Guide to booking music for your wedding day.

Music for Weddings
Wedding Music Tips & Guides
26/01/2023

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - A bride dances whilst a trumpeter plays

Here’s our guide to booking music for your wedding day!

Music is one of the most important features of your wedding day, and getting it right will ensure your guests have a great time. Read on for our suggestions on how music can feature during the four main sections of your wedding day.

guide to booking music for your wedding - A singer performing at a wedding

Your choice of music during the ceremony should be personal to you both. This might be a song you both love, or a piece of music that reminds you of when you first got together. Our advice is to opt for something stripped-back, such as a string quartet, solo harpist, or even a guitar and vocal duo can work really well and be more memorable. You don’t want anything too lively at this point as it can distract from the main event.

Example acts: ESQ, Ella Marie (pictured), Cecilia (above)

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - A Gypsy Jazz Band

Instrumental music works well during the reception and provides a nice backdrop to all the chatter. But if you want to make the music more of a feature at this point, then a vocal-led act can work nicely too. It really depends on the mood you want to create. If you’re thinking to go for an act that’s a bit different or unexpected, then this is a good time to do it. You might consider a gypsy jazz quartet, or a fun and lively Cuban band!

Example acts:Nouveau Boheme (pictured), London Jazz Trio, Havana Kings (above)

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - A string quartet performing during the wedding breakfast

Here, we recommend choosing music that provides just a little ambience. If budget is tight, then there’s really no reason why a well-compiled playlist can’t work. However, if you are set on having live music (we certainly won’t argue with that!), and budget allows, then a jazz trio or a classical quartet are good live options.

Example acts: London Jazz Trio (above), Vicenza Strings

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - A Silent Disco

This is the highpoint of the day; all the emotional bits are over and it’s time for your guests to let their hair down and have a good time. You’ll want to choose music that is to your personal taste (especially your first dance), but it’s important to consider what your guests will like too. There will most likely be a range of ages at your wedding party, and ideally you want to please as many of your guests as possible so that they all leave on a high. A really good act will be able to cross eras and genres.

You can’t beat the energy and interaction you get from a live band, but a DJ can also be a perfectly good option. We would advise against using a playlist here as, unlike a band or DJ, it can’t ‘read the crowd’ . A band or DJ can judge the audience on the night and adjust their set accordingly.

Example Acts: Briggs Street Players (above), Dukebox City, DJ Zulu

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - Guitarist playing to a lively crowd.

The size of the performance area at your wedding venue
Does the venue have a sound limiter?
Does the venue have it’s own sound system?
Acts will need to be provided with a meal and refreshments

Guide To Booking Music For Your Wedding - Singers Performing.

Don’t book your music entertainment too late. In-demand bands and musicians get booked well in advance
Choose a piece of music that’s personal to you both for the ceremony and first dance
Make the evening entertainment the highlight
If budget is limited, then a well-curated playlist can work well during the sit down dinner
When booking the evening entertainment consider your guests’ musical tastes as well as your own

March Events Round Up

Music for Events
Music for Venues
Music for Weddings
News
20/03/2019

Welcome to our March events round up!

We’ve had a fantastic few weeks, working with some wonderful clients and some fab new venues. Read on to see what we’ve been up to!

SG acts have been performing at one of London’s most impressive venues, The NED. Our acts have been performing weekly in the Members Restaurant, as well as appearing on the Nickel Stage.

For further information on the Ned, click HERE.

Soulful singer/guitarist, Mike, performed live for world renowned fabric designers, GP & J Baker, at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre.

Mike is an outstanding vocalist who has worked alongside the likes of Emeli Sande, Leona Lewis and Jessie J.

Click HERE to enquire about booking Mike.

Gypsy Jazz quartet, Nouveau Boheme, performed for an event at OXBO Bankside, in February. OXBO is a Hilton Restaurant & Bar serving English classics with a twist, and bottomless brunches. Did someone say bottomless?!

Click HERE to enquire about booking Nouveau Boheme.

Singer and pianist, Kate, performed at an event for the Royal Lancaster London. Our lovely new piano shell, Berta, also made an appearance!

Click HERE to enquire about booking Kate, or Berta(!)

We continue to work with luxury river yacht, Silver Sturgeon. SG acts that have performed aboard the yacht recently include, Frida, Havana Kings, and Jazz vocalist, Megan (pictured).

We worked with exclusive travel company, Niquesa, again this month. We provided a Japanese Koto player for the launch of their new luxury travel packages to Japan.

Click HERE to enquire about booking Japanese music for your event.

Music Suppliers at Strawberry Hill House

Music for Events
Music for Venues
Music for Weddings
20/03/2019

Sound Generation are thrilled to now be preferred music suppliers at Strawberry Hill House.

Strawberry Hill House is internationally renowned as one of the finest examples of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture. It’s a stunning venue, set in Twickenham, and makes the perfect setting for wedding and events.

As bespoke music suppliers, we absolutely love working with unique venues like Stawberry Hill House. We’re really looking forward to working with the lovely team there, and for our acts to perform at such an incredible venue!

To find out more about Strawberry Hill House, click HERE.

Piano Shell Hire London

Music for Events
Music for Venues
Music for Weddings
19/03/2019

We now offer baby grand piano shells, in black or white, available to hire for weddings and events.

If your venue doesn’t have a piano onsite, a piano shell is a fantastic solution. It certainly looks much better than a keyboard in all your wedding photos. It’s lightweight, and takes minimal time to set-up. A digital piano just pops inside the shell.

A baby grand is the perfect way to enhance your event, bringing a touch of elegance and style. And of course we can supply a fantastic pianist to go with it too! Just click HERE for some pianist options.

Our baby grand piano shells come in high-gloss black, or white, and have already graced the stage at venues including The Ned, Conduit Mayfair, Selfridges, Royal Lancaster Hotel, and for numerous video shoots, including Universal Music. They’ve even sailed down the Thames on the Silver Sturgeon.

For further information and pictures, click HERE , or to make an enquiry, just click HERE.

To see SG pianist, Ed, using one of the shells, click HERE.

Nordoff Robbins

Uncategorized
05/12/2018

Nordoff Robbins

We believe that music can be life changing, and that it should be made accessible to everyone, especially people with life-limiting illnesses, physical disabilities or emotional challenges. So, we are absolutely thrilled to now be supporting Nordoff Robbins – the UK’s leading music therapy charity, who provide vital support to vulnerable and isolated people. They offer support through their open access centres, and alongside partner organisations.

For every private event now booked with Sound Generation, we will donate £5 to Nordoff Robbins.

If you would like to find out more about the wonderful work Nordoff Robbins do, click HERE.

Soho Farmhouse

Uncategorized
05/12/2018

We have been working with Soho House group for a few months now, with SG artists performing regularly at The Ned and White City House. We’re thrilled to now be working with Soho Farmhouse, on their new weekly live music nights, which will feature performances from different acts every Thursday from 7pm. Set on 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside, Soho Farmhouse makes for a country retreat like no other, featuring cosy cabin accommodation, a whole host of outdoor pursuits, and plenty to ensure guests get some serious downtime too.

Soul singer, Daniel Walker, launches the nights this Thursday 6th December, followed by Mike Davies on December 13th and Louise Golbey on December 20th.

WHAT WE’RE UP TO | JUNE

News
22/06/2018

WEDDING FAIR | THE OYSTER SHED
“A wedding on the banks of the Thames – what could be more perfect?”

We were delighted to have been a part of a hand-picked selection of recommended suppliers to exhibit at The Oyster Shed’s most recent luxury Wedding Showcase.
Guests were welcomed into the venue with a refreshing, after work cocktail, before being introduced to a small number of suppliers ranging from floristry and calligraphers to bakers and, of course, music!

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CAMINO LONDON | SHOREDITCH
Thursdays and Fridays throughout June, you can catch SG DJ’s performing only the best live music to kick start your weekend playlist!
With summer quickly approaching, make the most of the evening sun and join us for a cocktail or two!

WHAT WE’RE UP TO | MAY

News
25/05/2018

SILVER FLEET
We are thrilled to be working on the water with private charter company, Woods’ Silver Fleet, as their newly appointed, preferred supplier for live entertainment!

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THE NEDS BIRTHDAY BASH
Recently The Ned London turned one! And we were honoured to have been asked to perform at their birthday bash spectacular earlier this month.
And you can catch a glimpse of our very own Briggs Street Players performing to a lively crowd over on Twitter!

CLICK HERE!

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BRIGGS STREET PLAYERS
It’s been an especially busy month for Soul band, Briggs Street Players.
The boys had an exciting performance at the opening of Soho House group’s new venue, White City House at the end of April. They also had a whopping three weddings over the course of just four days at fantastic venues, Claridges, Coworth Park, and Chiswick House – followed by a show at The Ned for their 1^st Birthday Party, supporting none other than Gabrielle!

WHAT WE’RE UP TO | EASTER + MOTHERS DAY

News
25/05/2018

APRIL NEWSLETTER
Click the image below to read our April Newsletter!

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WHITE CITY HOUSE
We were delighted to provide a live music for the opening of this incredible new Soho House venue in White City, west London.
Over three nights, SG artists Daniel Walker, Nicola Sipprell and Jessica Berry performed in the lounge bar for drinkers and diners.

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EASTER WEEKEND!
Our DJ’s were serving up some hoppin’ Easter tunes at our local Camino residences in Monument and Kings Cross over the Easter weekend.
Although we were sad to have missed out on their chocolate and coffee, cocktail masterclass! Fingers crossed they bring this one back for Christmas – we’ll be first in line to try it, that’s for sure!

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MOTHERS DAY | LANES OF LONDON
Right in time for Mothers Day, we teamed up with Lanes of London and started a regular weekend music schedule!

Starting with a Harpist for Saturday Afternoon Tea and Gypsy Jazz for those scrumptious Sunday Roasts!
(1:00 – 4:40)

Music for Weddings | Outstanding Wedding DJ’s

Music for Weddings
25/04/2018

We’re delighted to be providing DJ’s for so many happy couples this Spring/Summer season, and at some incredible venues.

We love providing the soundtrack for the evening party on such an important day in a couple’s lives, and as we all know – a DJ can make or break the party!

Safe to say, one of our DJ’s will definitely MAKE the party.
We only work with highly experienced, versatile, friendly, professional DJ’s; DJ’s who are passionate about music and know how to read the dance floor.

Check our DJ page for more information, or to listen to some of our DJ’s CLICK HERE!

Music for Events | Silent Disco

Music for Events
Music for Weddings
28/02/2018

Sound Generation are now providing Silent Discos for weddings and events across London and the UK!

Silent Discos are an incredible way to keep the party going when faced with noise restrictions! Or if you simply want your party to continue late into the night (or morning!)
We provide silent discos for weddings and corporate events and can cater for parties of 20 – 200 guests!

: silent_disco_london

photography by: Andy Gaines

We cater for weddings, private parties, corporate events, and company training/team-building days, and can provide headphones for as few as ten, or as many as two thousand.
Whether you have booked your own DJ already, or require a DJ as part of the package we can help. We handle all the logistics of the event, from headphone delivery/collection, to testing and operating equipment, and handing out headphones on the night. Our all inclusive service takes all the hassle out of organising yourself.

For more information or to make an enquiry CLICK HERE!

WHAT WE’RE UP TO | FEBRUARY

News
09/02/2018

BRIDEBOOK WEDDING AWARDS 2018
Thank you to all our fantastic clients for our rave reviews – out of hundreds of participants, we have won the Silver Bridebook Wedding Awards 2018 Badge of Excellence !!

“Badges go out to those who received the most reviews and testimonials from their community of couples”

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VALENTINES DAY
For all you lovebirds, this Valentine’s Day SG singer, Louise Golbey, will be performing a little ‘Valentines Jazz’ at the Park Lane Marriott Hotel, free to all drinkers and diners from 6.00 – 9.00 pm.
Not yet made any plans for date night? Book your table now!

You can also be serenaded by SG artists at Sketch and Corinthia London’s Bassoon Bar.

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WEDDINGS AT THE BINGHAM

This month we have an exciting number of weddings taking place at The Bingham featuring performances from artists such as ESQ, Adam Harris, the Briggs Street Players and DJ Zulu.

“ESQ strings and Dream Big jazz Band were absolutely amazing and exceeded all expectations!”
Alicia and Nick, Bride & Groom

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LIVE MUSIC AT THE NED

Performances by James Sayer (4.00 – 4.45 + 5.00 – 5.45) and
The Briggs Street Players (9.00 – 10.00 + 11.00 – 12.00)

New live artist photos by Lori Loves!

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THE JANUARY NEWSLETTER HAS LANDED!
Click the image below to read up on our January News!

WHAT WE’RE UP TO | JANUARY 2018

News
09/01/2018

WEDDING FAIR AT THE BINGHAM

We were delighted to attend this years wedding fair at The Bingham hotel.
With lots of weddings already upcoming, it was great to meet so many happy couples and share a little taster of the SG experience.

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MID-WEEK VIP’S
DJ Matt Grierson sparked a little ‘hump-day’ dance party one week at ALOFT London Excel for a VIP sales event with Marriott hotels.

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“BECAUSE WE CAN CAN CAN”
Step back Santa! There was nothing Christmassy about this staff party!
Artist DJ Zulu played an eclectic mix of Electro-Swing and Commercial party music at a Moulin Rouge themed Christmas party for well-deserved staff at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, in the decadent Hansom Lounge.

“The DJ was great and loved by all, we had a really good night and received great feedback from all the team”.

photography by: Mark Bothwell

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ESPA LIFE AT CORINTHIA
Earlier this month artist Libby Shone had the pleasure of performing at one of the UK’s number one spa destinations!
Libby played an upbeat and lively set for private members and workers of the ESPA Life Spa, Gym and Salon, in one of our regular SG residences; Corinthia London’s Bassoon Bar.

“It was great. We know and love the singer already, hence we requested her! Members loved the music and enjoyed the party as well”.

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EAST INDIA CLUB
Christmas may feel forever ago for most people, but for the staff at East India Club, Mayfair, it’s been extended and we couldn’t be happier about it!
After all, what better way to kick the January “back-to-work blues,” than with a party!
Featuring DJ James in The Smoking Room with a mixing table.

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LIVE MUSIC AT THE NED
We are thrilled to announce that you can now catch an SG artist performing every week at popular London venue, The Ned!
This evening we have SG duo Frida performing Live for all drinkers and diners from 9 pm.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Hoping you all had wonderfully relaxing Christmases and feeling refreshed and ready for all that lay ahead in 2018.
2017 was such a great year for us in many ways, and we are very grateful to all our fantastic clients for making it so.

Music for Weddings | August Round Up

Music for Weddings
31/08/2017

It’s been another busy month for wedding entertainment! Here are a few of our August highlights.

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THE GROVE
Solo guitarist, Mark, & SG band, Replay, entertained wedding guests at 5* Hotel, The Grove in Watford.

“I couldn’t recommend these guys enough – fantastic! The team were able to discuss our general needs and then provide helpful guidance and options for us to come to a final decision.”
Sarah Watts, Bride

To make an enquiry, or to book Mark or Replay for your wedding or event, click HERE.

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WOTTON HOUSE
Flamenco guitarist, Andres, performed at a wedding at beautiful Watford venue, Wotton House.

“All our guests have commented on how beautiful the music was and one guest asked Andres to serenade her baby to sleep each night. We were so pleased with both Andres and your services. We will most definitely recommend sound generation and Andres.”

Melissa & James Sutcliffe, Bride & Groom

To make an enquiry, or to book Andres for your wedding or event, click HERE.

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ASHRIDGE HOUSE
SG harpist, Cecilia, provided the musical backdrop at a wedding at the stunning wedding venue, Ashridge House. Ashridge House is a beautiful country estate and stately home set in National Trust woodland, in Hertfordshire. Cecilia performed during the ceremony and drinks reception.

To make an enquiry, or to book Cecilia for your wedding or event, click HERE.

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DENBIES WINE ESTATE
Soul band, the Briggs Street Players, entertained wedding guests at England’s largest vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate, in Surrey.

Music for Weddings

“We couldn’t have asked for more, your band were superb and made our wedding an event to remember with our friends and family. We had so many lovely comments raving about ‘The band’. It just wouldn’t have been the same without your contribution. Thank you so much, I hope one day we have reason to book you again.”
James Groom

Briggs Street Players are available from a 4-piece band, through to an 8-piece band including Saxophone, Trumpet, and Female Vocalist. To make an enquiry or to book BSP, click HERE.

Music for Weddings | July Round Up

Music for Weddings
28/07/2017

July was one of our busiest months to date, for weddings. Here are just a few of our highlights…

TAPNELL FARM
We worked on a very special wedding on the Isle Of Wight. The couple were big Coltrane/Davis fans and the afternoon drinks reception featured a flawless performance from jazz saxophonist, Vasilis Xenopoulos, whose band featured Matt Winch, Julian Bury, Matt Home, and Rob Barron. After dinner, the Briggs Street Players 7-piece soul band took the stage and the party truly began. Incredible vocals from Daniel and Libby. The party continued well into the night with a DJ set from Chester’s Derek Kaye.

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HEDSOR HOUSE

“An absolutely amazing place!”
Johnny Depp

We worked with award-winning venue Hedsor House, on a wedding which again, featured SG’s, Briggs Street Players, as well as vocalist, Ella Marie. Hedsor House is a stunning Georgian Mansion set in Buckinghamshire. As well as being a fabulous events venue, it’s also well known as a filming set which has hosted high profile actors including Johnny Depp, Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman and Ricky Gervais.

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RICHMOND HILL HOTEL & THE BINGHAM

We worked with two Richmond wedding venues this month; The Bingham (one of our faves!), and Richmond Hill Hotel. Adam Harris performed an acoustic set at Richmond Hill, before SG’s, DJ Callum took over. At The Bingham, Briggs Street Players, Laura, DJ Zulu, and nu-jazz/soul vocalist, Louise, all entertained guests.

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MATARA CENTRE

The Matara Centre is a Grade II listed Regency home set in Gloucestershire. Truly unique, it is set in 28 acres, with 11 formal gardens, a labyrinth, woodland paths and small lakes and fields! SG’s Nouveau Boheme performed at a wedding there, you can see a sneaky clip HERE.

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HEYTHROP PARK

Soulful vocalist, Ella Marie, performed to a 500-strong wedding party at luxury Oxfordshire venue, Heythrop House. Ella is an incredible vocalist who has performed on UK tours with the likes of Leona Lewis and Lily Allen. Ella is one of the most versatile vocalists around, performing Jazz, Blues, Soul and Pop.

Music for Weddings | Ardington House

Music for Weddings
28/06/2017

Music for Weddings

Earlier this month, SG band, Briggs Street Players performed at a wedding at Oxfordshire venue, Ardington House. They performed as a seven piece, which included saxophone and trumpet.

SG are thrilled to now be one of Ardington House’s recommended suppliers! We’re really looking forward to working with wedding couples on music entertainment for their big day.

Ardington House is a Georgian Manor set in beautiful gardens, which includes its own river and island! It’s a stunning location for weddings, events and even filming! There have been several famous guests over the years.

If you’re looking for wedding music for your wedding day, get in touch! Click HERE to contact us. We can provide string quartets, jazz bands, DJ’s, party bands, solo musicians and plenty more! We can also provide lighting and audio equipment, if required.

Ardington House is a wedding venue set in Oxfordshire. If you’re interested in finding out more just click HERE.

Music for Weddings | Syon Park

Music for Weddings
28/06/2017

Music for Weddings

Syon Park is a stunning house and 200-acre park set in leafy Isleworth, West London. Steeped in history, Syon is an incredible wedding venue and events space, which also houses a garden centre and cafe.

syonhouse

Last weekend we were delighted to be providing all the music entertainment for a lovely couple tying the knot here at Syon Park.
It was a part-Jewish wedding with both a religious and civil ceremony.

We had our Gypsy Jazz act, Nouveau Boheme Quartet, playing during the ceremony and performing a mixture Parisian and Gypsy jazz (as well as some Beatles songs as requested by the couple!)

Followed by DJ Callum in the evening, playing a mix of traditional Israeli, dance, funk, soul and Motown music!

Syon Park is a gorgeous wedding venue set in West London. If you’re interested in finding out more just click HERE.

Music for Weddings | Corinthia Hotel London

Music for Weddings
31/05/2017

Music for Weddings

We were back at Corinthia Hotel London this month for another incredible wedding party!

music-for-weddings-corinthia-london

The Ballroom at Corinthia Hotel London

music-for-weddings-corinthia-hotel-london

The Courtroom at Corinthia Hotel London

The wedding couple booked a full line up of fantastic live music, starting with string quartet, ESQ, performing classical repertoire during the ceremony which took place in the stunning Courtroom.

String Quartet, ESQ

The Dream Big Jazz Band were next to perform in the Ballroom, during dinner. They performed mostly Rat Pack repertoire, plus an original reworking of Coldplay’s ‘Green Eyes’ for the wedding couple’s first dance.

Dream Big Jazz Band

Finally, the wedding party danced their way into the early hours with music provided by DJ Zulu, who played a mix of Iranian music and commercial RnB.
For this wedding, we also provided the DJ booth and lighting!

Corinthia Hotel London is a truly beautiful wedding venue set in the heart of London. If you’re interested in finding out more just click HERE.

Music for Weddings | St Pancras Renaissance Hotel & London Bride

Music for Weddings
26/05/2017

Music for Weddings

We recently worked on a vibrant and super-stylish Colombian-themed wedding party held at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, and meticulously planned by wedding planner extraordinaire, Charley Beard.

The bride was Colombian, the groom, Italian, and they had seriously good taste in music! Which made working with them great fun. The couple wanted a mix of Cumbia, Salsa and Afro-Beat music so we booked Latin specialist DJ, DJ Zulu! The perfect choice, given their lovely review:

“We were very happy with the music and with DJ Zulu’s performance. He really got our tastes right and many guests have told us the music was great!”
Susy & Francesco, Bride & Groom

It was fantastic to work with wedding planner, Charley Beard. Charley is one of London’s most sought after wedding planners, and won ‘Best Wedding Planner in London & South East’ at the London Wedding Industry Awards 2016. She’s also (as if that weren’t enough!) Founder and Editor of the multi-award winning Wedding Blog, London Bride.
Charley’s blog is an absolute must-read for anyone planning a stylish wedding. It’s full of inspiration, from traditionally elegant to urban-inspired weddings. There really is something there for everyone! We very much look forward to working with Charley on more fabulous weddings in the future!

If you’re looking for a DJ for your wedding party, why not get in touch? Our DJ’s specialise in Funk, Soul, Latin, RnB, Commercial, 80’s , Afro Beat, UK Garage, and everything in between. We’d love to hear from you! Click HERE to contact us.

Music for Weddings | Corinthia Hotel London ft. The High Tones

Music for Weddings
26/04/2017

Music for Weddings

We had the pleasure of providing the music entertainment for lovely couple, Caroline and Adam, on their wedding day at the gorgeous, Corinthia Hotel, London.

They booked rock n roll/blues trio, The High Tones, for the early evening set, followed by DJ Deetraine who kept the dance floor packed until the early hours.
We also provided the LED DJ booth, and all staging was provided by Outrage Events.

Here’s what the wedding couple, Caroline and Adam had to say…

“The High Tones and DJ Dan were both perfect, everything went so smoothly – we couldn’t have hoped for a better evening. The High Tones set the atmosphere wonderfully and our guests absolutely loved them. Dan had the dancefloor packed all night and he played some of our favourite tunes that hold the happiest memories for us 🙂 They were both everything we hoped they would be and I cannot thank them and you enough for making our evening such fun for us and our guests.
I don’t think I could ever put into words really how much we enjoyed our day and what a huge part you all played in it, but I hope it’s enough to know that I’m so incredibly glad we chose Sound Generation (for the fact I got to organise everything with you!) and the High Tones and DJ Dan (for the fact that they completely made the evening).”

Watch the High Tones HERE.

Listen to example playlists by DJ Deetraine and more Sound Generation DJ’s HERE.

If you’re looking for wedding entertainment for your wedding day, please feel free to get in touch with us HERE.

Music Entertainment for Wedding at Corinthia, London

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