In conversation I discovered 4 tell-tale signs about the previous entertainer’s unprofessional approach: well-below average “bargain” price; no deposit taken; no paperwork issued; discounted cash-only price to be taken on the night. If service providers are so cavalier about their business practices, they are going to be cavalier about the most important day of a couple’s life together.
I was so pleased to be able to solve this crisis and do more again to make their whole day wonderful and give them instant peace-of-mind that their party would be a success.Aidan was pleased with some possible solutions I suggested for their whole day and immediately decided to upgraded from evening-only to a long-day entertainment package: making the booking right there over the telephone. I was able to take details and email his booking pack within the hour, then confirm his instant payment all in the same evening. Mission accomplished!
I was not too surprised to learn in conversation that Aidan held rank in the armed forces (both as a Major and as Quarter-Master) and such military precision & decisiveness proved very characteristic of their whole planning process. While the couple had a clear idea of the style and shape their day would take, they were confident to leave music choices in my hands following productive telephone & email consultations about the timings for the day & structure of their family and guest-list.
After the event, Aidan’s feedback form said “Jon Paul was very flexible in his singing and music, as I’ve received lots of comments.” Having researched the venue online, Sarah at least was delighted that I suggested a simple, compact lightshow to make the best use of intimate space. One thing they had feared was a 1980s style-disco with dozens of lights in everyone’s eyes, or a pounding band spread half-over the small dance floor so no-one in the room could talk OR dance!
This was the main reason they’d decided to book a professional live solo artist in the first place - and as a wedding specialist I was pleased to provide the solutions within a neat and streamlined package. (If only were the same of my physique!)
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| A wedding pro considers the overall 'look' |
Aidan & Sarah had decided not to take up my full Host/Toastmaster service, so enjoyed an intimate entrance announced by a family member. After food, I purely acted as Host for the speeches, not only providing a wireless microphone but also introducing each of the speakers and informing the guests about upcoming arrangements for the evening – if only to take a little pressure off the Best Man (Aiden’s brother!) and to facilitate not only the keynote cake-cutting but a speedier turn-around for the venue staff when tables were cleared & space made for dancing.
This was a good thing as the change of mood between the formalities and the evening party was the most marked I had seen in a while. Eager guests were up and dancing even during supporting warm-up music before the first dance and first live set!Once ready, I warmly welcomed the new Mr & Mrs Coogan to the floor, where they shared swaying alone in each others’ arms to ‘Close To You’ by The Carpenterts. I then invited all to the dance-floor as I this catalyst for the party with up-tempo live performances, featuring big band Swing music (which even the teenagers danced to!) plus plenty of perennial favourites.
An exquisite mixture of old and new floor-fillers followed as I alternated between live sections and DJ’d set-pieces – including smattered sections of club-style DJ’d dance music. The day and evening had flown by, so I was pleased to be able to adjust the party’s structure on-the-fly to fit as much entertainment as possible into the remaining time, including adding guests’ spontaneous disco requests. (Aidan’s daughter had some great suggestions!)
The newlyweds & I had planned a fantastic crescendo to the party just before midnight, and I encouraged guests into an enthusiastic circle, singing along as Aidan & Sarah hugged & kissed their goodbyes through every single remaining guest, before meeting back to dance together in the middle of the circle.As the chorus of Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back In Anger” rose up, everyone present waved and cheered the happy couple out of the venue to their awaiting Rolls Royce. A few more anthems wrapped the party on a high, with many guest begging for more even while I started to pack my equipment away ready to start my long journey back to Wales!
Afterwards, Aidan’s feedback said I “really got the atmosphere right and played to the crowd.”
A wonderful venue, a lovely crowd and a fantastic couple! Can’t wait for my next time back in Herts – but congratulations once again to the new Mr & Mrs Coogan!
Take care...and have fun
Jon Paul
Jon Paul is available throughout Hertfordshire and Greater & Central London, the Home Counties, plus throughout the UK. Phat Aah’s Entertainments provide superlative daytime & evening entertainment solutions and music services for weddings of all sizes and styles – from Grande Hotels and Country Manors to intimate private homes and function halls. Find out more about Jon Paul’s live and disco packages from his website, as well as experience previews and reviews – or just contact Jon for information about the bespoke package he could tailor just for your event.
