Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category

Wedding Genie Dream Team – iPop

September 7th, 2011 No Comments
rule

Wedding Planner, Coordinator, Lichfield, Birmingham, Staffordshire, Nottingham, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, CoventryI am always excited to add more top quality professionals to my Wedding Genie Dream Team. These guys are simply one of the best bands around. iPop not only produce a great sound and music that will keep your guests on the dance floor the whole night but are some of the nicest people I have met in the wedding industry.

They are a four piece band with a fresh funky approach. The difference with this band from some of the wedding bands I researched is that their music is current, chart music that everyone knows and wants to dance too. Their website is very different too, you feel excited just surfing around it, they have the feel good factor and great energy.

When you book a band for your wedding not only do you have to like their music but you really have to rely on them turning up on time and having all the equipment they said they would supply ready to set up. This includes lighting to give the room ambiance and create atmosphere for your guests to add to the party feeling.

Suzanne and the guys were amazing at Eve and Robs wedding. A joy to work with and I just loved their sound. It’s current and not at all cheesy, unless that is what you want of course. Suzanne who is the lead vocalist liaises for the band and is super professional.

Check out their look, it goes along way when the band looks polished and they look fantastic too. All the members of the band are professional musicians that work full time. They travel all over the UK and the world performing their sets. iPop have played at Glastonbury, the V Festival, the 02 arena and the Millennium stadium to name but a few of their gigs. Imagine booking a band who played for Prince Charles at Windsor. Not sure I can see him boogying on down but definitely can see Harry and William getting in the iPop groove.

iPop provide quality musical entertainment for any occasion. Their contemporary party set includes music from, Rihanna, Lady Ga Ga, kings of Leon, Jessie J and many more. I cannot recommend them highly enough to give your wedding party that sparkle and wow that your guests will go home talking about for a long time. If you are wondering which part of the UK they cover then worry not because iPop will come to you! If you check them out please tell them The Wedding Genie sent you.

If you want to see them in action check them out below.


 

Unique Wedding Entertainment

August 5th, 2011 No Comments
rule

Wedding Planner, Coordinator, Lichfield, Staffordshire, Nottingham, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Birmingham, The MidlandsToday I have a really great treat for you. If you are thinking of entertainment for your wedding and you want to find something that bit different, but also very entertaining that your guests can enjoy and become involved with, I have just the man!

What about a man who can read your guests minds?  A modern mind magician with a difference. Are you intrigued? I was when I found Looch. He comes highly recommended and so I thought it would be fun to get in touch and find out more about what Looch can do to make your wedding entertainment the talk of the town.

Our blog earlier on this week was all about personalising your wedding, well this is one of those things that would really hit the spot.

First of all I wanted to find out what does make Looch different from the normal magicians who do tricks and how he describes himself.

I call myself a mind reader, but don’t take myself too seriously in that role. The official term is a mentalist but that has a different meaning here in the UK. I’m not a traditional magician and I’m certainly not psychic. I’d say somewhere in the middle, I utilise a variety of different techniques to get inside your head and try to read your thoughts. Traditional magic relies on sleight of hand, where I suppose what I do can be described as sleight of mind, I use a mixture of psychology, influence, magic and a bit of bullshit to accomplish my “tricks”

Can the guests take part in any of the things you do or is it all watch and see?

That’s where my act stands out. With a traditional magician you stand there and watch in amazement at the visual tricks on show. At times you may be called in to briefly assist with an effect but for the most part you are just there as a spectator. For me, without you and your guests I dont have an act. I need minds to read! It’s full of interactive fun and I even teach some useful skills to let you try and read thoughts! Its a unique and highly entertaining experience.

 

How would you describe the kind of entertainment you do?

Well under the umbrella of mentalism, I perform quite range of different demonstrations, I may tell you the name of your first kiss, duplicate an unseen drawing or tell someone their pin number. Those are very direct examples of “Mind Reading” but I also play around with influencing and suggestion, Theres always certain people more open to these techniques than others and with them I am sometimes able to plant a thought into their head without them being aware of it. Then when I tell them what they are thinking they see it as a demonstration of mind reading, but for everyone else watching will see how I have done it.

There’s some gender specific skills that people are interesting in learning. A lot of the girls like to learn how to spot a liar so I teach them the elements of that but for the guys, quite a few like to learn some of the techniques surrounding playing cards, poker and winning in casinos. Theres a wide variety for everyone.

Looch can entertain your guests during the drinks reception or amaze them at your wedding breakfast and work from table to table. I have to say I had a magician at my wedding and our guests absolutely loved him. If you get the right kind of person who has a personality that is interesting as well as very engaging then that entertainment is a definite hit.

 

Looch works throughout the Nottingham and Derbyshire areas but will travel. You can contact him for an online quote on his website.
As a trusted supplier of The Wedding Genie you can be sure of Looch’s professionalism and quality service. Wedding planning is all about enjoying the  journey so engage people who make it fabulous.

Until next time, happy planning.

The Wedding Genie Dream Team – Soundsfishy Part Two

June 17th, 2011 No Comments
rule

Wedding Planner, Coordinator, Lichfield, Staffordshire, Nottingham, Derby, Leicestershire, Birmingham, East MidlandsHere is the second part of advice from Ian at Soundsfishy. I do love having professional be guest bloggers. If you missed the first piece click here.

 

Playlists & Timeline

We often get asked about playlists.. Obviously there’s a choice of music.. your tastes might be different to your guest’s tastes.. and it’ll certainly be different to your parents!

Please don’t take the advice that appears in wedding magazines and forums about asking guests for their favourite songs and end up giving your DJ a 200 song playlist. If you are hiring a professional – he’ll know what to play, how to read the room and will play exactly the right song at exactly the right moment.

Songs you or your guests like to hear on the radio or on your ipod may not work at a disco.. and you’d be amazed at the number of ballads that people put forward as their favourite – you can’t do a whole night on ballads. If you must have a playlist… then can I suggest you use it as background music during the meal, and limit your evening choice of must plays to your first dance?

A typical evening entertainment timeline might look like this.

Incidentally.. have you asked your DJ if he can set up early, and also play the background music… have you also asked if he can light the room/provide a radio mic for the speeches/put a spotlight on the speakers ?

Best advice is to meet your DJ or at least have a good talk on the phone. Take their advice.. this might be your first wedding – but it shouldn’t be theirs!

 

Other entertainment?

If you have a running order, or other entertainment like a band, let your DJ know so he can work around your plans – better still, see if your DJ will act as event manager/stage manager/production manager and co-ordinate with the venue and other acts/entertainment to ensure a stress free, well run evening.

We often work with bands, and because our equipment is so good, we only need to install our PA and lighting – meaning you get a better deal on the band, and there’s only one lot of equipment to set up !

 

Your DJ should be asking questions too, such as…

  • who is your contact at the venue ?
  • is there parking/access for the van/truck/trailer ?
  • is it on the ground floor or up stairs… it might affect the price if the kit has to be carried up 3 flights of stairs.

Let your DJ talk direct to the venue (we insist on dealing with the venue direct – it means you don’t have to worry) about power, access, staging, whether smoke machines are allowed etc..

 

Cost versus Value

Of course you are going to get some quotes. It’s a good idea to do this as you need to comfortable in what you’re buying. It’s important to look at the value of what each company offers, not just the bottom line cash price. £900 might sound like a lot. But, if that gets you peace of mind, ease of use, a fully co-ordinated evening, a happy venue, a full dance floor, a great selection of music and a night people remember for a long time it’s better value than the £200 that gets you the sound system out of a Vauxhall Astra and an entire evening of banging drum n’ bass.

 

When To Pay

Payment varies from company to company. For example, we simply ask for a bank transfer the week before.  However, some companies want cash on the night.  That’s OK, and sometimes we have to work like that, but it’s a bit messy and frankly giving the best man a wad of cash when there’s a bar nearby isn’t a good idea!

 

Summary

Your wedding entertainment is an integral part to your big day. Spend time working out what you want from your big day and make sure whichever DJ you chose is part of those conversations. A great DJ will be far more than just the guy in the corner playing random music. A great DJ should be your event consultant. They are in a very privileged position and should take their responsibility seriously. They should make the organising and delivery of your wedding event a comfortable stress free and fun time.

Think about how many great weddings you’ve been to and how many of the memories are linked to the entertainment. Where else could you be allowed to swing great Auntie Doris around the dance-floor whilst your friends and family watch on!

We hope this insight has helped in some way – Good luck with all the planning of your big day.  If you have any questions, or if there’s anything we can dvise you on, feel free to call us on 0121 604 8863 – or email hello@soundsfishy.co.uk – we don’t charge for advice !


Thanks Ian for a great insight. I hope to feature Ian again with more tips and advice. If you have any questions you would like him to answer why not email me.

Until next time, happy planning.

 

 

 

Wedding Genie Dream Team – Laura Broad

April 15th, 2011 No Comments
rule

I have the greatest pleasure this week to introduce you to the newest member of the Genie Dream Team, professional vocalist and entertainer, Laura Broad. Not only is Laura a consummate professional but she is a thoroughly lovely person too. If you read this blog you know that one of my absolute musts in working with suppliers is that they must deliver the very best quality service that The Wedding Genie offers as well as make your wedding planning experience pleasurable and fun.

Half the battle when planning your wedding is booking great suppliers. They really should be as excited about your wedding as you. Laura ticks all these boxes and more.

Laura has great experience and confidence as a performer. She has had over two million views of her You Tube videos alone as well as a successful run singing and dancing with the Supergroup live on FIVE TV’S “Don’t Stop Believing” with Emma Bunton in 2010. I was super excited to meet her and after listening to her sing I was blown away. Her stage presence and dynamic vocals won her BBC Hereford and Worcester’s Artist of the Year 2010 and she won Sony’s official Leona Lewis singing contest.

Check out Laura’s work here and here.

Laura has sang at The London Tower festival with Eurhythmic’s Dave Stewart and at Glastonbury too. I can’t wait to hear Laura’s debut album which she is working on as we speak. If you are looking for someone to sing at your ceremony, drinks reception or entertain your guests for your evening party you won’t go far wrong with Laura. Laura has packages you can choose from that suit your need and budget.

Check one of my favourite videos out.

If you want any more information about Laura or to chat about your wedding planning and how we can help you just give me a call. In two or three weeks The Wedding Genie is launching our sister company Bridalicious which specialises in interactive exclusive wedding events. These events will feature the best suppliers that are handpicked just for you. Laura Broad will be featuring in our first event we hope so you can see her for yourself. Look out on the blog for more information.

Until next time, happy planning.

Wedding Genie News – Entertainment Feature

August 20th, 2010
rule

We are very excited here at The Wedding Genie, we have been featured in the West Midlands Your Wedding magazine again for the second month running!

Danielle the features editor, asked me to help with an article all about entertainment. Click on the link below for the full article.

West Midlands Your Wedding Entertainment Feature

If you would like to learn how to entertain your guests at your wedding why not book one of our Bridal Workshops. They are brand new, designed to teach you everything you need to know about creating your own perfect day. Call or email for a chat if you would like to know more.

Until next time, happy planning.

Wedding Entertainment Tips and Advice

August 4th, 2010 No Comments
rule

I promised to add a little more to advice to last weeks blog on entertainment. Today we have our tips for entertaining your guests with just a little imagination and style.

How about having a props box full of fun things to dress up in. This is still very popular and inexpensive. Your guests can have great fun with wigs, fun sunglasses, glow stix, false moustaches, feather boas, and home made wedding signs. You can either use disposable cameras that you can leave on the tables or put them in a lovely decorated basket near to the props. Hang a lovely backdrop, perhaps a gorgeous piece of fabric which matches your theme for the photographs to be taken against. Alternatively use a large antique mirror frame as a backdrop. You can always spray it to match your theme.

If you were to provide a digital polaroid camera then your guests can pop the photographs into your guest book along with their wishes and comments. You can also leave CD’s on the tables for each guest so that they can take their own pictures and send you them after the wedding. Alternatively your photographer can take these pictures as part of his package.

If you have a friend who is a really good singer why not ask them to sing at your wedding. We had a fabulous time singing at our wedding with my husbands cousin who is a fantastic vocalist.

For free entertainment check out university notice boards, there are often budding entertainers who need the practice and are very good. You can go and listen to them and they will even bring their equipment.

Another inexpensive way for guests to be entertained is to provide garden games for everyone to play, giant genga, or connect 4, boules, and croquet. They are very cheap to hire and if you are having a quintessentially english traditional wedding will fit in with the whole ambiance.

Write questions about you and your partner on luggage labels and put them on your tables so that your guests can see how well they know you. Its fun to ask the questions of each other and a great ice breaker. Give out a present to the table with the most answers. Table trivia is another idea but you can make up the questions yourselves, perhaps about weddings? films? whatever suits your style and personality.

At our wedding we bought a whole load of small rubix cubes for the men. The first one to match the colours won a bottle of champagne.

If you can’t afford a DJ then ask your guests in their invites to give you their most favourite dance song and a favourite smooch song. That way you can make up a play list on an IPOD composed of everyones favourites which is sure to keep everyone dancing all night long.

I thought I would make a list of entertainment just to help you think a little out of the box

  • Ice Cream vans/carts
  • Popcorn machines
  • Candy floss machines
  • Chocolate fountains with coloured chocolate, I know about purple, yellow and orange!
  • Silhouettist
  • HIre a music juke box for a marquee wedding
  • Belly Dancers – of course depending on your theme and style
  • Look alike characters – such as Basil and Sybil Fawlty to mingle with your guests
  • Fireworks
  • Roasted chestnuts and mulled wine
  • Casino hire
  • Living Statues

If money is no object lets have some fun. How about a magical dare defying colourful act from fire performers. Try www.spinoffevents.com they really have the wow factor, or Pyromania, a fantastic fire spinning juggling show choreographed to the beat of african drums. Singing waiters and waitresses. These are a delight during your wedding breakfast. You guests have no idea who they are until they start to perform. How about Poles apart, stilt performing magicians? Yes these things are a little OTT but just for a minute my imagination got the better of me.

On a serious note don’t over the do the entertainment, your guests don’t want to be completely overwhelmed with activity. Choose carefully and enhance the parts of the day when your guests are left to their own devices. A wedding that is full on constantly can be a tiny bit wearing and then the entertainment is not fully appreciated.

Until next time, happy planning.


Wedding Entertainment Tips and Advice

July 23rd, 2010 1 Comment
rule

In the second series of this blog I thought it would be good to give you some examples of what kind of wedding entertainment is available depending on your budget, and the areas of the day to consider when you allocate your budget.

Lets look at a budget: Up to £10,000

Bored guests are never happy ones so the parts of the day that you should cater for are the drinks reception whilst you are having your photographs taken, the wedding breakfast if you have a lot of time before the evening event and of course the main evening party. In my opinion the evening entertainment is where you should concentrate your effort for this type of budget. If I had to suggest three choices of entertainment that couples might be able to afford on this budget  the following come to mind.

A DJ

There are some brilliant DJ’s out there who can really make your party swing. Look around, don’t just go for the one that your venue suggests, ask your friends, look on the internet. Check out what they bring with them in terms of lights and decor. Often the DJ can put on a really good show and really create a great party atmosphere. Lots of the DJ websites now show you what their style is and give you a choice of music to play. Don’t forget that if you want to involve your guests and ask them their favourite songs, be careful they are not all love songs. You could suggest they give you their favourite love song and their favourite dance track.

Ceilidh Band

If you want to dance but don’t like the idea of a DJ then why not try a Ceilidh band. The music is lively and the caller, who is the chap that talks the guests through the dance, creates a great atmosphere, which makes everyone take to the dance floor. It’s a fun thing to do and really involves your guests. The bride and groom can then take to the floor and be totally involved in the evening’s celebrations. A great idea for a county wedding.

Live Singer/Jazz

The Rat Pack sound is great for vintage weddings. In between sets you can always fill up your IPOD so that your guests can dance and still stay in the party swing. That way you may be able to get live music for part of the evening. I have seen many weddings where this has been the case. Its a great way of getting your party started and this type of music brings a little sophistication to your evening and the older relatives in your party will love it. Your first dance can be sung live whilst you glide round the dance floor.

How about a budget: £10,000 – £20,000

Mix and Mingle Artists/Live Bands/Photo Booths

The evening reception is still the biggest area of entertainment but when you have more in your budget it would be great to entertain your guests during the wedding reception as well as during the photo’s and drinks reception. Using entertainers that mix and mingle such as caricaturists or a silhouettist is a great idea because your guests each get something to take home with them.Close up magicians can be extremely funny and entertaining too if you get a good one. I would highly recommend www.magicatyourfingertips.co.uk

String quartets and harpists are fantastic for a classy drinks reception and then can play at your ceremony if you are getting married at your venue. They create a lovely atmosphere if the weather is gorgeous and your setting dictates it. A lovely country mansion with beautiful gardens and guests spilling into the gardens being wafted by lovely classical music in the sunshine starts your wedding reception off with style.

For the evening if you budget stretches then you can’t beat a live band for atmosphere and the wow factor. Often the bands will play music to dance to in between their sets. You can work out the times they appear to suit the flow of your reception. Good bands give out a great vibe and if they are really good the dance floor should be full all night.

One other idea that is very popular at the moment, is a photo booth where your guests can take pictures and dress up in props, then write comments into your guest book. The photos are generated there and then just like a passport photo booth. They can even be projected into a slide show for the evening.

Photo booth by www.sayfromage.co.uk

The choice for entertainment is quite vast but I would urge you to choose what suits your style and personality. Choose what makes you happy and what you are comfortable with. I have decided to run one more blog next week to finish on entertainment as once I got started it was hard to stop. Next week I will cover budgets of over 20k and also how to create free entertainment for your guests. If you want me to help source you some great entertainment give me a call I will be happy to help.

Until next time, happy planning.