Best Wedding Music | Starlight Orchestras Blog

February 28, 2011

Music For Weddings: Dancing After Dinner Or In Between Courses; Are There Hidden Costs?

The timing and flow of your wedding reception is so important to the final outcome, and there are many different strategies for how to layout the evening. If you want to have dancing at your celebration, you can either save all dancing for after the dinner is completed, or you can intersperse dancing throughout the evening. Event planners, music providers and catering directors may all have preferences for which strategy is right for each party. Certain details, as well as hiddden costs, could arise which should factor into your decision.

1. DINNER IN ONE ROOM, DANCING IN ANOTHER

Very often the logistics of then venue determines which scenario is best. If the band will be set-up in a separate area from where dinner will be served, is often best to save dancing for after the guests have enjoyed dinner and are ready to move to a different room. You could even serve dessert in the new area, and approach this as a “dessert after-party.”

to consider-

A. You still want some live background music during the seated dinner, which might require additional equipment or additional musicians in the dining room. If there will speeches during dinner, you will certainly need a sound system and microphone, which your venue might or might not provide. Bands and DJ’s can provide this for you at an additional fee.

B. Most bands will need a short break after about an hour of playing, depending on the total length of performance time. This will need to be factored in.

2. DINNER FIRST, DANCING AFTER DESSERT IN SAME ROOM

If you are planning an elegant meal and want to make sure the guests are seated at all times to enjoy not only the offerings, but the food service as well, you might want to consider serving the courses back-to-back. This will ensure an elegant environment and generous time for talking and visiting at the tables. During the meal you might have live musicians playing soft background music and then break into dancing music after dessert has been served.

to consider- the band and sound system will need to be completely set-up and tested before the guests enter the dining room. This might need to be included in the band’s contracted playing time, or will require an additional fee for extra time.

3. DINNER AND DANCING THROUGHOUT THE EVENING

This flow is very popular in Manhattan for many weddings. Often the ballroom is opened with inviting music where guests may (or may not) find their way to the dance floor, even before the appetizer is served. The bride and groom are announced and go directly into their first dance, which segueways into inviting all guests to dance, and kicks off an evening that is high energy throughout. The music softens and guests are seated for each course, creating an elegant and soft atmosphere for all food service, and in between courses ample time is allotted for fun dance music and partying.

4. BUFFET DINNER AND DANCING THROUGHOUT

This is an open, free flowing type of party where guests are less “directed” by the schedule of events, and are more inclined to mingle and dance as they choose. It is definitely a more casual approach.

to consider-

A. If you want dance music throughout the event, you might want to consider having a DJ to alternate with the band for when the musicians need to take short breaks. Most bands play continuous music throughout the entire event, but need to scale back to listening music at a few points. This is something to disuses with your music provider.

B. Having a full dance floor creates a vibe that accelerates the excitement of a party. We want to be sure that many guests are ready to dance at the same time, in order to help create this energy. There might be times, at an event laid out this way, where some guests are dancing while some are eating and others are visiting, which can affect the number of people on the dance floor. We may want to find ways to maximize having the most people dancing at the same time, for example: inviting people to join a “father-daughter” dance.

There are many ways to conceive an event, and many approaches to the flow and timing. There is no right or wrong scenario, only different options to support your priorities and preferences.

Music can be used to enhance and create so many different types of moods and environments, and with the right “consultant,” you are able to design your own perfect party.

Please offer any thoughts, responses or comments below. We love to hear from you.

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October 24, 2010

Another Dreamy Wedding At The Plaza Hotel With Starlight Orchestras

I love New York, and I love doing parties in the incredible locations that Manhattan has to offer. From the grandeur of the stately hotels, to the striking venues that have been transformed from banks and churches, to chic and striking lofts and rooftops, New York has much to sing about. It is so special for me to perform at the Plaza Hotel, as I started my career there many years ago and have performed for countless weddings, charity galas and other parties, each one unique and breathtaking. We love adding music to each different segment of a wedding, starting with the area where guests first arrive. Music can and should be considered part of the design element, and is instrumental in setting the tone for the entire evening. For the wedding last Saturday night, we began playing as guests congregated in the foyer of the Terrace Room. Our harp, flute and bass delivered a medley of love songs in the style of Cole Porter and George Gershwin, until the Terrace Room doors opened.

With the addition of violins, the music for the wedding ceremony consisted of classical selections from Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto and Handel’s Water Music, with the bride and her father processing to Craig Armstrong’s “PM Love Theme” from the Movie “Love Actually”.

While we opened the ballroom with Starlight’s 17 piece band playing Big Band music, the first dance was Frank Sinatra’s arrangement of “Just The Way You Look Tonight”. Once everyone joined the bride and groom on the dance-floor , we revved it up and rocked out for the rest of the night combining Motown favorites with extremely contemporary selections from the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart. I knew this was going to be a great party, but I must admit to being surprised at how hot this crowd got, and how much intensity they inspired in my band. Of course, it is an ongoing cycle; the band brings an energy that encourages the crowd, and then the crowd gets excited, which kicks the heat up, and then the band instinctively gives more. The crowd feels this passion and responds with increased elation. On certain magical evenings this cycle just keeps accelerating, raising the level of performance AND the party to new heights, creating an experience which, in some way, moves and transforms us all. The wedding of Alexandra Linden to John Belletti at the Plaza Hotel was one such evening. Even the parents of the bride, Josephine and Tom Linden, were struck by the same thing, and wrote to me…

“Valerie, I knew that Alexandra and John’s wedding was going to be special – but never, did it realize the heights you were going bring the evening to – it was FABULOUS – like going to a concert in the garden. You are such a special friend to the Lindens – and such a talent. Our guests so enjoyed the evening – and when they talk about it – the first thing they mention is the orchestra. John and Alexandra tell me that the first person they saw after being actually married was you serenading them on your guitar – a moment they will never forget

Thank you, thank you and thank you

Now we need to get together one night and cook together – it would be a blast!

Josephine”

and from the Director of Catering at the Plaza.

“You guys were awesome.

Really amazing and the Lindens were thrilled.

Steve.”

and from me…

“Dear Josephine and Tom,

Wow, what a night! Thank you for your most wonderful notes. I too was blown away by the energy in the room last Saturday night! I think we all impressed ourselves! Thank you again for all the confidence you have had in me throughout the years. I recognize that it is your confidence, trust and vision that gives me the forum to present my brand of music and entertainment. I know that there are extra needs and budget we have in order to present this unusual ensemble, and I thank you for giving us the tools needed to make it happen!

As always, it is a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of your family’s happiest times and celebrations.

Much love to the Lindens (and now the Bellettis ) from the Starlight family!

Love, Valerie”

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October 22, 2010

Lovely Thank You Note For A Cipriani Wedding!

From Nicole and Roy Ben-Dor: “We knew when we first heard your band that you would be fantastic, but you truly surpassed our expectations! We are STILL to this day receiving compliments about how fabulous our band was! I recommend you to everyone, and everyone asks me who was at our wedding because they saw first-hand that you are the best of the best! Thank you for such a wonderful wedding. You had everyone dancing the whole night and each song was a true performance! We loved working with you and can’t wait to see you again at another wedding!”

October 10, 2010

What is Starlight Orchestras’ Musical Specialty?

When people ask what type of music Starlight specializes in, I always say that we are known for playing a variety of musical styles really really well. Crossing genres authentically is one of the reasons we have been so successful in many different markets, and are favored by guest lists of all ages. We appeal to the brides and grooms and their friends, and at the same time, are the preferred music provider of the parents. One evening we might be in Palm Beach performing for a Heart Association Gala of eight-hundred 70 and 80 year old guests. The next night we could be playing a holiday event for one thousand of Google’s 20-30 year old employees. And everyone has fun, everyone parties, everyone gets swept up in the atmosphere of celebration that we helped create, whether the song of the night is by Tommy Dorsey or by the Black Eyed Peas! People wonder how one band can excel at so many styles. It takes time, careful organization and planning, resources for finding and training the talent, the right equipment and technology, and most of all having the right number of people needed to authentically reproduce the styles being covered. Plus, I believe that it takes loving what you do! When you adore your work, everything presents that much better!

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September 20, 2010

Tsion and Elyse’s Wedding at the Waldorf=Astoria with the Starlight Orchestra

There is nothing like a New York wedding! The Manhattan skyline, the eclectic architecture, and the energy that permeates every detail makes getting married in this town a unique experience. I have performed and provided music for weddings all over the country, and there is something undefinable about being here in New York City. Add to that the thrill of being in one of the grandest hotels. The Waldorf, The Plaza, The Pierre; all rich in history, home to countless magnificent weddings and galas over the decades. I am privileged to have been a part of so many wonderful events at these venues, as well as the newer trendier spots which have cropped up in recent years.

Being chosen to perform at Tsion and Elyse Ben-Susan’s wedding at the Waldorf a few weeks ago was an even bigger honor because both families have strong connections to the music business. We always appreciate being recognized and sought after when “industry insiders” want to impress their guests at the caliber that they are known for. Among other connections, The Ben-Susan’s own B.B. King’s Blues Club, The Bluenote and the Highline Ballroom. This promised to be an evening of music, magic and Mazel and we were happy to “host” the collection of bands and talented musicians that shared the stage with us. Starlight outfitted the grand ballroom with an amazing sound system, and played as the “house band” while friends from Israel performed the Hora, relatives from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic did a Salsa set, and a fabulous DJ featured modern European music. At the ceremony, 18 violins plus piano, guitar and bass accompanied the infamous Cantor Dudu Fisher. For the cocktail hour, our jazz trio delivered from the Cole Porter piano in the Park Avenue Lobby, and played an entire repertoire of “Rat Pack” favorites, as per the groom. Once in the grand ballroom, the 600 guests danced to the varied music of the Starlight Orchestra. Tsion had asked us to play a lot of funk classics, and Elyse wanted Top 40 and hip hop hits, so we weaved together an eclectic program of seamlessly mixed music.

It was a fabulously successful evening, the bride and groom were “over the moon” as they danced and celebrated the entire evening out on the dance-floor. We were invited to perform at B.B. King’s Blues Club (which we hope you will all come to!) and the evening is scheduled for Thursday March 24th, 2011.

Congratulations to Tsion, Elyse, and the whole Ben-Susan Family! And thanks to Brett Matthews for the photos!

September 3, 2010

The World’s Best Party Band- The Starlight Experience

Happy Sigh from Valerie! It was another amazing event, another night where I look around and see people joyful, smiling, dancing, celebrating, being exuberant, loving life, letting loose, going wild! And next to me I see the world’s best performers and musicians with the most astounding charisma, passion, talent; the energy rising in swirls, tangible and enlightening, enlivening. The thing that is so hard to describe, to get across to people, is that there is TRULY NOTHING LIKE THIS PRODUCT IN THE WHOLE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT! Where can you find a performance so exciting, so polished and sharp and yet still organic and flexible, THAT IS COMPLETELY GEARED FOR PRIVATE EVENTS? Talent of this magnitude is usually reserved for touring headline acts; Rod Stewart or Diana Krall doing cool jazz standards with a stage full of trumpets, trombones and saxes; Black Eyed Peas with their different characters presenting their “positive hip-hop” dance hits; Lady Gaga or Madonna whose shows include awesome backup singers/dancers; Bon Jovi rocking out their old and new, Beyonce, Jay-Zee, Alicia Keys, whose shows feature the best of their material with strong backline support and many guest surprises; and the always favorite Earth, Wind and Fire who energize the stage and dazzle crowds with their heartfelt song and expressive dance. You can find those acts on arena stages throughout the world, but what you can’t find anywhere is an ensemble that delivers all of that music AND MORE, performed in a similar style with the same kind of STAR POWER, but that will customize the repertoire for each and every event; can down-play, up-play, down-size, can segueway seamlessly like the best DJ, gliding between genres in a unprecedented way; reading the crowd and switching gears, intuitively designing the play-list IN MOTION to deliver the material that is perfect for this audience, this night, in this moment. No filler songs, no monologues, just song after song, energy building and mounting, all within the parameters of music for a private party. Not a show, not a concert, just truly the World’s Best Party Band, The Starlight Experience. Once you have seen this live, it all makes sense. But words cannot describe it, videos will not capture it, testimonials do not do it justice. The comments might make it sound like it is “too much,” or “over the top,” or “a show not a band…” but people who have actually experienced this product NEVER say that! It is just the Best of the Best, time and time again.

I am gratified when we are in different cities and we work with various producers, event planners, booking agents, and people always say, “There is really nothing like this product anywhere!” It is so true, and I am excited for even more people to know this; Starlight has created an entertainment concept that is unparalleled and unrivaled, bridging the worlds of Live Music for Private Events and Headline Entertainment. It is for those discerning clients that want to present something astounding, within the parameters of what is sensible and appropriate for a private event.

“Hi Starlight! There are no words to explain the night – NO WORDS – because I listened to Valerie’s suggestions, the music (other than the bride and groom), was talked about the most! You will absolutely be getting calls, but what they won’t realize is that all the extras made it more than “just a band” and therefore, over the top, in the best way!! Clintons will never know what they missed – Greenbergs will never forget what they had!! Thank u so much!

With Love,

Lorie Greenberg”

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August 23, 2010

Music For Weddings- Contemporary Ceremony Playlist

Notes

This couple wanted a mix of many of their favorite tunes, and were willing to cross genres. The result, a blend of traditional and contemporary.

Pre-Ceremony Selections

As guests made their way into the ballroom for the ceremony, the string ensemble added to the romantic setting by performing pieces from famous films, such as:

Pretty Woman
Life is Beautiful
West Side Story

Ceremony Music

UNCHAINED MELODY	Grandparents	(The Righteous Brothers)
WONDERFUL TONIGHT	Groom & Parents	(Eric Clapton)
ALL I ASK OF YOU	Bridesmaids & Ushers	(From Phantom) Lloyd Weber
SWEET CHILD OF MINE	Flower Girl	(Guns & Roses)
CANON IN D	Bride & Parents	(Pachelbel)

OH WHAT A NIGHT	Recessional	(Franki Valli & Four Seasons)

Ensemble

6 Piece String Group- harp, bass, 3 violins, woodwind (sax/clarinet/flute)

July 29, 2010

Sarah Scott’s Starlight Orchestra “Exceeds Already High Expectations” at The Seawane Club

Hi Sarah,

I apologize for taking so long to write you as we just got back from our honeymoon. This is long overdue but I had some stuff to tell you…
AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, BEST BAND EVER, UNBELIEVABLE.

Those were just SOME of the words we are STILL hearing from all of our family and friends. I can not express enough thanks for how awesome you were and are. You made our wedding. Literally. You were so incredible from the moment we met you and exceeded any and all of the high expectations we had. We had such an amazing time at our wedding and that was solely to you and your band. You guys need to write some of your own music and come out with an album or something. You are too good! We want to thank you for everything you have done and for being so genuinely nice and caring. We would recommend you to all of our friends who need a band but we don’t have to. They heard for themselves. You can rest assured when (if) my 2 sisters ever get married my parents will definitely be giving you a call for their weddings. Thanks again for everything and we hope I get to see you/hear you guys again. Your Kelly Clarkson shout out to me at the end did not go unnoticed either!!
All the best and continued success,

Rachel and David Braverman

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July 14, 2010

Music For This Wedding Season- First Dance Choices From Starlight Orchestras

“Starlight Brides and Grooms Picks”- First Dances, Spring 2010

In this season’s “first dance” roster is a mix of old and new, tried and true, slow and romantic to bouncy and fun . Every wedding couple is different, and their first dance selection can set the tone of the entire evening, as well as their new life together. Here is a variety of choices for your first dance as a married couple.

Stuck on You- Lionel Richie

Have A Little Faith- Joe Cocker

You’ve Got What It Takes- Michael Buble

Thank You For Loving Me- Bon Jovi

If I Ain’t Got You- Alicia Keys

In The Moment- Sister Hazel

Make A Memory- Bon Jovi

I’ve Had The Time Of My Life- Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

Beauitful Day- U2

God Only Knows- The Beach Boys

In Your Eyes- Jeffrey Gaines

Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman- Bryan Adams

You Are The Best Thing- Ray La Montagne

Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now- Starship

Turn Me On- Norah Jones

What first dances have you liked? Please “leave a comment” below!

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July 14, 2010

Review of the Starlight Orchestra from this Weekend at Capitale in New York City!

Email from our client!

Dear Valerie: Wow “OH What a Night!” Rave revues… some memorable quotes were “ I thought we were at a concert” (we heard this several time),” Best Band I ever heard “, “Singers sounded just like the original artists”, Unbelievable band ”, “The best I’ve ever heard”, “Dancers were great”, “How much did you spend to get them”, “How did you find them”,” outrageous” ,” they look like they are enjoying performing as much as we enjoyed listening”.

Bands always make the party ,you clearly made ours..Thanks so much . We will forever remember this evening because of your band. As it turns out everything else was perfect too…food , flowers and our guests..

Best regards

Lon Gorman

and from the bride…

“Valerie- I echo my Dad’s sentiments. The band was BEYOND incredible and no words could do justice to explain how amazing they were and how thankful we are that you made our wedding night a dream. Everyone is talking about your band. The common question is if you guys do concert together or individually- if you do, let me know, you have a HUGE audience awaiting you. THANK YOU.

Jen and Cyrus

P.S. AMAZING job of our wedding song!!!

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1. DINNER IN ONE ROOM, DANCING IN ANOTHER

to consider-

B. Most bands will need a short break after about an hour of playing, depending on the total length of performance time. This will need to be factored in.

2. DINNER FIRST, DANCING AFTER DESSERT IN SAME ROOM

to consider- the band and sound system will need to be completely set-up and tested before the guests enter the dining room. This might need to be included in the band’s contracted playing time, or will require an additional fee for extra time.

3. DINNER AND DANCING THROUGHOUT THE EVENING

4. BUFFET DINNER AND DANCING THROUGHOUT

This is an open, free flowing type of party where guests are less “directed” by the schedule of events, and are more inclined to mingle and dance as they choose. It is definitely a more casual approach.

to consider-

There are many ways to conceive an event, and many approaches to the flow and timing. There is no right or wrong scenario, only different options to support your priorities and preferences.

Music can be used to enhance and create so many different types of moods and environments, and with the right “consultant,” you are able to design your own perfect party.

Please offer any thoughts, responses or comments below. We love to hear from you.

With Love,

Lorie Greenberg”

Notes

Ceremony Music

Ensemble

“Starlight Brides and Grooms Picks”- First Dances, Spring 2010

Email from our client!

Bands always make the party ,you clearly made ours..Thanks so much . We will forever remember this evening because of your band. As it turns out everything else was perfect too…food , flowers and our guests..

Best regards

Lon Gorman

and from the bride…

Jen and Cyrus

P.S. AMAZING job of our wedding song!!!

Starlight Videos

Valerie’s Original Music

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