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Our blog

Welcome to our blog. Get inspired with our real wedding and party stories, check out our entertainment tips and advice articles and catch up on the latest news.

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Wedding planning

Can't decide between a band or a DJ? Or need to cut costs? Here's everything you need to know to put on the wedding party of the century.

Party planning

Tips on working with your venue, getting the most out of a small budget, and choosing the right music and entertainment for your party or event.

Wedding song ideas

Ideas for your first dance, last dance, father-daughter dance, party tunes, ceremony music and more.

Real weddings

Function Central's wedding clients share the highlights and pictures of their big day with us, give their planning advice, share their supplier tips, pictures and more!

Latest news

Read the latest news... plus we report back from the biggest events of the year featuring Function Central acts, from Christmas parties, summer balls, conferences and more.

Advice for musicians

Our advice on setting up a band or solo act, developing promo and getting gigs. Plus, tips for musician on teaching, writing and gear.

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Latest posts

The Coolest Ibiza Theme Party Ideas: Music, Décor, Food and More

By Sarah Dawson

World-class clubs, gorgeous beaches, chilled-out vibes and that sunset, here’s how to bring the magic of the White Isle to your Ibiza themed party.

Top 10 Jazz Wedding Bands for Hire in 2025

By Mike Ausden

Whether you’re looking for subtle background music for a drinks reception or wedding breakfast, or a dynamic swing band to energise your evening party, here are 10 of the best jazz bands to consider for your wedding in 2025.

Most Popular First Dance Songs in 2025

By Mike Ausden

Planning a wedding soon? If you’re struggling for first dance song inspiration, there's no shame in choosing a tried-and-tested classic that's guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's faces. Here are the most frequently requested songs by our clients.

How to Plan a Bohemian Wedding (Plus, 17 Unique Boho Wedding Ideas)

By Emily Deane

Boho is more than just a fashion moment from the mid 00s; free-spirited styling also makes for a great wedding theme. Read our tips to nail the bohemian wedding trend.

Is 2024 the Year of Non-conventional Weddings? Here’s Why We Think So

By Emily Deane

New laws and fresh attitudes are seeing couples do away with wedding norms and embrace the unique and unusual. Find out what we think is behind the change.

129 Best Wedding Songs: from Upbeat and Fun to Romantic and Slow

By Dan Golding

Whether you're looking for first dance inspo or the perfect wedding song for your bridal exit, here are our top picks – from romantic ballads to upbeat Motown sing-a-longs and fun rock anthems.

14 Luxury Wedding Venues That Will Take Your Breath Away

By Emily Deane

Follow in the footsteps of royalty or draw inspiration from the celebrity set by marrying at one of these fabulous luxury wedding venues.

Freya & Louis

Posted by Dan Golding

The Sweet and Lowdown brought the energy to Freya & Louis' colourful wedding at Ufton Court in Berkshire, with plenty of other musicians in attendance too!

How to Plan a Bridgerton Themed Wedding: Your 8 Step Lady Whistledown Worthy Guide

By Emily Deane

Whether you fancy dialling up the regency vibes or simply drawing inspiration from the Bridgerton’s pastel colour palette, with our ideas you’ll be the diamond of the (wedding) season.

42 Modern Wedding Exit Songs to Step into Married Life to

By Emily Deane

You’ve said, ‘I do’ and sealed the deal with a kiss, now it’s time to party! Kick off your celebrations the right way with the perfect modern wedding ceremony exit song.

Sound Limiters: What They Are and What You Need to Do

By Emily Deane

Just found out your venue is fitted with a sound limiter? Don’t panic! We’ve put together a guide on how they work and what you need to do to ensure they don’t get in the way of your celebration.

Gwenno & Aaron

Posted by Dan Golding

Agent Smith partied the night away with Gwenno & Aaron's guests at their stylish wedding at Henblas Country Park in Anglesey.

The 12 Best London Wedding Venues

By Emily Deane

From food to festivals and theatre to world class wedding venues, the capital really does have it all. If you’d like to make the big smoke the backdrop to your big day, scroll through our list of the very best wedding venues in London.

Your Guide to Planning a 30th Birthday Party: 20 Fun Ideas

By Emily Deane

Planning your 30th birthday bash will be a piece of (birthday) cake with our handy step by step guide.

Your 6 Step Guide to Planning A Hollywood Themed Party

By Emily Deane

Lights, camera, action! It’s time to plan a party worthy of the silver screen. From off-beat after party vibes to full red carpet glam, allow us to inspire you

35 Best Wedding Hymn Songs for Your Ceremony

By Emily Deane

Saying ‘I do’ in a church ceremony? Then check out our list of the very best wedding hymns – from primary school classics to Royal Wedding anthems, we've got you covered.

Your Guide to Planning a Sensory-Friendly Wedding

By Emily Deane

Check out our guide to sensory-friendly weddings and find out how you can make your day more inclusive for all your guests. Plus, we got the lowdown on how neurodivergent couples can adapt the wedding planning process.

34 Upbeat First Dance Songs for a Fun, Modern Twist

By Dan Golding

Go against the grain and give your first dance a fun and modern twist. Whether you choreograph a routine, freestyle it or open up the floor and have your guests join you, an upbeat first dance song will kick off your wedding party in style.

Awards Ceremony for Surrey Law Society

Posted by Dan Golding

Knights Of Swing brought the energy and class to Surrey Law Society's award ceremony evening which a mixture of classics and fresh swing covers.

Plan a Most Excellent 80s Theme Party

By Sarah Dawson

The 1980s is the decade that keeps on giving. Iconic films, incredible music and some seriously questionable fashion – what’s not to love? Here’s how to celebrate this iconic decade with your own 80s theme party.

10 Dreamy Lakeside Wedding Venues For Every Kind of Couple

By Emily Deane

Forget the elaborate décor and let the beauty of nature be the backdrop for your nuptials with a wonderful waterside wedding venue.

10 of the Best Wedding Venues in Manchester

By Emily Deane

Manchester’s not all football clubs and Oasis, y’know – the Northern city is also home to some of the best wedding venues around

Grace and Sam

Posted by Dan Golding

The Runaways brought the party to Grace & Sam's wedding at Southend Barns in Chichester - surely one of the most stylish weddings they have performed at to date!

61 Alternative First Dance Songs to Kick Off Your Celebrations

By Emily Deane

Stand out from the crowd! These alternative first dance songs strike a balance between wedding-appropriate and unique.

Classic Wedding Songs: 40 Tried and Tested Songs for Every Moment

By Emily Deane

Strike the right chord with these classic wedding songs. From classical ceremony compositions to popular first dance hits, here's our selection of tried-and-tested songs for every moment of your day.

The Essential Guide to Throwing an Epic 2000s Theme Party

By Sarah Dawson

Forget partying like it’s 1999, it’s all about the 00s. If you’re hankering after a serious nostalgia hit, step back in time with a 2000s theme party

Katie & Zac

Posted by Dan Golding

The Runaways brought their wide-ranging repertoire to Katie & Zac's rustic and elegant wedding at Hendall Manor Barns in Uckfield, with plenty of disco balls and cocktails on the guest list too!

How to Host a 70s Theme Party: 48 Groovy Ideas

By Emily Deane

Throwing a 70s themed bash? Whether you experienced the 70s first-hand or simply feel you were born in the wrong era, it’s easy to recreate the funky vibes that defined the decade with our handy guide.

5 Steps to Throwing a Fabulous Festival Themed Party in Your Garden (or Indoors!)

By Emily Deane

Have all the fun of a festival without the dodgy loos and bar queues with our handy festival themed party guide!

How to Choose Your Wedding Ceremony Music

By Hajar Woodland

From choosing the songs for your ceremony to selecting the live musicians to play them – here's our complete guide to wedding ceremony music.

How to Book a Band for a Wedding or Party

By Mike Ausden

Our A-Z guide to booking a band for a wedding, private party or corporate event, from essential venue checks through to signing contracts.

How to Throw a 1920s Theme Party

By Sarah Dawson

Decadent, glamorous, stylish and flamboyant; what’s not to love about the Roaring ‘20s? If you’re looking to channel some Great Gatsby cool for your 1920s-themed party, you’ve come to the right place.

The Greatest Wedding Love Songs for Every Part of Your Day

By Emily Deane

Looking to set the scene as you walk down the aisle, or a romantic number for your first dance? Here are our favourite wedding love songs for 2025.

The Best 40th Birthday Party Ideas for an Unforgettable Celebration

By Sarah Dawson

It’s official; 40 is the new 30. Forget about being ‘over the hill’, turning 40 is something to be celebrated – big time. Here’s all the 40th birthday party inspiration you need to throw a party to remember.

Don’t Book Your Wedding Band Without Asking These 20 Questions

By Mike Ausden

Booking a wedding band? These 20 essential questions will help you hire the perfect performers and avoid last-minute surprises on your big day

These First Dance Choices May End in Divorce

By Dan Golding

A survey suggests that certain wedding songs may lead to relationship disaster, whilst others will ensure a lasting union. Choose wisely!

Wedding Band vs. DJ: How to Choose the Perfect Entertainment for Your Big Day

By Mike Ausden

Trying to choose between a wedding band, DJ, or playlist? Discover the pros and cons of each option, plus expert tips on budget, space, sound, and creating the perfect party atmosphere

Top 10 Best Wedding Bands for 2025

By Mike Ausden

Give your guests the reception finale of the century with an amazing live band. The best bands book up early, so here's our round-up of the very best UK wedding bands for 2025, handpicked by our team.

Live Music & Your Venue: 10 Things You Need to Check

By Mike Ausden

Before you put down the deposit on your venue, here are 10 questions we recommend asking your venue to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

96 Epic Wedding Party Songs To Fill Your Dancefloor

By Kat Dadswell & Dan Golding

If you're dreaming of a dancefloor heaving with friends and loved ones, here are the wedding party tunes to make that happen!

46 Songs to Walk Down the Aisle to: from Classical to Contemporary

By Emily Deane

Make an unforgettable entrance at your ceremony, whether you’re after a classical favourite or a modern pop ballad. Here's our round-up of the very best songs to walk down the aisle to.

Emma & Matt

By Dan Golding

The Runaways brought their extraordinary talent to Emma & Matt's bright and bold wedding at Ufton Court, with enough cake and cider to feed an army on the side!

How to Plan an Event – Ideas & Tips

By Hajar Woodland

Whether you’re organising a surprise birthday party or an end-of-year staff social, successful events require great planning and attention to memorable details, from the food to the entertainment.

Thomas & Chantal

Posted by Dan Golding

Manhattan filled the dancefloor at Thomas & Chantal's classy, relaxed wedding at The Normans in York for the climax to an indulgent, memorable celebration!

How to Plan an Office Christmas Party – 5 Tips

By Mike Ausden

Our tips for putting on an office Christmas party your employees will remember for the right reasons – from booking the venue, to arranging the catering and choosing the entertainment.

Beth and Dan

By Dan Golding

The Crossfades brought their rustic charm to Dan & Beth's wedding at Morgans Hotel in Swansea, with plenty of sweet treats to get everyone jazzed for the occasion too!

35 Wedding Ceremony Song Ideas – from Entrance to Exit

By Clem Westwood

We've sifted through 1000s of wedding ceremony song ideas so you don't have to! Here are our favourite suggestions for the entrance, signing of the register and exit.

How To Get More From Your Wedding Band

By Hajar Woodland

From learning your first dance to providing a DJ service, there's often more to a wedding band than meets the ear. Here's how you can get the most out of your band.

7 Live Music Ideas for a Summer Garden Party

By Hannah Higham

Planning an outdoor event or summer garden party this year? Impress your guests with some live music – we have singers, gypsy jazz trios, steel pannists, string trios, brass bands and more.

69 Last Dance Songs for Your Wedding in 2025

By Kat Dadswell

Make the most of the last few moments of your big day with an epic closing number. Here's our take on the best last dance songs for your wedding in 2025.

5 Reasons to Book a Steel Drum Band this Summer

By Mike Ausden

Steel drum bands bring a fun, carnival atmosphere to garden parties and outdoor events – they're also weather-proof and electricity-free! Here are 5 reasons to book one, plus our top Caribbean song ideas.

55 Father-Daughter Dance Songs: Sentimental to Upbeat

By Kat Dadswell

Get on the dancefloor with your dad! From sentimental ballads to upbeat anthems, are our top father-daughter dance songs for your wedding.

6 Brass Oompah Bands For Your Oktoberfest Party

By Mike Ausden

The joyous, beer-swigging marathon that is Oktoberfest isn't complete without a brass oompah band belting out Ein Prosit. Here our favourite oompah bands for hire, plus our recommended drinking songs to soundtrack the day.

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