Looking to make your big day memorable for both you and your guests? Then we know just the guys to help.
This morning on the blog we’re delighted to introduce you to our lovely new Brides Up North Sponsor, LastMinuteMusicians.com. Set up and run by a group of professional musicians, this agency knows a thing or two about setting the right tone for the day and creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Whether it be a singer, pianist, quartet, band, magician or even caricaturist, that takes your fancy, all can be arranged at the simple click of a button.
To tell us more about the fabulous acts on offer and expert advice available, we’re now going to hand you over to Sarah-Jane Morris, the director of music at LastMinuteMusicians.com. Take it away Sarah-Jane…
Can you give us a little background on LastMinuteMusicians.com?
sarah-jane says:
Founded by musicians in 2003, LastMinuteMusicians.com features an extensive directory of the best musicians, bands and entertainers available today throughout the UK. Since 2003 LastMinuteMusicians.com has made it possible for wedding couples to plan their entire day’s entertainment from the comfort of their living room.How has the company grown since its launch?
LastMinuteMusicians.com started with two employees and ten bands. Having quickly established a fantastic reputation, our company is now regarded as leading industry experts with a team of ten and a roster of more than two thousand artists.
What types of bands do you offer?
We can offer all types of musicians, from a solo harpist or pianist, to a twenty-piece big band. Jazz, pop, traditional music, classical, rock and much more…
Why would you encourage couples to have live music at their weddings?
Having live musicians at a wedding really enhances the whole experience for you and your guests. It can be uplifting, calming, exciting or just good fun. If you have great music, your guests will be talking about your wedding for months, and even years, to come!
What are the benefits of couples arranging their wedding entertainment through LastMinuteMusicians.com?
We offer a one-to-one service with friendly advice and help, and lots of experience as to what works and what doesn’t. We are not a sales team, we are musicians who love what we do. Each wedding is completely unique and we pride ourselves on being flexible and caring.
What sets you apart from other agencies in the industry?
We are owned and run by musicians who are out there performing on a regular basis. I and the team are all professional musicians and between us we have thirty years of experience in organising music for events. We truly care about every wedding we organise.
What do couples like about the bands and the services that you offer?
They like the one-to-one service and the fact that they can speak to their musicians direct and get to know them before their big day. They also like our booking process, which is quick and easy, contracts all done online with no need to print and post.
Can a couple book more than one band for different stages of their wedding day and, if so, do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we quite often organise different musicians for different parts of the day and we can advise on what is just the right amount to have – it’s just as important not to have too much. We can advise on the flow of the day and how this would work. We are always happy to offer discounts and I always advise my couples to stick to their budgets.
How long do bands’ sets usually last and do they provide music between sets?
Each band is different so as we do each individual wedding with care we will advise on this beforehand. Most bands do provide music in between their sets.
Can couples hire a DJ through LastMinuteMusicians.com and what are the benefits of doing so?
Yes, you can hire DJs through LastMinuteMusicians.com that will work with you to decide on your ideal playlist. If you are hiring a band, most will supply music in between their live sets so a separate DJ may not be necessary.
Can couples pick songs for bands to perform or do they have their own set play lists?
Our bands have playlists and are quite happy to chat over favourites with couples. Some offer to learn new songs for first dances and some will learn a few songs, if requested, that are not on their list.
What advice would you give to wedding couples when deciding on what musical entertainment to have for their big day?
Decide what you and your guests will like. If you are having a theme then try to stick to music that will suit it. Remember for drinks receptions the music is generally going to be for your guests and not you, so choose something that they will like. We are always happy to advise what will work if you drop us an email or phone call.
Are any types of music proving particularly popular with wedding couples at the moment?
Festival and vintage bands are very popular at the moment. Acoustic duos for drinks receptions are also very in.
Any suggestions for first dance tracks?
Choose something that means a lot to you. Every couple has their own memories that they will want to relive with their first dance. Most bands are happy to learn a new song if it’s not already in their set list.
What about suggestions for couples wanting something a little different for their big day?
We have lots of themes that we can suggest, like bands who have a menu that they take around the tables for requests, singing waiters and Spanish/Latin/Caribbean bands.
In addition to musical entertainment, what other forms of wedding entertainment do you offer?
We have magicians, caricaturists, photo booths, sound and lighting hire, karaoke and lots more.
What areas of the country do you cover and are travel fees included in the price of booking a band/act?
We cover the whole country from the tip of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall and everywhere in between. Most acts offer free travel in their local areas, but expenses could be added if your venue is further away. Details can be found in the map section of every listing on our website.
How can Brides Up North readers get in touch with LastMinuteMusicians.com hear more from the bands?
Have a look at our website www.lastminutemusicians.com, or give me a call on 01737 249839.
Anything else we should know?
We are constantly looking for new bands and are taking lots of new musicians on a weekly basis so watch this space!
