How to Give Your Wedding The X Factor Wedding Entertainment Advice

My love affair with weddings began when I was a chubby, somewhat snotty three year old. I was a rather clumsy, indelicate flower girl to my gorgeous aunt. But I remember that magical day even now, and my love of weddings has never waned. Now, as a musician I am lucky enough to be invited to share peoples weddings and provide wedding entertainment at them on a regular basis. Do I have the best job in the world, or what?

So here’s my thoughts on how to give your wedding the X Factor. And I’m not talking about inviting high-waisted trouser wearing, chest-exposing music moguls like Simon Cowell; rather how to make your day extra memorable, extra fabulous and in the words of the rather beautiful American judge Nicola Scherzinger, ‘Shaaa-maaa-zing’!

The X Factor

What the heckers is the X Factor anyway? Its a rare and precious jewel. It’s making others feel inspired and good. It’s about personality and magnetism, confidence and charm. Oh - easy then. (Ahem!) But actually I think it is.

The first and last rule is Make It Personal. Your nearest and dearest are coming to spend the day with you and share this wondrous affair and they do not want a magazine perfect event. They want to see ‘you’ reflected in the occasion.

Live Ceremony Music

If you are using live music at the ceremony (and please do! I know I’m biased but a CD really doesn’t create the same atmosphere) why not walk down the aisle to a song that means something to you as a couple. How about a song from the soundtrack of the first film you saw together; something that evokes memories of your first date; or the song that was number one when he (or she!) proposed. Whatever. Let your imagination run free.

Ask a family member or friend to sing for you, even if they’re not an aspiring Leona Lewis. I remember a really special ceremony my trio played at where the brides sister replaced a reading with a song. It was a self penned number and absolutely beautiful because it was so heartfelt. It could have been Eva Cassidy herself in the room for the emotion she evoked.

Go quirky! You may have a favourite pop song, but want to ‘mix it up a bit’ No problem. Ask if your wedding musicians would mind giving it a funky arrangement. (You’ll find that musicians are a talented bunch and this would be no problem for them) And look at what Gabrielle Aplin has done for ‘The Power of Love!’

Unexpected Musical Moments

Use music at unexpected moments. My all time favourite was when we played the Darth Vader theme for the groom’s entrance. Everyone burst into laughter and spontaneously applauded. What a wonderful way to start the day.

Ask your band/musicians to play a song not just for your first dance as a married couple, but how about a special song for the bride and her father. Another sure way to get every ones eyes leaking!

Commission A Song

Many musicians will also be composers. Ask them to write a song just for you. You could provide your own lyrics so that the song has special meaning for the two of you.

Ask For Recommendations

If you want the low stress/hassle option (and let’s face it, that can be a good option sometimes!) ask your musicians for their recommendations.
They’ll be more than happy to suggest music for you. Let them take care of it.

Most Importantly, Have Fun

It’s all about having fun and if you’re having fun, the guests will too. I have only touched the outermost tip of the ‘X’ when it comes to giving your wedding the X Factor. But you don’t need to create the sparkle by having over whitened teeth against a spray tanned orange face! Follow your own heart. Sing to your own tune. This is your day. And it will be beautiful.

Throw your metaphorical glitter in the air and dance in the tiny particles of happiness.

Written by Lisa-Marie Baker from Yorkshire Trio - A piano, cello and flute ensemble who perform music from classical masterpieces, to jazz and pop. Whatever your taste, Yorkshire trio have the music for you!

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