With the new decade right around the corner it’s time to focus on some of the hottest trends sweeping the wedding entertainment industry.

The sound of young America…

is Motown/soul and retro is definitely ”in” as we’ve been receiving tons of requests for this timeless style that bridges all generations. If you’re interested in minimizing the available dance floor space, so to speak, you can’t go wrong with some Aretha, Smokey, Temptations or Tops. But please make sure that you’re hiring a capable, soulful band with authentic vocals. Otherwise, you may be in for a long night!

We got the…

funk and disco also seem to be making a comeback some fifty years later. Featuring a driving brass section and that irresistible beat, this is another style that’s guaranteed to fill the dance floor. But again, you must do your homework, making sure that the musicians you choose are the ‘real deal’.

It don’t mean a thing…

if it ain’t got that swing. And if you’re looking for something completely different, we’ve been receiving an unusually high number of calls lately for 1920’s ‘Great Gatsby’ themed weddings, capitalizing on nostalgia for that era. As they say, ‘what’s old is new again’. As we enter the new ‘Roaring Twenties’, there’s nothing like the big band style for getting your guests ‘in the mood’.

Elegant and fun, you’ll have everyone totally ‘cutting the rug’, especially if you also hire some costumed swing dancers. Performing alongside the band for that unique visual element and sometimes even offering a 15-minute group lesson, following your toasts or cake-cutting. Talk about giving your guests something to remember…and hello, photo opps!

The spice of life…

variety, that is. Most brides and grooms are still taking the familiar cover band approach. So just make sure to hire reputable musicians and singers well-versed in the above genres and boasting tons of rave reviews, but also capable of covering artists, such as Bruno Mars, blending both classic and modern. Variety bands come in all shapes and sizes so make sure to choose one that’s right for your budget, keeping in mind the old adage: ‘you get what you pay for’.

Depending on which band and options you’re choosing, always remember that you may need to factor in travel/lodging/equipment expenses, back-up dancers, additional fees for continuous music vs. band breaks, etc. And speaking of band breaks, while there’s just no substitute for live entertainment, the higher quality variety bands these days have also been offering DJ services. Often bringing their own portable booth, set up on the edge of the stage, they’ll keep your party rocking non-stop.

And as an added bonus, the fine folks at fivethirtyeight.com have provided a detailed break-down of all the top wedding band songs and most requested artists, once again reflecting the retro-classic theme:

So what’s your 2020 vision?