The Perfect Finish

When it comes to planning a wedding reception or any party consider how you want the evening to finish. How many times have you watched a movie or television program that ends with you wanting more, it’s the same for your party, the best finishes leave you and your guests on a high ensuring a memorable night.

So how is this best achieved?

Planning – I will let the guests know when the last song is approaching – that way they don’t leave 2 minutes before it! Some couples will request a special song. If I’m given nothing then I tend to play something anthemic that will get everyone singing along to but is still appropriate for a wedding – ‘Never Forget’ and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ are two examples from previous events.

Have a grand send off – Throughout the evening any guests that, for whatever reason, leave early will seek you out to congratulate you, say their thank yous and their goodbyes. When it is time for YOU to leave I will get your guests to create an archway leading to the exit you will then know you have said goodbye and thanked your guests that have stayed until the end. Alternatively get everyone outside to form an archway with sparklers (venue and weather permitting).

Try not to finish too late – I’ve played for a few couples that have finished too late for the type of crowd, leaving everyone exhausted and disappearing before the party had finished. It can be a very long day for many people, including yourselves who will have been up early to start getting ready for the day ahead, so I would recommend midnight as a good cut-off time, and maybe 11pm for mid-week or Sunday weddings.

Don’t let it fizzle out –It is better to bring forward the last song and end on a high whilst the dance floor is still full, with people remembering what a great time they’d had. The best endings are always when the night finishes with the guests feeling fulfilled, yet wanting more.

Remember, this is all based on my 25+ years experience please feel free to take as much or as little from as you wish. I hope I have helped a little with your planning and I look forward to seeing you on the dancefloor very soon.

Mark G.