Here is a selection of Q&As from Your East Midlands Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@youreastmidlands.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Don't Stop The Music
Q | We'd really like a singer to perform outside during our wedding breakfast and reception, what should we consider? |
A | Rebecca Cole says: Things to take into consideration are shelter and electricity. Most singers will require a power socket for their equipment. Most will bring a long extension lead, but it must be close enough to reach. I now have a battery-powered speaker to play in any area. The shelter is the most essential factor. Not only will this protect your performer in extreme weather conditions, but it also protects their equipment. Speakers, iPads and electricals can overheat and, of course, don't mix with water. You should work together with your venue and entertainer before and during the day, as the ever-changing weather may change the location of your singer ever so slightly. |
Rebecca Cole, Rebecca Cole Singer
Now that's entertainment
Q | We're looking for some fun entertainment for our reception. Do you have any ideas? |
A | Stephen Harrison says: For your evening entertainment, a DJ is often the least expensive option. They can offer impressive lighting and flexibility in the tracks they play and cover long periods of time. Live bands are another good option; they can provide high-energy, engaging performances of songs well-known by your guests. Most bands offer some form of DJ service to go alongside their live sets, so it's possible to have the best of both worlds from just one provider. Smaller acoustic groups can be an excellent way of accompanying your ceremony, drinks reception or sit-down meal. Many bands can also provide this service, although there are plenty of great stand-alone acoustic acts. Other options for your afternoon include the more traditional string quartet or harpist, but you could also consider things such as a brass, jazz or barbershop group for something a bit different and fun. Don't forget the giant Jenga, magician, mini golf, bouncy castles and more for more afternoon entertainment! |
Stephen Harrison, House of Harmony - Wedding & Function band
Harp to heart
Q | We're thinking of booking our entertainment, but we're a bit worried about hiring someone online that we've never met. What advice can you share with us? |
A | Soraya Vermeulen says: I have a few suggestions to help couples find their perfect match. Firstly, recommendations from friends, family members, venues and other suppliers are always a great place to start. I also receive lots of lovely reviews and testimonials from my couples, so it's also worth reading these of your shortlisted performers. Lots of artists today have extensive online profiles. You can often find videos and recordings on their Instagram pages, YouTube channels and SoundCloud profiles. Here you can also see my live and recorded performances too. Explore these platforms to find a performer whose music and performance style closely matches your day. For my couples, I love to chat over the phone, on Zoom or in person at wedding shows. This way, I can discuss their ideas on a more personal level. Ask your supplier if this is something they can provide to put your mind at ease. |
Soraya Vermeulen, Soraya Vermeulen – Harpist
That's entertainment
Q | We're thinking of booking our entertainment, but we're a bit worried about booking someone online that we've never met. Do you have any suggestions? |
A | Adel and Karina Wilson says: Here at 2 of Harps, an international award-winning harp and vocal duo, we understand your concern as it's not always possible to meet our clients face-to-face. Here are our top tips we use ourselves to help. Just because you can't see your musician live doesn't mean you can't schedule a video call. We always book an online video chat with our couples to discuss music choices, timings of performances, themes and more. Plus, we always play our harps and sing different song options so you can imagine what the music will sound like on the day. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions as the more you ask, the more at ease you're going to feel. Include questions about song choices, setting up times, how much space the musicians need, if you'd like them to perform outside and more. Lastly, check reviews and content online, which are great ways to establish how others rate the company. |
Adel and Karina Wilson, 2 of Harps