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In Music & Entertainment, Southend Blog

The Symphony of Southend Barns: Perfect Music for Your Wedding

Toast Live acoustic guitarist and singer

By Toast Functions

Your wedding day at Southend Barns promises to be a magical affair, and music plays a pivotal role in creating the perfect atmosphere. With its charming and versatile spaces, Southend Barns offers a range of options for your musical arrangements. Let’s explore the spaces and how they can be utilised to enhance your special day.

The Threshing Barn: Rustic Elegance

The Threshing Barn at Southend Barns is a stunning, characterful space that exudes rustic elegance. Live acoustic music or a string quartet can resonate beautifully in this space, adding a touch of classical grace to your vows. Consider a jazz band for cocktail hour, or a versatile cover band like The Deloreans for your reception. With its high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and warm ambiance, The Threshing Barn provides an exceptional setting for a live band or DJ to keep the dance floor alive. Amplify your DJ package by adding a saxophonist, live vocals, or electric violin! The live element adds an extra layer of excitement.

The Dairy Barn: Intimate Gatherings

For more intimate gatherings, the Dairy Barn offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for smaller ceremonies or hosting your drinks reception. Intimate gatherings call for intimate music. Consider a solo musician or a small acoustic ensemble to serenade your guests as they toast your love in The Dairy Barn.

The Collecting Yard and Gardens: Al Fresco Celebrations

Modern weddings embrace diversity, fusing genres to cater to a wide array of musical tastes. The Collecting Yard and Gardens is a picturesque outdoor space that offers a charming backdrop for a fusion of wedding festivities. The Collecting Yard can be a delightful setting for your drink’s reception or for an impromptu dance under the stars. A mix of live music; guitars, saxophone and strings are popular choices. Consider a blend of classical instruments with contemporary beats or even a live band that seamlessly transitions from jazz standards to current chart-toppers.

The Secret Garden: Open-Air Elegance

If you’ve envisioned an open-air celebration, The Secret Garden is a peaceful and scenic choice. With nature as your backdrop The Secret Garden is an exceptional setting for live acoustic performances, with their raw and authentic sound. A harpist or pianist resonate beautifully in this space, adding a touch of classical grace and filling the air with music that complements the natural beauty around you.

Crafting Musical Memories

Live music brings a certain magic to your wedding through a mix of tailored genres and crowd-pleasers, personalised to you and your loved ones. The acoustics of Southend Barns play a crucial role in how the music will be experienced. Southend Barns offers a range of enchanting spaces from the rustic charm of the Threshing Barn to the open-air elegance of The Collecting Yard and Gardens; each space provides a unique backdrop for your chosen musical arrangements.

The experienced team at Toast will help you consider the beautiful spaces at Southend Barns to choose the perfect music for your wedding day. With the right melodies, your wedding day at Southend Barns will be filled with harmonious memories that last a lifetime.

For more details about Toast and what they can offer, visit www.toastlive.co.uk

In Music & Entertainment, Southend Blog

10 Things to Consider When Booking Your Wedding Day Music

Wedding day live band (credit: Kevin Watkins Photography)

By Toast Live

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the right music sets the tone for every memorable moment. Whether you’re opting for live musicians, a DJ, or a combination of both, choosing the perfect musical accompaniment requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when booking your wedding day music.

  1. Personal Taste and Style
    Consider your personal music preferences and style as a couple. Do you lean towards classical elegance, or are you more inclined towards contemporary hits? Understanding your shared musical tastes will help you select music that resonates with both of you. It’s equally important to think about your guests and what will get everyone on the dance floor at the reception!
  2. Venue Acoustics and Space
    The acoustics of Southend Barns play a crucial role in how the music will be experienced. For instance, the Threshing Barn will suit a full live band, while an intimate event in The Dairy Barn can be better suited for acoustic performers. Consider the space and its acoustics when making your musical choices, using an experienced agency like Toast can help to guide you with this.
  3. Ceremony vs. Reception
    Different parts of your wedding day require different musical moods. Reflect on the ambiance you want to create during the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. For instance, the ceremony may benefit from live classical music such as a harpist, while the reception may call for upbeat, danceable tunes from a DJ or a live covers band.
  4. Budget Considerations
    Music is a significant aspect of your wedding expenses. Determine a budget for your musical arrangements early in the planning process. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you allocate funds appropriately. The team at Toast can deliver the perfect act to suit any budget. Getting a handle on your entertainment budget will mean that you can build a package that maximises your budget. For example, most daytime acts will cover your ceremony and drinks reception so do always ask about packages.
  5. Versatility of Musicians or DJ
    Consider how versatile your chosen musicians or DJ are. Can they adapt to different musical genres and styles? A versatile performer will be able to cater to the diverse tastes of your guests, ensuring everyone has a great time. Experienced acts can elevate your ceremony plus up to two 45-minute sets for your drink’s reception. In the evening, bands typically offer two sets lasting 60 minutes each or three sets of 40 minutes each. Toast’s bespoke DJ packages can provide the music for the entire evening celebration, with live musicians joining in throughout the night which really gives you bang for your buck!
  6. Communication and Coordination
    Clear communication with your chosen musicians is essential. Discuss your preferences, special requests, and any specific songs you want included. Ensure they understand the flow of your wedding day and can seamlessly transition between different segments.
  7. Experience and Reviews
    When selecting musicians or DJs, prioritise professionalism. Look for experienced musicians and DJs with a track record of successful weddings. You want to see reviews from other couples, samples of their musician’s work, and ensure they have the experience required to elevate your wedding. A seasoned pro from Toast will adapt to the flow of your day seamlessly.
  8. Backup Plans
    Always have a contingency plan in case of unforeseen circumstances. Musicians may fall ill, or technical issues may arise. Discuss backup options with your performers or have a plan in place with your wedding planner. Booking with Toast is a secure way to ensure your musicians are contracted correctly, deliver on the day and will always have a back up plan!
  9. Licensing and Contracts
    Ensure that your chosen musicians or DJ have the necessary licenses to perform at your venue. Review contracts thoroughly to understand the terms, including payment schedules, cancellation policies, and any additional fees.
  10. Rehearsals and Sound Checks
    Schedule rehearsals or sound checks with your musicians or DJ before the wedding day. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the sound levels are balanced for optimal quality. Toast musicians and DJs work with Southend Barns regularly, making for a smooth set up and sound check.

By considering these important factors, you’ll be well-prepared to choose the perfect musical accompaniment for your special day. Remember, the right music enhances the overall experience and creates lasting memories for you and your guests. Working with an experienced team like Toast gives you the peace of mind that everything from contracting, timings and back up plans are all in place so you can focus on enjoying your big day.

For more info, visit www.toastlive.co.uk

Photo credit: Kevin Watkins Photography

In Music & Entertainment, Southend Blog

Wedding Day Music Trends

Wedding day music (credit: Kevin Watkins Photography)

Elevate Your Day by Toast Live

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and every detail should reflect your unique style and personality. One crucial aspect is the choice of music. From the romantic melodies during the ceremony to the energetic beats on the dance floor, every note sets the tone for your special day. As you plan your wedding at Southend Barns, consider these musical elements to make your day truly unforgettable.

Hybrid Ensembles: A Fusion of Classical and Contemporary

Couples are currently gravitating towards the fusion of traditional and contemporary musical ensembles. Imagine the elegance of a violin seamlessly merging with the electrifying beats of a live DJ. This harmonious blend creates an enchanting atmosphere that caters to all musical tastes.

Choosing to blend timeless classics with modern melodies creates an ethereal ambiance for walking down the aisle. Envision the delicate strings of a harpist intertwining with the soft notes of a piano, accompanied by the soulful voice of a contemporary vocalist. Harmonious fusions encapsulate the essence of romance and sophistication, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

Vows in Verse

Couples are embracing personalised vows set to music. Consider commissioning a songwriter to craft a bespoke song that encapsulates your unique journey together. As you exchange vows, let the melody resonate with the promises you make, creating a moment that is uniquely yours.

Interactive and Bespoke Spotify Playlists for Every Moment

Personalisation takes centre stage with custom-curated Spotify playlists. From the prelude to the last dance, couples are meticulously handpicking songs that resonate with their love story. These playlists weave a narrative, evoking emotions and creating cherished memories for you and your guests.

Engagement is the name of the game, and interactive song requests are stealing the show. Couples are employing interactive platforms that allow guests to contribute to the playlist, ensuring everyone feels connected to the musical journey. This inclusivity transforms the event into a collective celebration of love.

Acoustic Intimacy: Unplugged Performances

Invite your guests to revel in an atmosphere of intimacy and warmth with live acoustic performances. Talented musicians strumming guitars or playing gentle melodies on pianos can transform your cocktail hour into an experience of soulful connection. This trend brings an authentic touch to your celebration, allowing your guests to immerse themselves in the magic of the moment.

Dancefloor Delights: DJ Sets with a Twist

Wedding DJs are taking a bold step by blending genres and eras. From classic disco beats to contemporary pop anthems, expect a dancefloor journey that transcends time and taste. Amplify your DJ package with the team at Toast by adding a saxophonist, live vocals, or electric violin! Your guests will be grooving to a seamless fusion of musical styles, ensuring everyone finds their rhythm on the dancefloor.

Making Memories through Music

In the grand symphony of your wedding day, music takes centre stage. By embracing the latest trends you create an atmosphere that resonates with your unique love story. The team at Toast is dedicated to making your day truly yours. They work closely with you to understand your musical preferences and budget, ensuring every note aligns with your vision. Whether you envision a classical quartet, a soulful jazz band, or a contemporary DJ, Toast have the resources and expertise to bring your musical dreams to life. So, let the melodies play on, and may your wedding day be filled with harmonious memories that last a lifetime.

For more info, visit toastlive.co.uk

Photo credit: Kevin Watkins Photography

In Music & Entertainment, Supplier

Toast

Southend Barns logo

Toast exists to provide you with outstanding musical entertainment performed by passionate and talented artists who share a genuine love for what they do. 
We blend this with service that’s personal and always professional, ensuring your event (whatever the occasion) is a roaring success.

We know that getting the music right and leaving your guests with a lasting impression is paramount to a memorable day. We can help take the stress out of the choosing and the hassle out of the organising, leaving you to concentrate on getting to the church on time.

5 reasons why Toast should be top of your charts:

QUALITY ARTISTS
Every one of our artists is hand selected based on the exceptional quality of their music and performance.

EXPERIENCED
We’re no fly-by-night outfit. Our years of work in the music industry mean we’ve got the know-how to make your event a success

SUPERHERO SERVICE
We won’t stop till we know you have everything required for your event to be perfect.

OPEN AND HONEST
Transparent pricing, informed advice and help every step of the way – working with us is a breath of fresh air.

NO STRESS, NO HEADACHES
Tell us where and when – we’ll make it happen.

Get in touch, we would love to help.

OFFER:

Please quote SEB10 for 10% off our popular Toast DJ service – please see our DJ promo video (discount is for our standard DJ package and only on off peak dates – please enquire).

Our promo video was shot at a real Southend Barns wedding.

(If you need to postpone your wedding date due to Covid government restrictions we will happily move your date and work with you to find a solution without any extra obligatory fees.)

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