Afternoon lovelies! For this late afternoon post, I'd like to hand over to my colleague Alice Chorley of Sternberg Clarke. Sternberg Clarke are a leading supplier of entertainment for corporate events, weddings and parties and having been to a number of events where they organised the entertainment, I know these guys know what they are doing - but with 18 years in the business, they're going to, of course.
A truly creative team, Sternberg Clarke don't just book acts 'off the shelf' - they offer innovative solutions, adapting acts to suit each client’s requirements. They will also, when possible, oversee the event to co-ordinate the entertainment.
Alice offered to write this guest post for Love My Dress after enjoying reading through some of the other How To and DIY tutorial posts on Love My Dress. You can view further details about all the entertainment acts you see on this page, and more, via the Sternberg Clarke entertainment brochure. Over to you Alice...
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Having a Brief....
If you are working with a wedding planner or entertainment agency, always try to think of a brief (even if you don’t end up sticking to it!) This could be as simple as ‘Mumford & Sons are our favourite band’ Or as complex as “1930s Parisian take on 80s Hair Metal” (Please don’t ask for that, I made it up…!)
Also, a budget is always really useful. Entertainment agencies have a huge number of bands and musicians who they work with regularly and although all Sternberg Clarke acts have to brave our grueling audition process and therefore meet our exacting standards, they do still charge different amounts depending on experience and popularity so knowing how much we’re working with helps to make suitable recommendations.
Timings are of the Essence...
From a planning point of view, it’s really useful to know timings for the whole day. Other acts, speeches and all kinds of different factors can affect the arrangements for the band; for instance, the band or act may need to be set-up (and sound check) a few hours before they are actually due to play. This is quite normal, but an early set up time can mean the difference between a half day and a full day’s work for a band which can, obviously affect the price.
Most bands will quote for either 3 x 45 minute sets over a 3 hour period or 2 x 1 hour sets over a 2.5/3 hour period. This will almost always include the band playing recorded music during their breaks, but if you are booking a band directly, be sure to check this...
The Strumpettes - Ukuele/Close Harmony Trio...
Booth Street West jazz ensemble...
Don’t Feel Restricted by Sound Restrictions...
While it may seem like rules limiting decibel levels and band sizes are just there to spoil the party – these restrictions are often created in the best interest of the wedding guests. A cavernous hall that accommodates hundreds of guests is perfect for sprawling 10 piece swing ensembles, but an intimate venue is more suited towards a smaller band – venues and their preferred suppliers are often aware of the sizes and line ups that work best and are always happy to give advice.
The same goes for sound limits, which can be enforced by anything from an electronic limited that cuts the power to equipment if the sound gets too high, or simply the venue manager watching sound levels with a decibel meter. This is common in wedding venues and it’s nothing to worry about –with a few line-up changes, most bands can work in any venue and there are always plenty of options to consider.
Wing - strolling string duo...
PAT Testing & Production...
When you were planning your dream wedding as a child, chances are that you weren’t thinking about trailing wires, PAT testing and production costs (it’d be worrying if you were) but thinking carefully about production, lighting and PAT testing early on is key to avoiding hassle further down the line.
When you receive a quote, be sure to check what the cost includes; most agencies and bands will quote for lighting (that will light the dance floor area, but not the whole room) and sound equipment for up to around 200 people. Smaller bands may not have their own lighting and sound equipment and will quote a price “Plus Production” which means that production will need to be quoted for separately from a production company which will vary depending on size of venue, number of guests and the ease with which they can gain access and set up equipment at the venue...
Jazz band, swing band and ratpack singer Kevin...
All bands, musicians and DJs that use electrical equipment need to be PAT tested. This stands for Portable Appliance Tested; it costs very little for the act to do it and is very easy to arrange through a qualified electrician. When the act has this done they will receive a certificate that lists all of the equipment that was tested and also each item will have a green sticker on it that will indicate that it has passed and when it will need to be re-tested.
The Blind Tigers, New Orleans Jazz Band...
It may seem like a trifling matter in the grand scheme of things but PAT Testing is vital as all venues will specify that they need this in order to use their electrical points.
Respect the Repertoire...
A band’s repertoire is of the utmost importance to any couple organising wedding entertainment; and rightly so! But in order to ensure that a band is the right fit for your wedding, it’s important to get an idea of the full extent of their catalogue of floor fillers. Any agency or band worth their salt should be able to provide you with a repertoire list or sample set-list that will allow you to judge whether or not they’ll be able to get both sets of in-laws on their feet as well as friends and family.
Benoit - 1920s/30s Swing Jazz Band...
Bands are normally happy to take suggestions too, the song-lists are in no way definitive and bands are always adding new tracks to their sonic arsenals. That being said, it’s important to pay close attention to the repertoire list and make song suggestions accordingly – that 50’s Rockabilly group aren’t going to be able to play Katy Perry no matter how much you ask them so tailor your requests to the style of band you’re booking.
Another thing to bear in mind is that while a few choice requests can give the evening a personal touch, the value of a live band is their spontaneity and adaptability – give them a chance to read the audience and gauge what the crowd want on the night.
Stellini - Electric String Quartet...
If you are in the position of needing to book some wedding entertainment, then please get in touch! We love a challege at Sternberg Clarke and love working with couples planning a wedding.
You can browse through our full entertainments brochure here.
Alice
♥ Visit the Sternberg Clarke website for further information. You can also follow Sternberg Clarke on Twitter and Facebook.
♥ Also take a look through more 'How To...' blog features here...
