For Uptown Music, nothing makes your wedding celebration stick in your guests' memory like a dancefloor filled with old friends, new friends and big, big tunes.
The company has spent the last 20 years making music, from playing in the West End to organising bands for soap star weddings, the events have been varied but the lessons have been simple.
Owner, Mark Seacomb advises:
Consider venue constraints. When finding your perfect venue it really is worth asking about curfews and sound limiters. Our bands will play as loudly and as late as we're allowed!
Get the bar as close as possible to the dancefloor. This top tip of party feng shui is an absolute must. By making sure the drinks are in the same room as the music you won't lose dancers to the bar and you'll lure the more reluctant to throw some shapes. And even the most stalwart of bar-proppers will be able to hear your favourite tunes.
Keep the dancefloor as compact as possible. Bigger isn't always better; always preferable that the dancefloor looks full rather than feels empty.
Don't have the live band playing too early. The later the better as far as dancing is concerned; you're giving your guests an opportunity to mingle, grab a drink and relax after their meal (not to mention some time to shake off the speeches). The last thing anyone wants is to dance on a full stomach.
Include sound checks and set up time in your planning. A professional band will take around 45 to 60 mins to set up and an early set up will incur (in our view, unnecessary) costs. If you're using one-room that will require some movement of tables to create the dancefloor, this is especially important. Expect them to sound-check so that they are at their very best for you and allow a moment when they can do this with least disruption.
Really consider that first dance. Talk to your band about whether the first dance is best pre-recorded or played live; they will be perfectly placed to advise. Rest assured that they are talented enough to play it – it might just be that nothing beats the original!
Use the band's experience. We always work with our clients to put together the ideal setlist for your event; you're paying for their experience, so trust them to put tracks in the best possible order to draw your guests to the dancefloor and keep them there.