BLOG

Starting an Entertainment Agency
​
I have been a singer in bands for over 10 years. I have played at every type of wedding you can think of, in many different parts of the world. While I was on this journey I didn't really take much of it in. I think that's normal when you're in the midst of something, and life is busy.
​
It was when I came to setting up an entertainment agency that I really began to look back over it all. Don't get me wrong, I haven't hung up my microphone just yet. I'm still very much a singer and loving every minute of it. But being an agent is a different perspective. I've worked within the wedding industry for so long, but not had the need to look at the inudstry from the outside. Same goes for the corporate market. I've played for Christmas Parties, New Years Eve events and company parties arounf the globe. But having a slightly different hat on and seeing the whole picture is amazing.
My job as an agent is to provide the you with your ideal, according to your unique brief. I love that challenge. And I love drawing on my vast experience as a performer to do so. I feel being a performer gives me an advantage, as I know what works and what doesn't. Often I've literally tried and tested it myself, so I can pass only the great things on to the client.
​
Starting an agency also highlighted to me just how many incredible performers I know, and have worked with. Many of these are now represented by This Love, and I'm so proud of that. Again, it means when I tell a client that a partical wedding band, or Sax player is amazing, I really really mean it, as I have worked with them. Stood on a stage with them, and seen the reaction from the audience as they play. I know exactly what the client is booking.
What
What came first, the band or the DJ?
A band or a DJ...I find that is often the first question an engaged couple might ask. And it's a valid question. A wedding band...a wedding DJ...there is no wrong answer really. It ultimately comes down to preference, budget and space. My personal preference would be for a band, but then I'm a singer, so I suppose I'm bound to say that. If you asked a DJ, they would no doubt, and quite farely say a DJ is a better choice.
As an agent, who represents both bands and DJs, I am totally in favour of whatever is right for you. The deciding factors are almost always budget and/or space. Once you know those factors, the answer should become a little easier. Then the next question is simply "which DJ?', "which band?"...an arguably even harder decision...but an exciting decision aswell.
The Minefield Of Wedding Entertainment
​
If I take a band as the example here. There are so many bands out there, of varying experience, capability and style. When you sit down to find your "dream band" for your big day...where on earth do you start???
​
A musical style is a good place to start. And don't be afraid to be selfish and start with your own preference. Hopefully you both like the same music...
A key thing to remember though is your guests. Let's say you have 100 guests attending the evening of your wedding. They will each have differing tastes ofcourse. So you want a band that caters for this. A true, and experienced wedding band will have a varied set for this exact reason. For me, when I've put sets together for weddings bands I've performed with, I will make sure there's something in it for everyone. You want 80 year old Nana to have just as good a time as her 18 year old great grand daughter. And that is very doable, so long as you have specific wedding band.
You may have seen a band play at your local pub, loved them, and want them to play at your wedding! There is nothing wrong with that. But be cautious that a pub gig, is very very different to a wedding gig. There are many things to consider when you are performing as part of someones wedding day.
​
The other thing to consider is lighting and sound. All of our bands, DJs, Sax players and String players come with their own lighting and sound equipment. So you don't need to worry about supplying any of that.
Ceremony Music
​
Did you know that we supply entertainment for your ceremony? You could have a harpist, or a guitarist perform a rendition of the song you fell in love to as the bride walks down the aisle. These moments can be made so personal to you, and so they should be. There are millions of weddings every year, but each one is different. With your own unique details. You may have some ideas already which you would like to incorporate. Or if not, we can help you with them.
​
I did a wedding recently, and the bride wanted a harpist to play a very special song as she walked down the aisle. I said yes, ofcourse we can do that. What about music for when your guests are entering, and again for when they leave the ceremony? She hadn't thought of these bits, and that's totally fair enough. We don't expect you to have all the answers. That's what we are here for! We spent a while hand picking other songs that meant something to the two of them, which made even the guests entering and taking their seats, a really special and personal moment.