Weddings - Do's and Don'ts

• Don't Start the Entertainment Too Early:
  Many couples think that the evening party should kick straight off with dancing and entertainment for the evening guests. This unfortunately can have a negative effect. Why? Lets think back to a wedding where you were a guest. If the wedding breakfast immediately preceded the evening party try to remember how you felt. You had been getting ready since early in the morning, and then there was the service, photographs etc. You then no doubt sat through speeches and at least a three-course meal. Were you ready to dance the night away?  
  
  Most people want to get some fresh air or freshen up, take a comfort break. Then when they get to the party they want to catch up with Aunty Norah from New Zealand and Grandma doesn't want to be blown away by the seven-piece soul. What ever you do don't rush the guests.


• Do Allow Time for the band to set up:
  If you book a band - no matter how long you or the venue allows them - they will have a fixed setting up time. Many venues now use the same room for the party as the wedding breakfast. The venue will however at some point have to clear tables in preparation for the evening. At this point the band will set up. Whether the same or different rooms its best to get the band to liase directly with the venue to arrange arrival as no matter what your plans are the venue will have the best idea when that clearing time is likely to be.
  
  In our experience 99% of weddings run late!


• Don't arrange for the band to play while food is served.
  People are concentrating on the food and the band becomes a loud distraction. It's always best to designate 30-45mins for food from serving.
  
  It's best not to put any major entertainment on until after the food is served. Its best to use the time before the food is served for chatting, catching up, chilling out or dancing to the disco/background music.

Remember, there are many more ingredients to a great night than just a great band i.e.

• has everyone had chance to catch up and chat?
• have the evening guest had chance to address the alcohol balance with the wedding breakfast guests?
• Building up an atmosphere of expectation is often very important and you can do this simply by scheduling the band after the food
• Understanding that from 9pm onwards the guests will busy eating, dancing and being entertained only leaves an hour and a half for catch up at the start of the evening