What To Look For When Booking Wedding Entertainment

My name is Glen Grant and I am a Toastmaster who has also been running an Entertainment Agency in Surrey for over 15 years.

Let me give you an idea of some of the options that you might consider for your wedding day.

AT THE SERVICE

Procession – This is when the wedding guests stand to greet the Bride-to-be and the person who is giving her away.

Recesssion – This is where the guests are again asked to stand at the end of the service and where the newly married couple walk back down the aisle as Mr and Mrs …

For the Procession and the Recession – you might consider a string quartet, a harpist, an electric keyboard player, an accordionist, a kilted Scottish Piper, a wind instrument group e.g. clarinet, saxophone, flute etc …

To get full value for money from your musicians – it would be preferable that they were fully set up and ready to play prior to your guests arriving. Whilst the guests are taking their seats – the musicians can play gently in the background.

During the signing of the register the musicians can play two or three tunes.

Tip – Try to get as much information about the musicians – get them to send you a CD, their CV. and a suggested repertoire for you to choose your particular favourites.

Most musicians would play between 2 and 3 hours which means that they would also
play in the background during your drinks reception and if time allowed they would also play during a part of the wedding breakfast (the sit-down meal).

ENTERTAINMENT AFTER THE WEDDING BREAKFAST

Choices are plentiful – from Function Bands, Discos, Jazz Bands, Steel Caribbean Bands, Close-up Magicians, Cabaret Artistes, Country and Western Bands, Rock n’ Roll Bands, Elvis Impersonators, Ceilidh Bands, Barn Dance Bands – the list goes on and on.

Tip – In addition to getting pictures of any Band etc … – get them to send you their latest CD and particularly their ‘playlist’ indicating the type of songs and artistes that they play.

I would certainly suggest that you arrange to go and see the Band or Disco etc… actually performing at a wedding – it should be not too difficult for the Band Leader or D.J. etc … to ask their Client if two people (the Bride-to-be and the Bridegroom-to-be) could stand in the background (out of the way) and listen to the Band or Disco for perhaps 40 minutes or so.

Finally – if you are employing a Toastmaster (which is a very good idea) to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and is conducted in a happy manner – try to talk to the Toastmaster on the phone and ask him to send you a ‘current’ photograph and a CV.

On your special day – you certainly don’t want a ‘bossy’ Toastmaster – you should be able to establish how easy-going and friendly your Toastmaster is by the way he talks to you on the telephone. If convenient – try and arrange a meeting with the Toastmaster well in advance of the wedding day.

Conclusion: Why do I know so much about Entertainers/Bands/Toastmasters etc …????

My name is Glen Grant and I am a friendly professional Toastmaster who has been running an Entertainment Agency here in Surrey for over sixteen years.

I regularly Toastmaster for weddings all over Surrey and the South-East of England
and therefore I also know lots of excellent venues where I have worked.

I can provide any of the entertainment mentioned above and much more too.

I would be delighted if you visited my website and in particular had a glance at the “Clients’ Comments section.

I can also be contacted by email on glengrant@fsmail.net or alternatively please give me a telephone call on 0208 337 9018.

If you would like me to send you a brochure – then please do not hesitate to make contact with me and I will send you one immediately.

I would be delighted to be part of your special day.

Best wishes

Glen
www.glen-grant.co.uk

Regards
Roger Mayne
Surrey Weddings

For more wedding tips and advice, as well as a full directory of wedding suppliers in Surrey, visit Surrey Weddings

Ideal Venues for Wedding Photography

When & where should I have my wedding?

There are many venues licensed to host weddings, so the options are endless. Prior to finding a photographer, you may have chosen the venue where you are hosting your wedding celebration. Whether you have or have not consolidated your arrangements here, there are a number of things you should you think about, so as to ensure that your photographic requirements may suitably meet your expectations:

Book early! ~ Good popular venues tend to get booked 10 or more months in advance.

Time ~ Think carefully here, taking into consideration the time of year. If you want to have mainly outdoor photographs in daylight conditions, are you allowing reasonable time for this? (For example: you cannot realistically entertain the thought of having outdoor group photographs at a late autumnal wedding commencing at 4.00pm). Also, if your marriage and reception venue are separate locations, give reasonable time for travel between the two, whilst facilitating photography and other arrangements.

Venue(s) ~ Is the venue you are selecting suitable for photography, particularly for flattering pictures of Bride & Groom? For example, it would not be reasonably practical to entertain the idea of family groups at a church that fronts on to a busy and untidy high street with no lawn. In these circumstances, you will need to consider carefully what your reception venue has to offer. If you are having your entire wedding hosted at a hotel, ask the banqueting manager what provision they can make here (suitable rooms etc).

Parking ~ Is there adequate space for your guests to park? If there are 2 venues being used, you may need to consider providing transport by hiring a bus, particularly in an urban setting.

Bad weather ~ If you are selecting a venue which involves being outdoors, what contingency plan is in place, given the vagaries of British weather? Will the vicar of the church allow photographs at the alter if it is not possible to go outside?

Choosing your photographer

Qualified Photographer

Whilst there are many good ‘unqualified’ photographers, for an important event such as a wedding, it is generally advisable for you to consider someone who has a recognised qualification from a Photographic Guild. There are a number of reputable professional bodies, such as the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP), Master Photographers Association (MPA) and Guild of Wedding Photographers.

Unfortunately, there are also some less reputable organisations. In order for a photographer to obtain a qualification with one of the above three, a portfolio of work has to be submitted for assessment, and must meet specific criteria. Following qualification, it is an expectation of these organisations, that work of the highest standard is maintained in all professional assignments undertaken.

Costs

The prices charged by photographers vary considerably, typically anything from £500 to £3,000 and more! The number of photographs selected, duration of coverage and quality of finished album(s) will have a bearing on the price. Experienced and highly qualified photographers tend to charge more.

Most photographers usually offer various album package services and optional extras, so you should be able to gauge an approximate amount to budget. However, one word of warning – given the capital outlay you are likely to be making on your wedding, don’t compromise on the quality of your photography; it will be the only lasting memory of the occasion. As a rule, it is generally fair to say that you get what you pay for.

Traditional, Informal/Reportage Styles

Photography is very much an art, and styles of portrayal vary from one photographer to another. At the outset of making your enquiries, you may not have any preconceived notion of the style you want. Therefore, it is advisable that you initially look at the work of several photographers – most have Websites in which samples of work can be viewed. You should then make a shortlist of at least 3 photographers, arrange to meet them and see their portfolio.

If you are seeking classic & formal portraits, you should consider a Traditional photographer. On the other hand, if you prefer a ‘story-book’ portrayal where spontaneity, laughter and happiness are recorded, you should consider a reportage photographer. However, some photographers are competent in successfully combining the two styles.

Consistency in standard of photography

You will learn very little about a photographer’s ability to cover an important event like a Wedding by looking at a portfolio of 50 or more photographs from many different weddings. This will not tell you anything about his/her ability to cope under the pressure of working speedily and efficiently, whilst producing a high standard of images throughout.

You should ask to see at least 2 complete albums of events photographed; this will convey a clearer impression of quality. You should also ask whether the person you are meeting will be the person photographing your event!

Personality of the Photographer

Given that you will have a photographer ‘hanging’ around you for 4 or more hours on your day, ask yourself: ‘Is the photographer someone with whom I will interact well and feel at ease?’

Spontaneous, happy and flattering photographs are more likely to emerge from a shoot where you can feel comfortable and relaxed with your photographer. It may also be a good idea to ask the photographer for testimonials from previous clients to give you some further insight.

Insurance (Public Liability & Indemnity)

It is advisable for you to select a photographer who is adequately insured for all eventualities. Ask your photographer what provision he/she might offer if they are unable to cover your event through illness etc. Whilst every care might be taken to ensure attendance on the day and that film/digital files and camera equipment are handled correctly, no one can give 100% assurance that nothing will go wrong.

How to proceed having chosen your photographer

Contractual Agreement

When you decide to proceed with hiring a photographer, you should ask to have everything confirmed in writing. This should detail things like: attendance time, what exactly is being supplied and at what price. Most photographers will ask you to sign a contract, which is intended to protect the interests of both parties. Make sure you read the small print and discuss any thing you are unsure about, before signing on the dotted line!

Colour or Black & White and Special effects

You should give careful consideration here. If there are vibrant colour themes and you are using a modern location(s), then the wedding will look best photographed in colour. Black & White can convey a timeless image and will work best on select compositions, particularly in historic settings etc. Most photographers will happily agree to produce a mixture of Colour and black & White. Special effects such as soft focus, vignette, multiple exposures and montage images are best kept in moderation. However, you should discuss all of these with your photographer to establish what suits you best.

Planning the shoot

It is also very important that you outline what compositions you require, particularly specific family & friends groups etc. In establishing your requirements, your photographer will be better able to produce a pleasing set of images of your day, and not bore you with compositions of lesser interest to you.

Paul Martin has been using an approach where he will offer sound advice on timings and devise a personalised plan to suit your needs. This approach has enabled him to produce great photographs, executed speedily and efficiently. In so doing, none of his clients have remembered their day for a protracted shoot and a bossy, obtrusive photographer.

I hope that you will have found this information helpful in guiding you to the photographer suitable for your requirements. Most importantly, have a great day and enjoy yourself!

For further information on the services offered by Paul Martin, please contact us.

Regards
Roger Mayne
Surrey Weddings

For more wedding tips and advice, as well as a full directory of wedding suppliers in Surrey, visit Surrey Weddings