Katie & Zac

We chose Hendall Manor Barns, a truly stunning venue in Uckfield, which is conveniently close to where we live. From the moment we saw it, we knew it was perfect for our wedding. The barns have a beautiful rustic charm, but they also offer the flexibility to create a modern, sophisticated wedding — exactly what we were looking for. The surroundings are peaceful and picturesque, giving guests a sense of escape from the everyday, while still being easy to access.

We wanted a combination of modern sophistication and classic romance, with touches of elegance and fun. Since the barn itself is very rustic, we aimed to create contrast by adding clean, contemporary decor. Disco balls reflected the lighting beautifully, cocktail welcome drinks gave a fresh, stylish feel, and fine dining elevated the experience. We also chose a young, fresh band to match the vibe — we wanted guests to feel comfortable, excited, and ready to celebrate in a space that felt both warm and lively.

We absolutely love live music and the energy it brings to an event. For our wedding, it was essential that the band reflected our personal taste — a mix of soul, R&B, and modern pop — and that they were fresh, dynamic, and totally genuine, without any cheesy or overused songs.

When we discovered The Runaways, we were immediately impressed. Scrolling through their set list, we realised that 90% of the songs were already on our personal playlists — and once we heard their demo, it was obvious they would bring exactly the vibe we wanted: lively, soulful, and fun. We could already imagine them transforming the barn into a vibrant party space where everyone would be on the dance floor.

There were so many special moments, but of course marrying my best friend was the ultimate highlight. Beyond that, walking into the room for the wedding breakfast and being greeted by cheers in a space filled with love and joy was incredibly moving.

The band were undoubtedly the highlight of the evening. Seeing guests singing along, dancing, and simply enjoying themselves created such an infectious energy. They elevated the day from beautiful to unforgettable, turning what could have been a traditional dinner into a lively, celebratory party that everyone will remember.

We came across Function Central while searching for wedding bands online. The website was easy to navigate, with clear options to scroll, filter, and compare bands. We particularly appreciated the transparency of the pricing and how straightforward the booking process was. The team were incredibly efficient and responsive, making the entire process stress-free. Knowing we could listen to demos, check repertoire, and book with confidence made the experience seamless — it gave us peace of mind during an otherwise busy planning period.

For any wedding, we believe it’s important to make it personal and true to you as a couple. Choose a band that reflects your taste in music — one you could imagine hanging out with, enjoying a drink, and having fun with. If you connect with the musicians personally, you can be confident that their performance will resonate with all of your guests and help create a celebration that is genuinely memorable. Above all, trust your instincts and focus on the elements that feel right for you — the day will flow so much better when it’s a reflection of who you are.