This month we're lucky enough to feature two incredibly talented artists that are established independently but are also well know as 'The Duo'; who have quickly established themselves as one of the top duo acts in Essex & Suffolk.
I can’t stress enough with all our lovely suppliers that feature on our blog, the passion, enthusiasm and love for what they do really is infectious and so lovely to witness – and there’s no doubt about it, this dynamic duo uphold these qualities. We are very pleased to share with you the next supplier in our series which is the established Duo comprising of Adam on Piano and Dionne Clarke. Whilst being establish performers and musicians in their own right, this charmingly charismatic pair join together to bring a beautiful backdrop to your special day!
As with many suppliers, each professional has their own way of working but frequently with performers (or bands for that matter) you will likely purchase their services under a package of some sorts. Therefore everything I discussed with Dionne and Adam is relevant to their services but they definitely share tips and tricks for their industry.
Being a planner, and aiming this series at all of you lovely lot looking to start planning or who are midway planning their special day, I wanted to know how, when, and what time frame performers prefer (or need) to ensure they're available for your special day. Whilst you can scout out your performers in advance and look to secure your date, Dionne and Adam typically advise that it's good to look to book your performer about 8months to a year in advance. During this time, your performer is likely to want to catch up over the phone/email, discuss your requirements, discuss the packages, and get a good understanding of the sort of vibe you'd like them to create for your day; Adam and Dionne say this is where they really can get a feel for the couple and start shaping their performance(s). Once this is complete, A & D recommend you keep up to date with their socials and performances, this ensures you're the first to see new content - or perhaps if a new song comes out that really encapsulates you and your loved ones romance, you could even request them to learn and perfect it for your special day...
So, if like me, you're thinking how does it work when hiring a performer for your special day? I can tell you! It all, much like the wedding planning process can feel a little over whelming, but Adam kindly explained how the process normally works and specifically some changes his made to his services to help his clients get the best soundtrack... Adam knows, that mostly when clients enquire or get in touch they probably only know as much as either Adam's pianist skill set or Dionne's delectable voice, what they're not as aware of is the packages on offer. Adam normally starts a consultation with a few questions that gives a rough idea of the plan for the day, at this stage don't worry! You aren't expected to know everything, if you've done your research, that's great, but if not, just give your performer some ideas as to what you're looking for and they'll tailor their package to you! After all, you're paying for their expertise! This is also your chance to ask a bunch of questions... maybe have a list of potential questions prior to enquiring! Once the performer knows what your day looks like and what you potentially are looking for, they can tailor their services to you, this may mean being flexible with their "packages" but if they're the soundtrack to your day, their going to want to look after you.
CLICK BELOW TO SEE ALL OF ADAM'S AND DIONNE'S PACKAGES
It's worth noting, whilst the performer can usually be flexible with their packages and services, they also have expertise in the field and therefore if they advise you against something or have some advice to share, we recommend listening! The wealth of knowledge and experience they've gained in their time in the industry really does help them understand and know what flows and what doesn't! Adam and Dionne are super open and lovely and they always encourage open discussion and negotiation, but I would recommend listening and trusting their advice, it is their job to know what works and once again, it's their reputation, so if they're advising something - take note!!
When it comes to the set up and the day its self, it is highly recommended that either you link your performer with your venue, or your planner so everyone is aware both what is available and what is needed for your performer to sound their best! Some things to take into consideration;
1- many performers may need a "chill out" space to rehearse, warm up or chill out in-between sets. This is something I've learnt through experience as a planner and my goodness the first time it threw me! I'd never have expected this and it was the first time a supplier had asked this... Depending on your venue, you may want to have an area for this, or perhaps this is negotiable in the contract you sign! But be aware, this isn't something you want cropping up on your day - you want these things taken care of before the event!
2- it is an unwritten (or increasingly a written rule into contracts) that you're expected to cater for your performers... Please check this during the contract stages, some performers do not expect this, however if it is stated, remember to include the performers and all their staff in your caters final numbers!
3- where you're expecting your performers to perform. Adam and Dionne are incredibly flexible and can do their thing almost anywhere! Adam and Dionne when they perform either need one plug socket, or can run one speaker in-between sets remotely. This is fabulous when you're requesting them to perform in multiple locations (outside, inside, under the tree, in the shade, in the sun, on the bridge - wherever!!) but it's worth considering location. Not only because they will need to change throughout the day, but also to consider weather (rain or shine!) Nobody wants to be sheltering from the rain or shine and have their performers situated so far away that no one can hear them!
So let's talk about organising the soundtrack for that day (as a planner, this is the bit we love) - the bits we know work well and, having had a long discussion with A&D, utilising what they know to be the best options for your day! Depending on your budget and performer, there're a host of options to choose from:
- Guests Arriving - This is a lovely option to set the precedence and mood for your ceremony! This will not only be a beautiful backdrop to the hustle and bustle of guests arriving eagerly awaiting the ceremony, but it also massively helps to calm some of the pre-ceremony nerves. The calming familiar sound of music can help ease the anxiety of the big day!
- Ceremony - The bit everyone has been waiting for... that walk down the isle *tissues at the ready* and what's more magical, romantic and tantalising than a beautiful hair raising performance of the couples favourite song to walk down the isle to, sign the register and walk back down as a happily married couple.
- Drinks Reception - This is where the nerves are put at bay, everyone takes a sigh of relief and a sip or two of something bubbly *yay*. This is my favourite time of the day, it's where everyone smiles and the true essence of love laughter, hugs, tears and just all round smiles are seen! People are embracing each other, catching up, taking selfies or just relishing the moment. I personally always think the backdrop of a soothing piano (Adam) or a beautiful voice (Dionne) really sets the scene - I can see it now, the sun is shining, the fizz is bubbling and people are tapping their feet and swaying to the beautiful music that is being performed for them.
- Wedding Breakfast - What sets the scene more than the a beautiful mellow calming soundtrack - ooh wait - Adam on the piano is a great choice, the elegant calming sound is the perfect mood for your first meal as the married couple! The undertones of romantic, soothing and known tracks really does fill the room. It caters for everyone, allows you to sit back and relax, tap your foot along and even start setting the scene for a night of dancing. If however, you do not wish for your performer to play throughout the Wedding breakfast, speak with them or your venue as many are happy to play a specially designed playlists!
- Transition into evening - this is much the same as the Wedding Breakfast, normally, a performer will not welcome your evening guests (sing) as this transition can sometimes overlap with the end of the wedding breakfast or the evening entertainment has already started! But again, ask away! Performers are happy to tailor their packages to suit you, and if this is important to you, see what your performer can do!
- Evening - Now... the evening entertainment is usually kicked off with the first dance! *eek* Depending on your package, performer, venue and song, this can be done in a variety of ways - I have seen several options. One option is to simply have your first dance song played via the DJ booth & sound system and then transition into the music, or if you have a band performing in the evening you may still wish for them to play your first song via their system, or if you've liaised with your band (or your planners got your back) the band may have rehearsed your first dance song and they can then perform this for you and smoothly transition into partying the night away! Again, it's all down to packages and liaising with you suppliers to get exactly what you want!
I mention bands for two reasons... Reason one being that from my experience, if budget allows, a band is an incredible way to party the night away - the atmosphere, buzz and party vibe of your wedding night is dramatically enhanced! It's like your very own gig! They interact, whip up the atmosphere and create a personable performance tailored just for you! The second reason being, Adam and Dionne offer this as part of their packages, not only are these two outstanding performers in their own right, combine together to form "The Duo" but also, invite their fellow colleagues, friends and band mates along to create a band in the evening. Now that's skills and versatility for you! Take a listen clicking the link below:
A final note, and one which as a Wedding Planner I have had to ask myself, is how do you know the performer is right for you and your wedding night... And whilst it's specific to you as the couple, it also is intuition! Many people are recommended by word of mouth or have experienced the performers do their things elsewhere, but others just get a feel for someone and click! One way to look further is to ask your performer for set lists, promo videos or as mentioned before follow them on socials. By reviewing set lists, or again chatting with your supplier, you can discuss options for adding or removing songs, vary the energies, or twist things around a little. The general consensus at weddings is your day time music is a mix of new and old but with a relaxed vibe - a non-intrusive, sophisticated soundtrack with a mixture of genres. But lead onto the evening and the energy is increased (normally to correspond with perhaps a few more glasses of fizz) and to get the party started! If you're not sure how this is curated, trust in your performer and their experience as they want to sound their best for you!
As always with our “Back to Basic” series, we pinned Adam and Dionne down to get their top three industry tips. You may think there isn’t as much to consider with a performer, well because they are themselves the package deal of dreams!! But as you’ve read, there’s so much they can bring to your day – so you want to get this right!
Please please please liaise with your venue to discuss sound limiters and licensing laws! Whilst Adam and Dionne do this for you as part of their service, many other suppliers do not! You have to be aware of this because if you don't it can affect the sound, performance and vibe of your suppliers. The venue coordinators will be able to help you!
Do not be afraid to ask questions! Enquire, liaise and keep in touch! Follow your performers on socials and you can see what they've been up to, and potentially even new content that you might be able to use on your special day!
Keep faith and have trust! Professional performers are there for you and your special day. Their packages and performance is there to give you the best - they only want the best for you because ultimately, that performance is their reputation and imperative to their survival, competition, reviews and future customers.
Please do follow these guys on socials, check out their instagram and keep an eye out for some performances nearby!
As always any questions or queries, get in touch! Thanks for reading...
O x