The cake has been iced, the reception venue booked and the chauffeur is polishing your carriage even as we speak…is there anything you've forgotten?
It is hard to believe that Suzie and I have just celebrated the 7th anniversary of our own wedding day because it seems only yesterday that we were asking ourselves that same question! We saved the pennies where we could – I did the calligraphy for all the place names and my wonderful wife found some innovative ways to reduce the costs for our honeymoon, but there were one or two areas where we didn't want to compromise. We scrimped and saved to ensure that we had the best photographer we could afford and we made sure that we had provided our guests with entertainment that would make it a day to remember for everyone who attended.
A wedding is a curious event when you think about it; two families and sets of friends are thrown together for a ceremony, a meal and an evening of revels and yet they will be lucky to spend more than a few minutes in your company. You and your partner are the social glue that connects this gathering of loved ones together and yet the vows, family photographs, seating plans and the sheer number of people in attendance means that you cannot possibly give them all the time and attention you would like to ensure they are enjoying themselves – after all, this is supposed to be your special day, right? Don’t worry if you feel conflicted about this state of affairs, you are not alone!
It is likely that there will be lulls and waiting time, nerves, and even some social awkwardness on the big day but, in my experience, much of this can be relieved by engaging the services of professional entertainment. Now I should put my cards on the table at this point because I am someone who performs at private functions including weddings and so I of course have a vested interest in what I am saying! However, that doesn’t mean that my advice is any less true and my guidance is more than just an extended pitch for future business…although I do have a few spaces left in my diary should you decide to get in touch!
My point is this – whether you decide to book a live band, a magician, a fireworks display or a troupe of fire-eating synchronized swimmers, it is worth giving some thought to the ways in which you can smooth out the social kinks that will be an inevitable part of your special day. A professional act with experience performing at weddings will know how to set your guests at ease, fill the organizational gaps that can suddenly open up and bring a smile to face of even the most socially shy of your cousins, while never forgetting that you are the stars of the show.
So how do you go about booking the right act for your wedding? Well, word of mouth is always hard to beat so if you have a recommendation from someone you trust, that is definitely worth exploring further. Next, you could search online or get in touch with your friendly wedding planner to see who they might suggest, although this might throw up who is most Google savvy or who has spent the most on marketing rather than necessarily who is best suited to your needs. You could also consider local entertainment agencies that tend to screen out less capable acts over time in favour of the ‘audience pleasers’ who ensure them a better return on their investment.
Once you have a short list of interesting leads, approach each in turn and make sure you meet them or at least talk to them directly on the phone. Trust your instincts here – are they asking the right kinds of questions? Do they seem flexible (and not just the contortionists) and willing to adapt their services to meet your needs? Can they provide good, reliable references and testimonials? Do they sound professional and well organised? Don’t be pushed into committing to an early booking in exchange for a discounted rate and if you can meet them face to face, this would be time well invested. At the least, ask to see a show reel or footage of their act; most performers these days should be able to provide this kind of material. Finally, don’t be afraid to discuss costs and ask for a clear idea about precisely what services are being offered. Do they charge by the hour or is there a flat rate for the day? Is the performer fully insured and are there any additional expenses that might be incurred? Remember that you are the client and you must be sure that you make the right choice for you and your guests so only commit when you are really happy with your choice.
Is entertainment essential to the success of your wedding? Of course not! Your loved ones will be patient and enjoy the day simply because they love you and are happy for you. If your budget doesn't stretch to afford Cirque De Soleil, please don’t lose sleep over it – and if it’s a choice between me and a the photographer, go with the fat photo album of memories every time – we still get so much pleasure looking through ours, even seven years later. However, if there is something left in the kitty, it might well be worth giving someone like me a call. After all, being the centre of attention all day and all night can be exhausting!
You can find out more about what Doodle Me a Tree at:
Website: http://www.doodlemeatree.com/
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