Old Mate's speciality - Singing at weddings

Toowoomba's Wedding Singer

Oldmate's Wedding Guide

Planning a wedding reception is a complicated task, and there is much that I could go into detail about here, but I will just talk about the music and how that can help to make the night go to plan. Many weddings are booked well in advance, up to 18 Months. I suggest that you make an enquiry to see if the date is available to avoid disappointment.
You may also need to think about Duo or Band Options.

Ceremony Music

Ceremony music is all about atmosphere, underlining the theme of your wedding. It is very personal and intimate and as such you may already have a good mental image of what you want. Flexibility at ceremonies is paramount, as sometimes timing can be an issue.
As a live piano player, with or without singing, Oldmate can find the appropriate mood for every wedding ceremony. I have no problem with providing the music for your own singer, or even just playing your favourite CD.

Reception Music

What to expect...

Preparation
Oldmate would have set up all the equipment prior to the guests arriving. Depending on the timing, he may have some mood music playing for when the guests arrive. Normally this mood music would be on a cd and would continue playing quietly until the Bride and Groom arrive. If you have a Master of Ceremonies, he/she would be available to have a chat with Oldmate at this time prior to arrival of the wedding party.

Entrance Of Wedding Party

The Chairman or Master of Ceremonies will liase with the band to work out the entrance procedure. A special song may be played as required, and the MC may introduce the party.

Dinner Music

Dinner music can take up to 70% of the total time of your wedding reception. Dinner music starts directly after the introduction and housekeeping duties of the Master of Ceremonies, or directly after grace. Oldmate has many songs that fit into this time of the night. Volume is the most critical factor. Must be audible but not so that people can't talk. A wedding has a diverse mix of ages, cultures, hearing aids, babies and party animals.

Cutting the Cake

Many couples do a mock cutting of the cake immediately on arrival, to save costs with the photographer. When the time comes to do the real thing for your guests, you may want to choose a song to be played.

Bridal Waltz

The Bridal Waltz usually signals the start of dancing for the night. It is sometimes considered rude to dance before the wedded couple. Although it is traditionally called the bridal waltz, very few couples actually waltz. Your choice of song here may have links to the song you had at the ceremony or perhaps just another song that is appropriate. Oldmate has many songs that are suitable to sing for you, but flexibility is important. If Celene Dion is your thing, playing her CD may be more appropriate to set the mood for this wonderful photo opportunity. Many couples would start the bridal waltz with their favourite song, then maybe have a couple of others in mind for straight after. The bridal waltz usually goes straight into the main dancing part of the night.

Dancing Music

This part of the night goes so quickly, and sometimes is the part most people remember. Many dance songs available here, but you are usually limited by time. The end of the night is set in stone, time wise, and all the other stuff must happen. It is sometimes a pity that the dancing time is the first to be cut when things run late. A good Master of Ceremonies will help ensure that this does not happen.
This part of the night would probably show off your own taste in music, be it a theme of; Country, 70's, 80's, Hard Rock, Classics. It is usually best to have a good mix though to try to include all your guests in the festivities. Songs like Mustang Sally, Celebration, Nutbush, Oh What a Night (Dec '63), Brown Eyed Girl.. are all songs that everybody knows and is likely to join in the dancing.

Throwing stuff

Garter's and bouquet's to be precise. All part of your package, appropriate music and commentary provided. Timing usually in the middle of the dancing part of the reception.

Goodbye

If you are planning to have all your guests in a circle to say goodbye before you leave, you will need to think of the time factor. It will take about ten to fifteen minutes out of your Dancing time to say goodbye to 100 guests. Appropriate music can be provided for this, of course.
Your actual departure may also incorporate walking thru the tunnel created by your guests.

I hope that some of this will give you an idea of what is possible at your wedding. Every wedding is different, but that's what makes your wedding special.

If you need a talented, versatile, experienced musician, please contact Old Mate on
0417 631 146 or use the contact form on this website to send your request.