex affairs and many things can go wrong. Perhaps the guest of honour is delayed in the traffic. Or if the best man is late for his speech for example, the magician can keep the guests enthralled while waiting. Or if the food’s delayed, what better way to keep your guests happy than with a magic routine? In this way he can take a lot of the stress off the host and hostess by keeping the guests entertained as needed.

But ultimately, the real magic of the magician is to create that unique ambiance and the feeling that anything is possible. And on your wedding day, that’s exactly the mood you need to make it perfect.

So make sure you get a magician for your wedding and you’ll be sure of the event of a lifetime. Everyone loves a magic act. Your magician will appeal to guests of all ages and both genders. Getting a magician for your wedding reception is surprisingly affordable and in addition to the benefits above, will make your wedding party the talk of the town.

By Wedding Magician

http://www.davidwillmott.com

Cost of a wedding UK. Free UK planner

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:13:49 +0000

Preparing for your big day should be memorable and fun. The period from engagement to wedding day, is the beginning of your life as a couple. Both of you, bride and groom have decisions to make and tasks to complete so that yours will be the wedding day you always dreamed about. Utilize the following checklist as a map to follow. A map, or guide, that will lead you on an enjoyable, memorable journey from engagement to marriage. Print it, fill it out and save it as a wedding planning keepsake to look upon fondly later in life as you stroll through memory lane.

In order to keep you and the friends and family members who help you focused and on task, this wedding preparation checklist is divided into categories and each category lists the appropriate items.

Next to each item you should place the following information:

who paid for it,
who is in charge of it,
the date it was completed.

In addition to the parents, the WEDDING PARTY includes your choice of:

Best Man
Maid/Matron of honour
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Ushers
Flower Girl(s)
Ring Bearer(s)
Other
ATTIRE

Bride

Wedding Dress

Wedding Dress Fittings and Alterations
Wedding Dress Cleaning
Wedding Dress Pressing
Dress Preservation – Carrying Bag
Bridal Tiara & Veil
Shoes
Lingerie

Beauty Treatment, Hair & Make Up
Jewellery Accessories
Groom

Tux Outfit
Shoes
Jewellery

Wedding Attendants

Best Man Attire
Jewellery
Groomsmen Attire
Jewellery
Maid of Honor Dress
Shoes
Jewellery – accessories
Bridemaids Dresses
Shoes
Jewellery – accessories
Flower Girl Dress
Shoes
Jewellery – accessories
Ring Bearer Suit
Shoes
Religous Attire
Other
PERSONAL WEDDING ACCESSORIES

Choose a Wedding theme if applicable
Wedding Accessories Collection
Something Old
Something New
Something Borrowed
Something Blue
Sixpence for the bride’s Shoe
Garter

Emergency Kit
Other
STATIONERY
Reply Cards
Location Map
Programme
Place Cards
Menu
Thank You Cards
Envelope Seals
Printed Napkins
Stamps
Other
FOR THE CEREMONY

Wedding Bands
Wedding Vows
Jewellery Gifts for Kids

Flower Girl Basket
Ring Bearer Pillow
Guest Books
Pens
Music
Flowers
Aisle Runner
Pew Bows and Ribbons
Religous Items
Gift from Groom to Bride
Gift from Bride to Groom
Gifts for Officiant

Other
FOR THE RECEPTION

Toastmaster

Guest Book & Pen
Champagne Goblets/Flutes
Cake Tops
Cake Server Set
Garters
Bridal Purses
Table Covers
Table Centerpieces
Chair Covers and Decorations
Ice Sculptues
Bar
Catering
Music
Flowers
Photographer
Videographer
Entertainment
Gifts for Family
Gifts for attendants
Wedding Favours
Games, Colouring Books etc.., for Kids

Candles
Ribbons & Balloons
Decorations
Other
GIFTS

Engraveable Gifts
Personalized Gifts
Gifts from Groom to Bride
Gifts from Bride to Groom
Gifts for Parents
Gifts for Grandparents
Gifts for Kids
Gifts for siblings
Gifts for Best Man
Gifts for Maid of Honour
Gifts for Wedding Attendants

Tips for Service Providers
Other
VENDORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS and their Contact Information
Wedding Coordinator
Dress maker or Bridal Salon
Florist
Decorator
Bartender
Caterer
Photographer
Videographer
Ceremony Location
Reception Hall
Ice Carver
Babysitter or Kids Supervisor
Rental Agent for Wedding Reception Needs
Travel Agent
Accommodations
Limo Driver
Musicians/Soloist/DJ
Entertainer
Specialists (Dove Release, Butterfly release etc…)
Other
FLORALS

Bridal Bouquet
Flowers for Mothers

Maid of Honour Bouquet
Flower Girl Basket
Bridemaids Bouquets
Corsages
Boutonnieres
Floral Arrangements
Centerpieces
Cake Table Decorations
Memorial Table Flowers
Other
PHOTO & MEDIA

Newspaper Announcement
Wedding Web Site
Videographer
Photographer
Personal Guest Cameras
Film & Developing – Digital Developing
Photo Framing
Photo Albums
CD DVD Cases
Other
FOOD/BEV & HOSPITALITY

Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner
Pre-Reception Snacks
Bar
Non-bar Beverages
Wedding Cake
Ceremony Site
Reception Venue
Guest Accomodations
Other
MUSIC

Musicians/Soloist/DJ
Prelude
Ceremony
Reception
First Dance
Mother – Son Dance
Father – Daughter Dance

Cutting Of The Cake
Tossing the Bouquet
Tossing the Garter
Group Dances
Dances and Games for Kids
Other

YOU MUST REMEMBER TO

Obtain a marriage licence.
Notify the following of a name and address change:

Inland Revenue Service
Social Security
Credit card agencies
Utility companies
Banks
Your employer
The post office
Professional associations
Your insurance companies
Schools or academic institutions
Other
With this checklist to hand, planning your wedding is made easy and fun. But check here often as Nily Glaser plans to add more specific wedding planning checklists including Wedding Planning Budget checklists.

Ceilidh Wedding Entertainment UK

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:02:18 +0000

Inclusive Wedding Entertainment

A Ceilidh (Barn Dance) – an ideal choice for your Wedding Celebration

Choosing suitable entertainment for a wedding celebration or evening get-together on the day can be one of the trickiest organisational tasks you will ever have to perform.

Just think of all the things you have to consider;

Firstly you’ll have to provide something that appeals to a wide range of age groups, from your elderly aunt to your 12 year old second cousin who has more energy than sense and is hyper-active from the excitement of staying up late.
Next, you have to consider that many of the guests will be complete strangers to each other, two different families as well as friends from work and your social circle. Ideally you want to give your guests a chance to mix, something that can ‘break the ice’ in the easiest possible way without putting them ‘on the spot’.
Finally, if you’re organising one of the biggest days in your – or a member of your family’s – life, then you want to have an event that won’t take up too much of your precious time on the big day – believe me you’ll have other things on your mind!

So what can you choose that will cover all the above bases?

Some kind of entertainment that has stood the test of time…

A popular choice for this part of your special day is to have a Ceilidh, Barn Dance or American Hoedown.

What is a Ceilidh or Barn Dance?

A ceilidh – pronounced ‘kay-lee’ – or barn dance /Hoedown (the terms are pretty much interchangeable), consists of a band who will play a selection of danceable tunes, a ‘caller’ who entices people onto the floor and then teaches the them the simple ‘moves’ they need to do for the next dance, and of course your wedding guests – the dancers. It doesn’t matter if you or your guests have never been to a barn dance or ceilidh before, the movements are so natural and the dances so thoroughly explained that anyone can do it, the caller even keeps calling the moves after the music has started to help you along as you dance. No-one is excluded because dancing this way is the most natural thing in the world – as many countries and generations can affirm. The music is lively, even funky, so that everyone moves to the groove, gets into it, and does not feel embarrassed or awkward and no-one worries if you make mistakes – it’s all part of the fun!

The caller selects the dances, organises the dancing, encourages the guests to participate – and generally acts as a master of ceremonies during the musical part of the evening. The dancing gives the guests a chance to meet each other naturally during the course of the evening, especially during the progressive dances. The dancing is pitched at the level of the dancers, and can last for as long or short a duration as you wish. It is quite common for the newly wed couple to lead the first dance – which is a nice start to their married life and some callers even have specific wedding dances that can help break the ice. If you specify exactly for whom your event is being held – an experienced, professional band or agent will select a caller who will be ideally suited to your audience.

Maybe you’re put off by the idea of the music? Well don’t be. The music produced by a barn dance or ceilidh band can come in a variety of flavours – from full electric line-ups with drums and electric guitars to more traditional ensembles or bands with a continental flavour. The music can be lively and energetic or sedate and refined, possibly both during the same set! It’s your choice. The choice of band will usually determine the flavour of the evening, so if you’re into English, Celtic (Irish, Scottish or Breton) or French music, or hot Louisiana Cajun and Zydeco or Scandinavian music, there are bands available who specialise in your preferred style of music.

From over 20 years experience with playing for wedding celebrations on both sides of the globe I’ve found that the older members of the audience are at home with the traditional elements of the barn dance while the younger folk just want to leap about and have a good time. This kind of event is the most inclusive form of entertainment available – suitable for all ages.

What is the difference between a Ceilidh and a Barn Dance?

Essentially not very much. Both are traditional social dance gatherings, using a caller and folk (or folk-influenced) music to accompany an evening’s dancing. The name Barn Dance comes from America where the dances were held in the largest suitable local venue – usually a barn. In Australia the same kind of events are called Wool Shed dances for the same reason. On this side of the world the Gaelic word ‘ceilidh’ is often used – it simply means ‘party’ which works for any location! A ceilidh tends to be more lively than a barn dance but either way it is more spontaneous than folk dances at school and all about enjoying yourselves.

You are likely to encounter a wider range of music at a ceilidh. Barn dances tend to mainly use jigs and reels, whereas at a ceilidh you could well hear polkas, waltzes or schottisches and maybe a bit of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Ceilidh bands also often play musical interludes between the dances to keep up the atmosphere while the audience has a well-earned rest. The music is usually based on traditional tunes from the British Isles and Western Europe – especially the Celtic nations – though more musicians are now drawing on wider influences – either from across the Atlantic with Bluegrass, Cajun and Zydeco styles or from eastern European, Gypsy and music from the near east. Also, more bands are writing their own tunes thus ensuring a perfect match between dance and music.

What do you need to stage a ceilidh?

Nothing too technical or extravagant, really. Most wedding reception venues can accommodate ceilidhs or you can find a local village hall or assembly rooms that are convenient to the locale of the wedding meal. If you are having your reception in a marquee you might want to ask the contractor to supply a dance floor, though this may not be necessary if the ground is flat and there is a firm footing. No matter where it is, you must make sure you can provide a safe power supply consisting of at least one 13 amp mains socket.

The ideal situation for a wedding celebration is to have a separate room within the same venue (i.e. hotel, function suite etc.) where the band can set up while the meal and speeches are taking place and then the guests can move through to the area where the dancing will take place when they’ve finished the toasts. If you do need to use the same room for the wedding breakfast and the dancing then you will need to allow more time – both so that the caterers can clear the room and that the band can set up their instruments and amplification.

Most bands are entirely ’self-contained’ which means that they provide their own PA (amplification) systems, and even lighting if that is required. Professional bands will be members of the Musicians’ Union which means that they are fully insured against accidents or other mishaps. Otherwise, just ensure that your guests know what they are coming to, and everyone is sure to have a great time. A real night to remember.

Before the event.

The first thing you need to do is select a band and caller. There are Entertainments Agents who specialise in this kind of event or you can use the Internet to search for suitable bands. Another useful resource is a search engine like Google – just search for “wedding ceilidh”, perhaps followed by the location of the venue to get a list of bands and callers. One advantage of the Internet is that bands can put demo sound clips and even video clips so you can hear and see what they look like, take a look at the MoonDance web site (www.moondance.org.uk), if you want to see an example. Once you’ve found a band you like then contact them either directly, or through an agent, to see if they are available.

It is a good idea to book your chosen band as early in the planning process as you can since there is often a lot of competition for particular dates – especially in the in spring and summer – so be sure to plan well in advance. Remember yours is not the only wedding taking place on that date so book early to avoid disappointment. The fee charged will depend on the size and popularity of the band – the minimum you’d expect to pay is £80 per musician/caller for a three hour dance plus a bit extra for travel and administration. This really is a minimum – popular bands will charge £100 to £150 per musician plus the cost of hiring a good PA and lights. If you go through an agent then they will add their commission on top of the band’s fee so factor this into the equation. Be a bit wary of booking a band that charges substantially less than this as they may have a more ‘amateur’ approach to your special day – or even worse – let you down at the last minute.

Once you’ve selected your band you need to talk them about your requirements for the evening. They will be able to give you sound advice on how the evening should be structured and it gives you a chance to ask for any special requests – favourite tunes or dances for instance. Most professional bands will be very accommodating and will even research and learn new material if requested. Before you confirm your booking you need to ensure that they are suitable for the venue and that they have public liability insurance, and you should give them a contact at the venue so that they can check the technical requirements – power/space etc.

What happens on the night?

When the band arrives, the caller/MC will link up with one of the wedding party, usually the Best Man or one of the parents and find out how the schedule is going. This ensures that the band can be ready at the appropriate time to start the dancing. The dancing often follows directly on from the wedding breakfast, which, needless to say, often overruns the allotted time so it is a good idea to have a location where the band can wait while you finish off the speeches. In an ideal world, your wedding reception venue will have a separate room for the dancing so that the band can be set-up and ready to go, but many don’t have the space for this.

So be sure to allow enough time for the catering staff to clear the room and the band to set up. Depending on the kind of music you’ve selected, the band will need time to set up their amplification equipment, tune their instruments and do a quick ‘sound check’. Even fully ‘acoustic’ ensembles will need to have microphones and amplified sound reinforcement for any gathering of more than about 30 people and even for this small number the caller will need to be amplified. Most bands specify that they need 45 to 60 minutes to get organised so you need to factor this into your schedule. It is always worthwhile to discuss this with your venue management and/or caterers as they will almost certainly have experience in this field and will be able to offer advice. Obviously if the band are playing in a different room they can set-up during the speeches which means that you can move straight on to the dancing after the coffee.

Once everything is ready to go the band will usually strike up a tune to get everyone’s attention. The caller then walks the audience through the dance and, when the music starts, calls the figures the first few times through the tune, and then lets everyone get on and enjoy it. Each caller has their own special way of engaging the audience – ranging from hyperactive showmanship to a more relaxed, laid-back approach. Usually there will be two dances followed by a short break during which the band will often play a tune, followed by another couple of dances and so on. Unless it’s a very short gig the band will need to take a brief break – normally when the food is served – and don’t forget to feed the band as they usually won’t have been able to get a meal otherwise. If you want music played during the break make sure you let the band know before the event so they can bring along a CD player or iPod. At the end of the evening it is traditional for the guests to line-up and see the bride and groom off on their honeymoon and it helps the atmosphere if the bands plays some suitable music while this is happening.

Other Options?

As well as having a live band for the evening event you may want to have music played during the wedding ceremony or whilst your guests are eating at the wedding breakfast. Quite often you will be able to book a subset of the band for this purpose. This may well be more economical than hiring musicians solely for this task as the band members will already be coming to your wedding. Live music through the day can make your special day even more memorable.

In some cases, wedding parties opt for a disco as well as a barn dance and this can work well as long as you have the live music and dancing at the beginning of the evening and let the disco take over as the evening draws on. This allows the audience to loosen up and get to know each other while the disco can cater to the hardened party people amongst your friends and relations.

A night to remember?

Everyone can get into ceilidhs, be they young or old. The band selects music – and the caller chooses dances – to suit the audience. Most bands and callers can tailor their performance to suit the energy and experience of the audience. So, whether your guests are beginners or experienced dancers (who might be regulars at public ceilidhs or folk festivals) with the lively music and easy steps, it is a great way to get all your guests dancing and enjoying themselves. It breaks the ice when the audience may not know each other, which is especially important at weddings.

Useful links;

Wedding Ceilidh Resource Page – http://www.weddingceilidh.info
MoonDance Ceilidh Band – http://www.moondance.org.uk
Webfeet dancing on the web – http://www.webfeet.org

MoonDance is one of the busiest Ceilidh / Barn Dance bands in the UK. We regularly perform all over the country at Weddings, Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, Conferences, Product Launches, University Balls and Charity events as well as Festivals and Public Dances.

MoonDance provide a truly unique ceilidh experience. Imagine the accessibility of traditional dance music combined with power of rock and funk music. Unlike many ‘electric’ barn dance bands, the MoonDance sound is more than just an acoustic folk band grafted onto a pub-rock rhythm section. The music is a true fusion of the best of traditional and modern dance rhythms.

Wedding band and live entertainment guide UK

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:42:49 +0000

One of the most memorable parts of the wedding celebration is the music and the entertainment. How many of us truly remember the cake, the decoration or even the venue at weddings we have been to before?

So how much does it cost? What should you look for?

You will find the answers to these questions (and many more) in the following article: http://www.themorrisagency.co.uk/blog/2009/03/a-free-guide-on-how-to-book-a-band/

www.themorrisagency.co.uk

How to plan a Hen night UK on a budget

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:37:30 +0000

Getting married, or the honour of being the chief bridesmaid, and got a hen party to organise? But, no-one’s got any money due to the credit crunch, or whatever else you want to call it. What to do? The idea of going to Barcelona, Prague, Dublin etc for the weekend is old news. Everybody’s done it, been there, and got the dodgy pictures to prove it. So why not save your money, and your friends too, by having a hen party at home. (It doesn’t necessarily have to be your home either).

Here are some ideas to host a fabulous hen party at home, without it costing the earth, and still letting everybody let their hair down and have a really good time and a night to remember. Don’t forget the video cameras, and photos.

You could make it a pyjama party and have a sleepover too. Sleeping bags essential to kip on the lounge floor.

Murder Mystery Night – There are specialist murder mystery web-sites where you can choose the theme and order on-line. Each guest is given an invitation to the evening, and they play a role and dress up as their given character. They suggest a menu for the evening, who your character is and ideas for dressing up. After dinner, you then get together and solve the murder. Great fun – especially after a few drinks.
Employ your own butlers with a twist – Butlers in the Buff – nice to look at and helps the drinks go down.
Organise a beautician and have a bit of a pamper night. Very relaxing evening, with champagne and a couple of beauticians who can give facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, whatever you fancy. Tame evening but you’ll look fantastic the next day.
Have a theme evening – tarts and vicars, western night, footballers wives, holleywood stars. All guests should decide who they are and what their imaginery lives are like. Get everyone to stay in character for the whole evening.
Be kids again, and have a kids party, with jammy dodgers, iced gems and jelly and ice-cream! Entertainment could be face painting, punch and judy show, pass the parcel, pin the tail on the donkey (or use your imagination!!), musical chairs and anything else that you can think of that you used to do. Prizes awarded for the winners – these can be Hen Party gifts.
Have a Mama Mia night – dress up as ABBA and hire a karaoke machine – sing Waterloo, Mama Mia, the winner takes it all……
Hire a hot tub – it doesn’t need to be summer. Drink champagne and study the stars.

Absolutely essential, is a full English breakfast the next morning, with lots of strong fresh percolated coffee, followed by croissants, and danish pastries.

For further advice and information on planning your wedding, visit Weddings in Surrey at www.weddingsinsurrey.co.uk.