Let's Eat Cake!

Hi everyone!

Yesterday was my son's 9th birthday and it seems like I have done nothing but bake birthday cakes for last week! It's a been a week of celebrations and there have been no less than five birthday cakes for various family, friends, school etc! Non-stop cake making... and eating too!

Whilst busy baking though I started thinking about musical themed wedding cakes and so had a good scout around for some images to inspire you for wedding cakes with a musical theme.

So whether you're searching for cute cupcakes like these...

...or a sophisticated yet more simplistic cake like this...

I've found a few ideas for you to enjoy. It's easy to keep your music theme running through every detail of the wedding.

Enjoy some more pictures and musical wedding inspiration through my Pinterest boards at http://pinterest.com/modefor/musical-wedding-cakes/

Love
Tabby xxx

Wedding Crashers!

I was asked the other day: "How can I turn my wedding reception into one big party soul and motown party?" and then I discovered a band that might just be able to fulfil that very request!

If you're looking for a fab band to "crash" your wedding, then the Wedding Crashers won't crash it, but at your invitation they'll certainly supply the va-va-voom required to get your wedding party swinging!

This 6-piece party band is just ace, providing a mix of live soul, rock and Motown classics which are guaranteed to get your guests up dancing the night away.

The band has plenty of experience with every type of performance under its belt from weddings to corporate events to live open air festivals and whilst based in West Yorkshire, they have toured and performed in the UK, Europe and the USA, bringing their mix of energetic musical performance to numerous stages to the absolute delight of audiences, party-goers and wedding guests.

They're great value for money too, with realistic fees and some great music for your money, these guys will rock any wedding, party or event and certainly come as my recommendation of the day for some great, funky tunes to get dancing too.

So have a listen and enjoy. If you're interested in finding out more or booking them just drop me an email at expressivoweddingmusic@gmail.com and don't forget to check out the band's own website at www.theweddingcrashers.eu

Have a great rocking day!

Love
Tabby xxx

Take My Breath Away...

Have you ever looked at a picture and it's quite simply just taken your breath away? Well, that has just happened to me this morning. I wasn't intending on writing about this today, but I just had to share the beauty and possibility.

A beautiful musical friend of mine, Kate Gee (who is a wonderful celebrant too www.hatsandchampagne.com), just posted a picture on Facebook of one of the most amazing venues for a marriage you could possibly imagine. It is simply stunning and the kind of venue I would love to set the most amazing musical performances in.

Would you like to see? Well here it is. The Chapel in the Woods at Arkansas.

I'm right in saying it's stunning aren't I? I can envisage a couple walking down the aisle and I can hear the sounds of wonderful music too. This is a venue I would love to perform in as a musician, using the architecture and surrounding natural beauty as inspiration for some fabulous music.

Having spent all weekend rehearsing with various brass ensembles and whole lot of time on private musical practice, I have to give a nod to the sound of brass for this venue, and having also been inspired this morning by the amazing musical prowess of an ensemble called German Brass, I think the music in this video could bring something very special to this venue for a spectacular wedding ceremony.

Or there's always the other option of going 'natural' and having music such as King of the Swingers from the Jungle Book!

Either way, I just had to share this fabulous picture.

Love
Tabby xxx

Sunday Sounds No. 2

Hooray I hear you say! It's Sunday and for many  a day of rest, relaxation, good food, good company and listening to great music. For me, today will entail 8 hours of music rehearsals and a bit of travelling to and from them! But, I get to listen to great music and you should too.

So, after the success of last week's first 'Sunday Sounds,' I'm offering some more musical treats for you to help you through the day and maybe give you a little wedding music inspiration!

I was quite amused when chatting to a bride this week who mentioned the 'in joke' for their wedding was to enter in to Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries from Act III of Die Walküre. Now this would make a stunning entry. A fabulous piece of music, not often used for weddings but would definitely make an impact. What do you think?

So from the sublime Romantic classical great composer Wagner (and not the real musician and composer, not the act that appeared on X-Factor a few years ago!) to one of the most sublime romantic singers of today (in some people's opinions, but yes, I like a lot!) it's Michael Buble. Let's face it, there's plenty of his songs you could select that would work brilliantly for moments such as signing the register or the first dance, but probably one of the most popular would be 'Everything.' Perfect words, perfect meaning for a wedding day and a great singable memory. Enjoy!

Enjoy Sunday Sounds; I hope they make you feel inspired. For me it's off to rehearsal now so catch you tomorrow.

Love
Tabby xxx

Off to the Wedding Fayre...

It's Saturday morning and many suppliers and couples are off to wedding fayres up and down the country. Wedding fayres are fab as they allow you to meet suppliers, gain inspiration and negotiate some good deals and discounts.

To be honest, I wish I was at  a wedding fayre today but for me, a  day of admin and musical rehearsals ensues as I embark on a very busy week of music-making!

However, in this very quick journal today (I'm preferring the word 'journal' to 'blog' so go with it whilst I try it out for size!) I thought I'd give you the first of a few hints on things to consider when talking to potential music suppliers for your wedding.

• Most importantly, whilst searching for music for your wedding, even though it might not be a priority in your budget, do remember that musicians have to earn a living and pay bills too. If you want professionals you will have to pay for services. If you want live music but only have a small budget, think of cutting down the required time, what kind of ensemble you have or even consider getting a fabulous semi-professional or amateur organisation (like your local town bass band or village choir).
• Having said the above, don't be afraid to negotiate prices.
• Make sure the musicians are able to accommodate your exact music requests and make sure there is plenty of notice so they can source or arrange the music you want. I'm sure they will be happy to add in any piece of music to their repertoire with a little bit of notice.
• Be realistic. Your musicians cannot play continually for six hours without  a break. They will need suitable comfort breaks and refreshments so be kind! Playing a musical instrument is like being an athlete, the musicians have to look after their muscles, bodies and minds.
• Make sure your ensemble is suitable for your venue. No good booking a full scale symphony orchestra for a very small church. 

If you're unsure of anything just talk and ask. I'll give you any advice I can so don't be shy, just get in touch.

Enjoy your day at the wedding fayre or however you're spending your Saturday.

Love

Tabby xxx

The Arrival...

Happy Friday! End of the week and heading for the weekend when you can all find time to listen to some music. I guess for some of you, it might be opportunity to hunt out some great musicians for your wedding or find that perfect piece of music?

Well let me help. Let's start with the arrival, or the processional as we like to call it in the business! Today I'm going to go with something traditional, a piece of music that is very popular for the both the processional and recessional. It has the uplifting power to send the married couple on their way after the service, however, it also makes a grand statement for the arrival and, well really, the clue is in the title; The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.

The Arrival of the wedding party as it walks down the aisle is one of the most significant parts of any wedding ceremony and this piece of music by Handel will set the stage for a very uplifting stately arrival. But the mood can be adjusted dependent on the musicians performing.

Just because Handel composed the music for one particular set of musicians doesn't mean that's what you have to go with, any musical ensemble comprising any range of instruments can perform the piece of music you love. So don't be led to believe that you can't have this piece of music when you really want a solo harp to play at your wedding.

So I've had a look on You Tube for you to show you just how you can choose a traditional piece of music, such as The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, and it can be performed by a variety of musical instruments.

Let's start with the original piece:

Perfect in its compositions, stately, lively and full of spirit. But if you haven't got an orchestra handy, how about just a mandolin (or guitar could do the same).

Looking for something a little more contemporary and also want a touch of jazz later to entertain the guests? Then why not consider a saxophone quartet, like this one.

Looking for simplicity, style and elegance? Then a solo harpist will do just the trick.

Not rousing enough? Then it has to be the brass instruments to add some extra uplifting power:

Or if you're in church and just have the organist at your disposal then the music still works as perfectly on organ.

You get the idea then. Any piece of music can work in so many ways, to make the music and the musicians perfect for your wedding.

Take some time to look for yourself. Choose a piece of music you love and find different versions; you could discover some great versions. Then just get in touch if you want any more assistance.

Love
Tabby xxx

Bringing a Touch of Elegance...

Good Morning lovely people! I've spent the last 24 hours discussing music choices for a wedding this Spring with a lovely bride and, to match the elegance of the wedding, we've settled on a subtle string quartet to supply the music.

It got me thinking about how music can reflect the style of a wedding and how quite often, elegance and sophistication is associated with string quartets (though as a brass musician I know we are just as sophisticated!).

Thanks to the powers of being a professional musician for many years I've been so lucky to meet and work with some amazing musicians, but a few weeks ago I happened upon a lovely London and South-Eastern based string quartet called Carnaby Strings.

Consisting of four beautiful ladies (apologies gents as all this week's musicians have been female, but superiority, bias and all that!), the group have been working and performing together since their days of musical studies. Each, in their own right, are talented and sought after musicians, performing for some of London's most famous musical establishments such as English National Opera, Royal Opera House, BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and numerous West End Shows and they join together to create some stunning music through the medium of Carnaby Strings.

Tailoring each event perfectly, the ladies offer a wide selection and genres of music for weddings, private functions and corporate events and they have performed at weddings and events at some of the most distinguished of venues. Just check out the venue list on their website! Ranges from The Ritz and The Dorchester to The Houses of Parliament.

With quite obvious style and class, there's no doubting they would offer the most fabulous touch of elegance to your wedding and the sounds they provide could be the most fabulous accompaniment to processionals, recessionals and reception music.

Do you have dreams of walking down the aisle to Pachalbel's Canon? Click here, have a listen, close your eyes and imagine... http://soundcloud.com/carnaby-strings/carnaby-strings-johann

Or are you looking for something different to lift the spirits of your guests, a perhaps of Dionne Warwick perhaps? http://soundcloud.com/carnaby-strings/carnaby-strings-walk-on-by

You can hear and see for yourselves how beautiful this string group sounds and looks and they will not disappoint, working closely with you to make your experience perfect, and that's what we love about all our musicians we feature, the personal musical touch to make your day perfect.

For more info on Carnaby Strings get in touch with me at expressivoweddingmusic@gmail.com or check out Carnaby Strings website at http://carnabystrings.co.uk/

I'm in Love....

Yes, it's true. I'm in Love! Of course, I love my other half very much, but this week I'm particularly in love with all the wonderful music themed wedding finds.

This blog is a fantastic opportunity to showcase fabulous musicians and promote their work and bring you inspiration of sounds, but I've also discovered a much bigger world of wonderful musical themed wedding ideas!

My particular love today is these wedding invitations, from a picture I found on Pinterest.

Don't you just think they're adorable? I think they're so fantastic I've decided I'm going to start trying to make some of these fabulous ideas, I mean, it's not like there's a  shortage of sheet music in our house from vintage, to the brand new music composed by my wonderful partner, Simon, every day!

In fact, How fabulous would it be to have your own special music composed or arranged for your wedding day, printed out to create the invitations and then performed on the wedding day itself. Well, that's an idea - I'll be launching that one and you lovely readers heard it here first! I'm loving all this wedding music fever, puts a smile on my face every day!

Having found the above picture obviously I had to look for some more and so here they are:

Simple, clever and adding a beautiful musical touch, there are a variety of ideas available.

But one of my favourites is this! Little, perfect musical packages!

Until tomorrow... Have a wonderful day.

Love

Tabby xxx

A Touch of Vintage Style...

I love Vintage! I mean, who doesn't really? A reflection of the past all wrapped up in modern day chic. A nod to the heroes of Wartime or a hint of the old school done completely with finesse, glamour and so much love. Vintage seems to be all the current rage for weddings, with vintage detail from dresses to flowers, tea cups to bunting. I love it! But what about the music, I hear you say? (Yes, I can hear you learning that in my blog it's all about the music!)

Well, I have an amazing treat for you today as I feature the first of many amazing musicians and acts on offer to you. All of the musicians I am going to feature in forthcoming blogs are fine professional and amateur musicians that I would have no hesitation in supplying and have, actually supplied to our list of amazing clients from couples to corporate.

So, with a nod to the Vintage style, today's featured group is an amazing trio of singers called The Haywood Sisters. They look beautiful to start with, the epitome of Vintage glamour and style and the sounds they produce with sweet sounds and close harmonies are so easy on the ear you can't help but stop and listen.

Singing songs from the 1920s, through the Wartime years and in to the 1960s they offer a huge repertoire of songs that could fit so many themed weddings and events and they add the perfect sparkle wherever they go. Be it the ceremony, wedding breakfast, or the evening reception (or any corporate or other function you can think of), one of the best things is the ladies work with you to create your perfect set-list for you and your guests, and I've said before, it's so important to have the music YOU love.

Working with other musician colleagues, the ladies can even bring along a fantastic big band, which is surely the perfect musical climax to any Vintage themed wedding day? They are all self-sufficient too, down to earth and always ready to assist and perform, just give them a plug socket for their own PA equipment and they'll give you a musical experience you'll not forget.

Have a listen right now via this You Tube video:

Last night was a big event for the ladies as their new website went live, and even the website offers a fantastic feel of Vintage style and chic with that expected glamour and sparkle.  See what I mean? http://www.thehaywoodsisters.com/wp/

Fancy booking The Haywood Sisters for your wonderful Vintage themed event, then you can contact me directly or the ladies themselves and just mention that you heard about them here.

Love Vintage? Then you'll love The Haywood Sister.

Until tomorrow....

Love
Tabby xxx

Thank you Pinterest!

Morning! It's Monday again, but it's a lazy half term Monday with no school runs. I can hear the cheers across the country!

I spent Sunday afternoon familiarising myself with Pinterest, one of the few social network kingdoms I haven't investigated yet.. but now I have. How fabulous are some of the amazing photos and what incredible inspiration, ideas and concepts you can find. I'm quite overwhelmed with what I found!

Musical Inspiration

My interest in Pinterest was only jerked into reality when I was reading another blog when searching musical themed weddings on the internet and I found some incredible ideas using music manuscript, then shortly after there was a re-tweet on Twitter with some fabulous flowers made from manuscript, just like this one.

I'm really quite taken with them and it has become apparent that music in your wedding can play a much bigger role than just the sounds your hear. I've decided that every so often in my blog I'm also going to feature musical inspiration in many forms, and not just the audible sort!

Today's inspiration is a gathering of wedding flower ideas, but with a musical twist and flowers that might not like water, but will last a lifetime. I found a few pics on Pinterest which I've put together for you so have a look and marvel at the creativity of these people. 

Follow this link and it will take you to my little collection. http://pinterest.com/expressivomusic/musical-wedding-flowers/

I'm truly in awe of the artistry, perfection and how such a simple yet clever idea can result in something so unique, stunning and memorable. Enjoy, share and be inspired. Until tomorrow my lovely readers.

Love

Tabby xxx

The new 'Sunday Sounds' featuring Lyndsey and Mark

It's Sunday and it was fantastic waking up with the window open and birds singing; true sounds of spring and I love it!

I'm looking forward to today; a day of musical rehearsals and then relax time for the evening before two weeks of intense music-making. Therefore, I have decided that we need to make the most of the few hours relaxation we get on a Sunday, so I am re-naming Sunday 'Sunday Sounds.' The day when we get to listen to some great sounds and music.

My plan is to find you some great accessible music to listen to from the traditional to a little different, hopefully it will give you some ideas and inspiration, either for your own wedding or just inspiration of some great music to listen to.

So, where shall we start? Let's start at the beginning, with the traditional and for the Processional (the bit where the bride walks down the aisle!) sometimes there is nothing better than the sounds of Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke. Now I might be biased as I'm a trumpet player but it is superb!

This version is the fantastic London Symphony Orchestra performing the classic piece of music.

Lyndsey and Mark and the salute from the Slaithwaite Band

In December 2012 two lovely people, Lyndsey and Mark, married in the beautiful Yorkshire town of Holmfirth and by request from Lyndsey, she walked down the aisle to Trumpet Voluntary, played by me on this occasion and accompanied by the Slaithwaite Brass Band, the band which Mark plays with and Lyndsey is one of the 'WAGS!'

It was a fantastic day, even in December the sun shone and the music was so special, mainly because it was performed by friends and people who love the gorgeous young couple, and they had a fantastic trumpet player too!

Their service music also consisted of hymn tunes including Shine Jesus Shine and a fantastic, but slightly unusual choice of recessional music (the going out bit!) of a march called Killaloe, which is the regimental march of the Royal Irish Regiment.

This was chosen not because of any real connection to the Military but purely because Mark had played it several times when a member of a brass band and loved it. It's a rousing finish to any concert or musical event and I think it made the perfect finale to this wedding. Have a listen here and see what you think:

Music played such an important part in the wedding day of Lyndsey and Mark, with the Slaithwaite Band also playing at the evening reception, before a DJ took over the evening.

A mix of the traditional and unusual, enjoy the Sunday Sounds  that made Lyndsey and Mark's wedding perfect.

Love
Tabby xxx

Picture courtesy of Karen Walton Photography

A Little Bit of Italy...

Happy Saturday everyone and what as Saturday it is! A gorgeous sunny day, the doors and windows are open (complete with duvets hanging out of them!) and I've a day of wedding admin, or "wedmin" as we like to call it, plus I've got some great music playing in the background!

The sunny weather has reminded me of last year's lovely weeks in Italy, a nice little spot myself and the other half have found to hang out on the Tuscan / Umbrian border but we also spent time in Venice, Abruzzo, Rome and Lake Garda.

I found some great venues for weddings whilst we were there and some superb musicians to play at theme too so if you're thinking of marrying in Italy just get in touch for some ideas and gems of inspiration. But what about if you can't afford to travel to Italy, why not bring some of the culture to your wedding day with some fabulous Italian music. 

The home of so many great composers, including Antonio Vivaldi who wrote so much music played at weddings and the home of amazing musicians including singers who so many of us love to listen to such as Andrea Bocelli. I've just had his 'Con te Partiro' on full blast which is a real treat, especially this live version here from "A Night in Tuscany," oh how we could all do with a night in Tuscany right now!

Aside from the fact the song translates as Time to Say Goodbye, this song is special to so many couples as it's the epitome of romance, I know it's a favourite of my brother and sister-in-law who got married in 2011.

In fact, I'm really excited as they still haven't had their honeymoon yet what with one thing and another but we've clubbed together and sending them to our little piece of Umbrian perfection this Summer; so exciting!

Preparing for the Opera in Rome 

Other great music for your church service with an Italian theme could include music from the opera. We went to watch the wonderful outdoor performance of Bellini's 'Norma' in Rome last Summer, but Verdi's 'Grand March from Aida' makes an amazing entrance for any bride (in fact my Mum had it when she married in 1999!).

How about a great Tarantella to get everyone up dancing in the evening or emulate the relaxing feel of life in Italy with an amazing and subtle mandolin or guitar playing during the wedding breakfast, bringing images of the Amalfi coast.

A singer to sing some of the great traditional Italian songs heard at weddings in Italy, such as 'O Sole mio,' 'That's Amore,' 'Ti Amo,' and 'Buona Sera.'

Enough for now but I'll leave you with a few more images from one of the most romantic countries in the world.

Love
Tabby xxx

The Romance of Venice

The Wonder of Rome

The Vatican

Churches of Umbria

Let's Start at the Very Beginning...

What a lovely sunny Friday it is today, a great day for gaining inspiration for weddings! But here's a question, where do you start with finding your inspiration for music for your wedding? Well, to kidnap a line from the Sound of Music, "Let's start at the very beginning...a very good place to start."

You're engaged, congratulations! Maybe, in fact your lovely partner popped the question yesterday on Valentines Day! If so, huge congratulations. Usually the first things that brides and grooms think about are the when and where the wedding will be. Church, hotel, random outside location with an amazing marquee and so on...

Then there's the theme. Not everyone has a particular theme, maybe just  a colour scheme, but some may opt for themes such as Vintage, classical or black tie. The dresses are dreamed about then chosen, the honeymoon is booked, the budget is nearly spent and then comes the thought of music. I've already touched on this in an earlier book saying you should choose music you love, which is all very well but so many times I ask brides and grooms what music they like and they say "I don't know, can you just put something together, we don't know how to choose?"

So, ideas for gaining your musical inspiration can be resolved by asking yourself a few questions:

* What's your wedding theme? 
Can you choose music from that era or style, such as vintage, Italian etc.

A beautiful Italian church - Inspiration in itself xx

* Do you have a 'special' song or piece of music?
Is there a song that brought you and your loved one together
* Did you spend childhood's playing in music groups?
Perhaps you had a childhood playing in the local brass band and have just remembered how much you love the sound after hearing one in the park.
* What's your favourite country?
For instance, you had a romantic trip to Dublin and think a Ceilidh Band to dance to would get your guests on the dance floor, or you visited Rome and the thought of Italian Opera during the signing  of the register would set the mood perfectly.
* Do you want something really amazing to declare the start of the wedding breakfast?
Some people hire a toastmaster, why not use a fanfare trumpeter to declare the start of the wedding breakfast and the speeches.

By just asking yourself a few questions and listening or looking into your past you will find your own unique musical inspiration and for even more ideas you just have to ask me! I'm full of amazing ideas and can put you in touch with a huge host of fabulous musicians.

But for now, I'm off to gain some musical inspiration of my own.

Love
Tabby xxx

Happy Valentines!

Evening everyone! Sorry it's a short and sweet one today but it's been a mega day of music making!

Anyway, Happy Valentines Day! Has it been wonderful or were you forgotten by your loved one?

I've been a lucky girl and what's better is I've spent the day listening to some great sounds and looking at some great live bands for forthcoming weddings.

There is such a hype around Valentines Day and the market for cards and presents is astounding, but what about Valentines musical memories? They can be free.

If you look back on this Valentines Day tomorrow or next year, what piece of music will stick in your mind as your musical memory of today?

Mine has to be "Pussycat, Pussycat, I love you.." As it will forever remind me of an incident with a Valentines rose, a pilfering cat and my other half at 3am this morning! Romance in a fun musical form!

Have a great night everyone and see you tomorrow!

Love
Tabby xxx

Music is what Feelings Sound Like....

2010, Singapore.... one of the most beautiful countries I've visited; it's just clean and tidy and perfect! I remember sitting in our hotel watching a fabulous couple get married and they looked wonderful!

I wasn't there for a wedding but rather some professional musical work (the best bit of being a professional musician...travelling to fabulous places!), judging a major youth music competition and that year myself and my now rather gorgeous partner Simon were two of the four-strong judging panel. The very talented musical soul that he also is, Simon had composed the test-piece for all the bands to play and the organisers had requested the music be composed with the festival theme in mind, which was "Music is what Feelings Sound Like..."

We worked with musicians from Malaysia, Singapore, China and New Zealand delivering workshops and musical activities on this theme, working in several different languages and it was a fabulous trip, which had been confined to the deepest darkest memory bank until I spied this picture on Facebook yesterday that bought it all flooding back.

I know you're wondering how in heavens my reminiscent waffle relates to music for weddings but it really does. I mentioned the other day that you MUST choose music for your wedding which you love, not what you think people want you to choose and this quote sums it up perfectly don't you think?

The music you choose for your wedding has to reflect not just you, but your feelings of the day: love, happiness, excitement and so on....

Every detail of your wedding day reflects your tastes and feelings, so why not your music too? Quite often it seems that musical contributions to the wedding service and reception are not considered until after every other detail is finalised if there is any budget left over, if even considered at all. A DJ for the evening reception comes high up the list of priorities but not music for the rest of the day, but I can't tell you how much of a difference great musical sounds make to the experience and enjoyment of you and all your guests and if it's live music all the better.

Music has a magical effect on us all, pulls at the heartstrings, makes the hair on your neck stand on end, creates and nurtures emotions like nothing else, surely you want that magic and emotion on your wedding day too?

To create the perfect ambience on your wedding day just let all your guests share in the music that YOUR feelings sound like, and they'll remember and hear the day  forever.

Love
Tabby xxx

No...More...Silence!

It’s Tuesday and it’s cold outside here.. ooh there’s a cue for a song.. “Baby, it’s cold outside!” perfect for a winter wedding!

Anyway, following on from yesterday’s blog about what music you can and can’t have for your wedding service, it got me thinking about some of my own personal likes and dislikes at weddings.

Far be it from me to influence anyone with my personal thoughts, but I do have a few real bug bears!

Firstly, thinking you have to choose a certain sort of music to have played before and after the service. If you’re getting married in church PLEASE don’t think all the music has to be sombre, simply because you're in church. You’re guests are there to celebrate your wedding, to celebrate you as two wonderful people, not to catch up on some zzzzs!

I have organised some great music in churches with pop and jazz music or music from the shows getting all the guests to sing-a-long. It puts your friends and family in such a great spirit to set your wedding day off with a great atmosphere. Let's face it, music can play the biggest role in setting just the right atmosphere for your day and if the right atmosphere is there, the whole day will be amazing and perfect.

I'll be honest though, for me there's nothing worse than going to a wedding and feeling uncomfortable from the silence before a service, you feel like a naughty school kid outside the principal's office and feel like you shouldn’t chat and say ‘hi!’ to everyone sat around you! “Come on, I’m here to enjoy myself!”

So, my other bug bear is silence! I'd much rather hear some toe-tapping tunes and have a little sing or clap-a-long - wouldn't you? Quite simply though, so many couples don’t know or think about the time before the service itself but music can be the best ice-breaker. If there’s some great live music being played guests can feel comfortable talking politely to other guests or, they can just sit, listen and reflect. Music relaxes everyone, so a great ‘must have’ for the groom, or partner in the church who’s awaiting the other partner’s, often delayed, arrival!

“But it’s expensive” I hear you cry! Well actually, no, it really doesn’t have to be. Speak to be me, show around, don’t get ripped off, but remember musicians need to pay their bills too. A few hundred pounds could get you a fabulous small ensemble to play all your service music, including a mini-concert before the service and a few hundred quid is surely a great investment to set the perfect atmosphere for your day isn’t it? Remember to speak to any groups about getting a discount for also playing during pre-reception drinks too... but more on that later!

Have a great day

Love

Tabby xxx

Not the "I Do's"... but the musical "Dos" and "Don'ts"

Happy Monday morning! It's snowy here, but everyone is where they need to be and work has been under way here for a good few hours now.

I had a great night watching the BAFTAs and reading and responding to some emails from lovely couples who are getting married but wanting some advice on what music they can have in the venue they are marring in.

So, even though it's already on my blog as info, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight a few Dos and Don'ts when it comes to music for your wedding, specifically in the UK. Unfortunately, in the UK it's not as straight forward as being able to have any music you want at your wedding there are a few rules and regulations that have to be adhered to.

Civil Weddings

Currently the law in England states that music in civil services must be "non-religious." This does leave some grey areas on what can and can't be used and in reality it is probably more at the discretion of the individual Registrars as to whether particular music is suitable.

If in doubt, best thing is to contact the General Register Office at this address:

Marriages & Civil Partnerships 

General Register Office

Trafalgar Road

Southport

PR8 2HH

Goes without saying that if you're unsure, I can help and guide you all the way but the best rule is to also speak to your own Registrar and work closely with them.

But, regardless of religious or non-religious music, you can still have music to impress with fabulous processional and recessional music (the ins and outs!) and something special for signing the register. You can also get all your friends and family involved to add that personal touch!

Religious Services

With church or religious weddings you are working within the rules and regulations of your own religion, be it hymns, religious songs or anthems. You also have a free rein to choose some fabulous music for processional, recessional, signing of the register and both before and after the service to entertain your guests. Again, speak to your minister and they'll advise you as appropriate but don't be hounded into choosing music you think you should have....

More on the old church service music situation tomorrow I think. Let me know your thoughts.

Tabby xxx

A Little Find...

Good evening lovely people. How are we all this Sunday evening?

Been a lovely weekend here at Mode for... Cottage, or Rose Cottage as my beautiful Grade II listed cottage is actually named! Anyway, after a weekend of some work, rehearsals and great date night with the other half, I took my own advice from yesterday's blog and have done plenty of listening to different music.

Tonight I've been on the hunt for some new tunes and happened upon this great song, that would make a fitting addition to any wedding service, bit of a 1980's style power ballad, Chicago meets Kenny G; and I'll be honest, I'm an absolute fan of both Peter Cetera and Kenny G: They've both seen me through many a year, boyfriend, heartache and joy!

Anyway, the song's called 'One Step' and it's written by an American guy called Michael DelGuidice. You can find it on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGi-KCllhrg

Go on, have a listen and leave a comment here with your thoughts. A good find for a wedding or just another gushy love song?

Back to the listening now, and it's BAFTAs night!

Love

Tabby xxx

Just Listen...

Happy Saturday! I'm sure there's some great wedding planning going on this weekend, with visits to wedding fayres and the such for inspiration.

But how do you inspire yourself for making choices on music for your wedding? Well, in my opinion, the best was is to just listen...

So, for the rest of the day, put the books away, take the pressure off, stop trawling the internet and quite simply listen. Grab your ipod and put it on shuffle, listen to the radio...anything. Just listen.

On my ipod one minute it's classical rock, the next traditional jazz, followed by brass bands playing Acid House Music, then a gospel choir...and so on...

So, permission granted to open the wine, sit down, relax and enjoy the music. Take the pressure off and make the wedding choices the easy way, choosing the music you love.

Have a great evening.

Tabby xxx

A Little Bit of What You Fancy...

When it comes to choosing music for your wedding who says you have to stick to the tried and tested formulas of historical tradition?

Don't get me wrong, I'm as big a fan of music from the Renaissance, Classical and Romantic periods as the next person, but why not bring a touch of the modern into your wedding service as well as the reception?

If, as a couple, you're in rock, jazz, Western, Indie or Hip Hop then be brave, have those styles set the theme for the event as you enter the church or service venue. One thing's for sure, your guests won't forget you bouncing down the aisle to Cotton Eye Joe will they?

Then mix it up a bit more, get some great live musicians to perform the music you want... I can hear it now, a brass band performing Iron Maiden or the church choir singing Dolly Parton.

The point is, music is about passion, emotions and everyone's taste is different. Don't be shy about your tastes and have what you really want for your wedding service; it's YOUR wedding after all!

There can't be rules where music choices are concerned so get thinking outside the box and love, enjoy and make great musical choices that will enhance your day.

A little bit of what YOU fancy really is good for you :-)

Love
Tabby xxx

MUSICAL NOTE: If you want to discuss some ideas for music for free then e-mail me at expressivoweddingmusic@gmail.com

Featuring the best

There are so many great choices for live music acts for your wedding and I'm going to regularly feature some amazing musicians.

From brass to vocal, strings to the unusual, you'll find a wealth of inspiration here!

Want your live music act to be featured on this new fab blog? Just email me at expressivoweddingmusic@ gmail.com

Lots of musical Love

Tabby xxx

I'm Back and launching bigger for 2013

Yes, I know it's February already and it's months since I posted but after a think, a shuffle and a burst of inspiration I'm devoting some time and energy to our weddings arm of Mode for... Expressivo Wedding Music.

I'm really quite excited and can't wait to supply lots of lovely brides and grooms with fabulous music for thier special day, so stay in touch, tell your friends and if anyone wants any music for weddings, just refer them to me.

I'll take time to talk through all the options with potential clients, advise on music, styles of groups and work to every budget.

Let's get as much live music as possible at weddings.

Have a lovely evening.

Love
Tabby xxx