What is your most memorable wedding?
We have been lucky to play for a number of wedding couples at Hampton Court Palace. This is such a beautiful wedding venue and in such a historic building there is nothing quite like it. Performing live for wedding guests in the undercroft and Garden Room has got to be some of our wedding highlights.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Fun, Energetic, Passionate, Musical, Memorable
What about your business are you most proud of?
We are most proud of our team. AKA has been a wedding band for over a decade, and in that time we have had a consistent performer lineup. We're proud of this because it means that at every wedding, the musicians you have seen in our promo videos have been the ones with you on the day, partying with you.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Start your wedding playlist early! Make a spotify (or similar) playlist and very time you hear a song you would love at your wedding, add it to the list. You can then share this list with your band nearer the date and they can use this to build you your ultimate wedding soundtrack. We guarantee that you do not want to sit down on a Sunday before your wedding and try to think of 50+ songs you like :)
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
We have seen some great personal touches, but for us, one of the best has been personalised Gin flavours and bottles. Completly custom made with the wedding date, couples' names and venue engraved on the bottle given to each guest as a wedding favour has to be one of our favourites.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
We'll talk through your plans as they stand and can then offer a number of suggestions and line-ups that fit your day and preferred styles of music. then we get the band booked in and get the musicians locked down for the date. Once everything is in place we talk through song choices, and our band leader will work with your venue to work out all the logistics so you don't have to worry about anything. Once all is in place, we'll see you on the day for your first song!
We don't do complicated, and we don't do stress. AKA has played at hundreds of weddings and so we have a plan for everything. We take care of all aspects of the day well in advance so that when we are there with you, it all goes to plan.
What is your No. 1 top tip for keeping a crowd entertained?
Let the band do what they do best. Absolutely make sure that you get the songs you want from the band's repertoire, but allow them to change the set a little on the day to suit the people on the dance floor. It is a good idea to get a song request from your guests on their RSPVs, and doing so will already keep them engaged.
Where is the most memorable place you have performed?
The most memorable place we have played was at a family private villa in Portugal. In the middle of a private vineyard with nobody in sight (apart from the guests) for miles and miles. It was an outdoor party by the pool and gardens and was like something from of a movie.
Have you had any interesting surprises at a wedding?
One of the best surprises was a complete dance medley that the bride and groom had not told anyone about that they had rehearsed for their first dance. We called them to the dance floor and they took up positions in either corner of the floor and asked us to start. We went with it and what followed was a full 4-minute dance routine culminating in the lift from Dirty Dancing. What we didn't know is that both of them, and a lot of their guests were dancers from the West End.
What is your party trick?
Both our singer and guitarist use wireless equipment for their performances. This allows them to be fairly free from the stage and can roam around with your guests. More often than not, you will find Seonaid and Matt not on the stage but with you and your guests on the dance floor. It is always great to watch an unsuspecting guest suddenly find that they are dancing next to the person who is singing live, or air-guitaring next to the actual guitarist.