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Wedding Entertainment ideas
March 29th, 2020 by Daniel MorrisHOW TO BOOK A BAND | HOW TO BOOK A WEDDING BAND
January 2nd, 2017 by Daniel Morris
FREE GUIDE TO BOOKING LIVE BANDS FOR 2017
From The Morris Agency
If you have been put in charge of looking after the music and entertainment for your next event, here is a definitive guide from entertainment industry guru, Daniel Morris of the Morris Agency.
Vintage Jazz Band Hire London
December 5th, 2016 by Daniel MorrisVINTAGE JAZZ BAND LONDON | VINTAGE JAZZ BANDS LONDON
1920s bands are here to stay
We have been adding vintage 1920s, 1930s and 1940s Jazz bands like crazy here just lately. We have been getting so many requests for vintage Jazz bands, and of course we can supply what you demand.
We have some great new acts still to come and this is a nice time to be looking for bands to hire as we are just changing over our site to have even more artists and some exciting offers too such as our Free ebook guide
For more info on how to book Vintage Jazz bands in and around the London area and hiring musicians to play at your event then please email us
AFFORDABLE ENTERTAINMENT | SAVE MONEY ON LIVE BAND HIRE
December 4th, 2016 by Daniel MorrisSAVE MONEY ON YOUR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Money Saving tips for your music event by The Morris Agency
If you are feeling the pinch and the credit crunch has bitten into your Entertainment or Music budget, don’t panic! here are some cost saving options from The Morris Agency that look and sound great and doesnt take you over that budget.
Less can be more
Many of our clients find that a combination of solo or duo musicians and a DJ and if budget will allow can go a lot further than just a main band in the evening.
Look at themed musicans such as a Mexican or other Latin bands:
http://www.themorrisagency.co.uk/band-hire/profile/mariachi-mexteca/
These artists give a big sound for less than you think (and you can go from solo, duo, trio and up)
They can play from 45 mins and more which can also help with costings
Live Music Early:
If you book the bands earlier in the day then you can usually get a better deal as they can go and perform at another location in the evening still and this can really help to slash the fee.
Barter:
We don’t always ask for money off and these things are not always set in stone, if you don’t ask, you don’t get! failing that, speak to us and we will do it for you!
ROAMING ACOUSTIC BANDS
Example of our roaming acoustic bands such as:http://www.themorrisagency.co.uk/bands-to-hire/festival-folk/
Are a perfect new option for anyone who is restricted on budget, space and sound volume. Performing large repertoires, dynamic and roaming, they are brilliant when you want an unusual band to entertain your guests.
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SORT THE WEDDING BAND STAG STYLE!
December 4th, 2016 by Daniel MorrisHAVE YOU BOOKED THE BAND YET?
Wedding 1971 style
So, you are getting married and the one thing your loving bride to be has asked you to do is to book the entertainment for the big day.
You proposed a year ago so there is plenty of time right?
The bells of Big Ben sound on New Years Eve and as well as the post NYE celebration hang over you are suddenly brought to a sobering though…..
“I get married this year and I haven’t even started looking for a band” It’s a pretty familiar situation we hear this time of the year.
Why should I worry?
It’s not great news on that front guys I am afraid. If, like me, you leave everything to the last minute, you might find that the short listed bands you looked at with your partner last year are long gone. Especially if your date is in the wedding season ( now running from May to September ) you might have a problem.
Why shouldn’t I worry?
Well, that’s what we are here for. We can assist you in getting to the acts that you need, at the price you want (hopefully under budget if we can!)
We have access to loads of artists for you top listen to and if you can’t find what you are looking for then you can always call us and we can go on a search.
Why go with you?
Good question. Like all things, the DIY approach is always cheaper. We often lead a busy life and the research, emails, the replies from bands telling you they are ‘not available’ can take a lot of time.
Look at us as your band concierge. We will go to the bands style of choice, get the fees and availability and deliver it all to you in one email with links to the bands. You make your choice
Bingo, happy other half!
or email us info@themorrisagency.co.uk and we can do the rest.
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HOW LOUD IS A LIVE BAND? Sound limiters for live bands
December 1st, 2016 by Daniel MorrisHOW LOUD IS A LIVE BAND?
Sound limiters for live bands comparison
If you are having a party or having your wedding reception with a live band, you may find that the venue you visit mentions a sound limiter to you. They may not, and this is always a good question to ask them. The thing is that, most venues are reluctant to tell you as they either don’t know much about it or feel that you might not book with them as a result. as you can see below:
What is a Sound limiter?
Its a device that is set at circa 95 db and limits the sound that is used to restrict noise pollution. See https://aquietrefuge.com/decibel-noise-level-chart/ where regulatory noise limits are specified. Normally positioned on a wall, it cuts out the power to the unit that the band would plug their equipment into.( looking a bit like this: http://www.sound-light-company.co.uk/soundlimiters.php )
What are the issues?
Besides the potential cutting of power resulting in possible equipment damage, the main area for concern for you is this; if you can picture the scene:
The band are in the middle of a song and the power cuts out, the band lights and equipment goes off and you then have to wait for it to reset and then they can restart. Pretty disruptive for you and annoying when it happens more than once.
The other side effect to sound limiters on a performance is that the band might be conscious of keeping the sound down that they are not giving it their all and also have to keep an eye on the limiter.
Can you get around it?
As it is the local council enforcing the installation it is not even possible to bypass by going through another power source. It would be helpful to find out where the band are likely to be positioned in relation to the limiter as this can make a difference.
Below is a guide to db ratings that might put it into perspective:
Near total silence – 0 dBA whisper – 15 dB
Normal conversation – 60 dB
A lawnmower – 90 dB
A car horn – 110 dB
A rock concert or a jet engine – 120 dB
A gunshot or firecracker – 140 dB
Other options for bands that have no issues with sound limiters can be found here
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BUSKING BANDS | BEST ROAMING BANDS FOR HIRE
November 30th, 2016 by Daniel MorrisBOOK BUSKING STYLE BANDS FOR ANY OCCASION…
But not at busking prices!
We have loads of busking style bands for weddings and events. A roaming band performing acoustic walkabout songs can be a perfect addition to your event.
It is important to note that the bands are not the average buskers that you might see in London or other major cities. These guys are professional full time musicians and although their prices are more competitive than some amplified acts, they are still getting bookings for weddings and events from a min £600
Why are Busking roaming acts so good?
There are lots of benefits to booking a roaming acoustic busking style band. With the increasing sound restrictions on live music in wedding and corporate venues, bands need to adapt to the needs of the location and busking acts do just that. They can be amplified and stationary if needed but can also be totally unplugged and work from table to table.
Can the bands take requests?
Because or acts are so versatile, they have a huge repertoire and can often take requests from the audience there and then. It’s a live jukebox .. try and catch them out!
Where can we see the busking bands perform?
Head on over to our roaming / busking / walkabout band section and you can have a look at them performing and listen to their demos.
Got more questions?
Contact us on Email
Other wedding entertainment ideas
Cost of Wedding bands
November 12th, 2016 by Daniel MorrisHOW MUCH IS A WEDDING BAND?
Cost of wedding bands UK
When you are looking at hiring a band for your wedding you might be thinking that maybe don’t need to stretch the budget that much really. I mean, is it that important?
Well the answer to that is yes it is pretty important.
If you have ever been to a wedding before then do you honestly remember the wedding cake or the favours or the flowers? I imagine, not really.
The amount of times I do hear from people that they remember the music if it was good or bad!
I make a lot of bookings for the same bands due to seeing them at a wedding.
I would put it to you all that it is something that fills up such a large percentage of the day and evening, it is something that your evening guests experience as well as the day ones. On average this is from 3 to 4 hours and is what the day ends on.
So with the average cost of a wedding cake being £500 or more maybe there should be more consideration to a lasting memory and the cost of that?
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TOP 10 WEDDING FIRST DANCES
April 12th, 2016 by Daniel MorrisTop 10 Wedding Songs
Here is an introduction into how to choose your live wedding band first dance…..
Is your favourite here? The final Top 10 went like this:
Aerosmith – Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing
Bryan Adams – Everything I Do (I Do It For You)
Lonestar – Amazed
Shania Twain – You’re Still The One
Shania Twain – From This Moment
Van Morrison – Have I Told You Lately
James Blunt – You’re Beautiful
Savage Garden – Truly Madly Deeply
Robbie Williams – Angels
Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
Is old-fashioned best when it comes to your first dance song? Only three of the top 10 wedding songs date from the past few years: James Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful’, Robbie’s ‘Angels’ and Savage Garden’s ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’.
Unusual Choices
Looking for something a little less predictable? Our complete Popular Wedding Songs list contains a wide range of songs with something to suit every taste. Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Elton John bring classic romance to the list, with tunes that were simply made to be popular wedding songs .
But there are also plenty of unusual choices for your first dance song. Cool couples are choosing Snow Patrol (Chasing Cars), Jack Johnson (Better Together), or David Gray (Sail Away). And there’s the mother’s choice – Ronan Keating, Westlife or Robbie have plenty of tracks simply made to be first dance songs.
Father / Daughter Wedding Songs
Traditionally, the bride and groom will be alone on the dancefloor for the first dance song. Sometimes the bride’s father will cut in and dance with the bride halfway through, but sometimes the second dance is reserved for the bride and her father. Brides who have more than one father figure may wish to dance with both during the song. If the father of the bride wants to choose a song, you might want to direct him to this page!
Bette Midler – Wind Beneath My Wings
Bob Carlisle – Butterfly Kisses
Charlie Rich – The Most Beautiful Girl
Luther Vandross – Dance With My Father
Nat ‘King’ Cole – Unforgettable
Paul Simon – Father and Daughter
Temptations – My Girl
Mother / Son Wedding Songs
Shortly after the bride and her father take to the floor, they are traditionally followed by the groom and his mother. Finally, the newlyweds dance with their in-laws, and bridesmaids and ushers join the dancing.
Boyz II Men – A Song For Mama
Boyzone – No Matter What
Commodores – Three Times a Lady
Deniece Williams – Let’s Hear It For The Boy
Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
Queen – You’re My Best Friend
Robbie Williams – She’s The One
First Dance Tips
The very thought of their fiancé throwing his best moves on the dancefloor is enough to give most brides palpitations. If you or your beloved spouse are lacking in the disco department, it may be a good idea to take a couple of dance lessons. Many dance tutors and schools offer short wedding dance courses to couples who want to pick up some moves – fast…
Visit UK-Jive to find your nearest modern jive / LeRoc / Ceroc class.
Alternatively, how about live dance lessons – at the wedding? “We hired a big band and a swing-style singer for our wedding reception,” explains Anna Hollisey, who married last year in South Wales. “We wanted to get everyone dancing but we didn’t want to embarrass ourselves! So we hired two dance tutors to come and provide an hour’s dance lesson at the start of the evening. I think we were the slowest to learn, but it had everyone crying with laughter!”
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FIND AWESOME LIVE WEDDING AND WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS
January 23rd, 2016 by Daniel MorrisWEDDING ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS FOR WEDDINGS AND EVENTS UK
COOL AND QUIRKY ENTERTAINMENT IDEAS
Welcome to the Morris Agency wedding and events ideas and news blog. Here you will find some new and exciting and sometimes quirky ideas for your live entertainment.
Wow your wedding guests
We are specialists in booking live bands and artists for numerous events and shows around the country and Europe. Through our wealth of experience over the years we have compiled stacks of free ideas for entertainers to hire and keep your guests entertained all day.
We keep our finger on the pulse of what is hot and what is not each year, so check our our blog articles written from our local agents.
“When it comes to entertaining guests we have it covered”