If you are planning the wedding entertainment for the evening you will be looking for function bands that offer a top class act who can get the party started, keep your guests dancing and act as a master of ceremonies to introduce key events in the evening such as the first dance. Organising a wedding day takes months of preparation from the florists to the hairdressers, to selecting the church to the hotel, from the wine to the photographer. The list is endless. You want to be able to sit back at the wedding reception and relax in the knowledge that the musical entertainment is in safe hands.

When choosing live bands there are some tips you can follow to make sure you select a professional and experienced band:

Avoid ‘club and pub’ function bands that offer a limited repertoire of rock tunes. You will need to look for wedding bands that can appeal to three or four different generations and can provide something for everyone. You may see a band at a pub and think they are great after a couple of drinks but would your parents and grandparents think the same? Look for live bands that perform at a wide range of events and can perform a wide range of songs.

Ask what the band will wear on the day. You want function bands that will meet the occasion and dress appropriately – not in jeans and T-shirts.

At London Soul we are a professional outfit that have experience in both large and intimate wedding day events.

When you get married it is one of those life changing events, and you want your wedding reception to be a wonderful celebration of this new union. One of the fundamental elements of any wedding reception is the choice of music. Music is instrumental in setting the tone and adding that extra dimension to the event. Sound systems and DJs are a common choice these days but it is live music that is becoming increasingly popular again. When choosing live bands there are some considerations to be made:

The first step is to think about the type of music that will be most fitting to your wedding and its location. If you are having a big party style celebration for the reception then raucous pop music may fit well. However if you are having a sophisticated garden reception you may want to choose something a little calmer. If you have the space think about what larger function bands could offer – a wide choice of music styles and a real party atmosphere.

Next you need to research wedding bands that fall within your music criteria. When searching for live bands often the best way is through referrals but if not take time to listen to any CDs or sound bites the wedding bands have to offer.

Once you have found the wedding bands of choice, take time to listen to them.

At London Soul we are a function band experienced in weddings and other events.

If you are holding a corporate event think about looking for function bands to create the entertainment for the evening. If you are holding a dinner event with speeches for example you will probably require music right from the beginning of the event, at the meet and greet. At this point the music needs to be unobtrusive, but a big enough ensemble to make an impact on your guests. Using professional party bands will ensure that the music is pitched at the correct sound level, allowing your attendees to talk easily and enjoy the music at the same time. The music should allow conversations to flow freely, without encroaching on them.

Professional function bands will also take time to find out the dress code for the event so that they can mirror how the guests will be dressed. If the event is black tie, then a function band should also dress so. The music at this point may be chosen to create an atmosphere of sophistication to again reflect the type of ambience required to encourage people to mingle and network, but also relax and enjoy the event.

It can be difficult to get corporate guests up and dancing, particularly if business is at the forefront of their minds. However, good function bands can create the right atmosphere to get everyone on the dance floor and manage the rest of the evening so that cues for speeches are not missed.

London Soul is an events band and we have vast experience in a range of events and can offer a mixture of rock, pop and soul music.

When you choose function bands to perform at an event or wedding, you need to ensure they understand fully what you expect from the day. When discussing the music you need to decide whether you want music to listen to in the background or whether you want music to dance to. Alternatively, you may want to have a combination of the two. At most functions there will be a mixture of different ages and musical tastes, so you’ll need to think about the types of music you want to appeal to everyone. Think about the main age groups that will be attending so that you can select appropriate musical styles more easily.

Party bands will also appreciate knowing how many guests will be attending. If the party is relatively small, a booming big band set may not be appropriate. The type of occasion will also have an impact on the choice of music and line-up for the evening. At a wedding there is of course the need for the bride and groom’s first dance, for example. It will also help to let them know where the event will be held so that they can plan travel arrangements.

Using all the information you have given, good function bands will be able to put together a music package for the event so that all your needs are met and the party is guaranteed to appeal to all your guests.

London Soul is a quality function band and we can guarantee to ensure that all your music requirements are met and that your event is a memorable one.

When hosting a party, wedding reception or anything else, you always have a choice between CD sound or a disc jockey and that of having a function band. Of the three, function bands are slowly becoming the most popular for a number of reasons. The presence of the bandsmen and the use of instruments provide a different way to entertain your guests.

The presence of all these instruments would bring a certain feeling of energy among the guests, and this will arouse them into the party mood. It is also worth mentioning that these days, it is now very easy to organise party bands as there are organisations such as London Soul. This is a group which will always make sure that there is music for your money on any of the functions which you may have organised.

What are the advantages of functions bands?

Imagine you are celebrating love at a wedding, or it is a birthday and suddenly the band starts singing the popular ‘happy birthday to you’. The feeling that one gets is by far superior from that you would have received if you had your discord sing the whole song.

The mere fact that function bands can play music which is specially composed for those that are present makes it somehow more realistic. This adds another dimension to the function. This is something which you can not manipulate if you have invited a DJ or if you are playing compact discs.