Nailing the details is key in any wedding planning. But a vintage wedding requires extra commitment if you want to nail the retro aesthetic. From the invitations to the all-important dress, each inch of the day must be considered — including the music!
And this is where professional vintage wedding bands come in. Swing, jazz, and blues bands are the finishing touch for any retro wedding. After all, hearing the top 10 latest hits while wearing your 1940s finest wouldn’t feel right.
Vintage-themed weddings are rising in popularity again, and we’re here to ensure your event’s sights and sounds align. Scroll down to learn about the essential vintage genres and where to book them. Let’s go!
Swing Bands
First up, we have swing bands. Add a swing wedding band to your to-do list if you want your guests to party all night.
What Is Swing Music?
Swing music is a genre that was developed in the US during the late 1920s and early 1930s. However, it became popular nationwide in the mid to late 1930s and then spread worldwide.
Swing started as an offset of jazz, but don’t assume these genres are the same. Swing bands tend to be more lively and rhythmic than traditional types of jazz. Some believe swing developed from jazz in order to make the sound more “dance-friendly” for audiences; hence the rhythm section is crucial.
Fun Fact: The name “swing” refers to the different beat or off-beat.
Famous musicians from the 1930s swing period include Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Jimmy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Django Reinhardt, and Glenn Miller.
Choosing a Swing Band for Your Wedding
So, how can a swing band complement your wedding?
If you imagine your reception full of laughter, twirling, and the two-step, add swing to your wedding planning. This vintage genre is all about embracing the rhythm and moving your body, which is ideal if you want your guests up and moving rather than watching a show. It’s also great for low-key cocktail hours, as it keeps the vibe upbeat.
Also, swing is great if you’re planning a 1930s or 1940s wedding. Of course, you can pair it with any decade or wedding aesthetic. However, it’ll feel extra special when you’re in your vintage-inspired outfit. Now do the lindy hop!
Add a swing-twist to your big day with Hetty and the Jazzato Band. This Upminster-based swing and jive band is ready to complete your event. You and your guests will groove all evening with a range of swing, jive, and classic Italian songs. The band has worked with Encore for seven years and has a five-star rating. Find out more and check their availability online now.
Jazz Bands
Now let’s take a step back in time and explore jazz music. Jazz bands have been around longer than swing bands, but they’re not out of fashion. See more about this genre below.
What Is Jazz Music?
Jazz didn’t appear out of thin air. This well-known genre is a fusion of ragtime and blues, and it was cooked up in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the early 1900s. However, jazz is closely associated with the 1920s, and this decade is even referred to as the “Jazz Age.”
Jazz music blends European harmonies, African rhythms, and passionate improvisation. This dynamic music style usually includes the sound of pianos, trumpets, and saxophones, and jazz bands offer both high-energy songs and sensual ballads.
Fun Fact: The origins of the word “jazz” are unknown!
Well-known jazz musicians include Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, and Chet Baker.
Choosing a Jazz Band for Your Wedding
A jazz band is the perfect accompaniment for a vintage wedding. Whether you want your lively tunes at your reception or smooth melodies at your ceremony, jazz suits any situation — especially a celebration.
Typically, jazz bands are a perfect choice for lively background music that sets the tone for the event without being too loud to have a good conversation.
But jazz doesn’t have to be in the background. Postmodern jukebox jazz bands are notorious for putting on an unforgettable show. These professional vintage wedding bands strive to make an impact with unique improvisations, an electric stage presence, and the ability to fill a dance floor.
Add the sweet sounds of jazz to your event with Neon Blue, a five-star jazz band based in the Southwest and London. These experts have over 20 years of professional experience and have performed at various events. View their profile now to watch some performances and check their availability.
Blues Bands
Looking for something a little older? A Blues band could be the pick for you. Explore the background of this genre below.
What Is Blues Music?
Unlike the above music styles, the blues originated in the 1800s from the Deep South of the USA. This genre evolved from the oral tradition of African American spirituals and work songs, which usually featured “call-and-response” patterns.
Blues music features poignant lyrics, and in traditional blues, lyrics consist of one line repeated four times. Heavy bass lines, guitar licks, and instrumentation also characterise the music.
Fun Fact: Blues lyrics tend to express emotions rather than tell a story.
Famous blues singers include Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Elmore James, and Marmie Smith.
Choosing a Blues Band for Your Wedding
If you’re wedding planning, don’t forget to consider a blues band for your event. This genre brings emotive vocals, soulful guitar, and groovy rhythms to any event.
A blues band is ideal for couples who want to capture love’s essence through strong lyrics. Forget instrumental music. A blues singer can capture the undeniable complexity of romance while providing a memorable performance for your guests. Intimate, authentic, and great for a vintage-themed wedding.
For a five-star blues band, consider Smokestack. This Brighton-based band have over 25 years of experience playing blues across Europe and the UK. From festivals to weddings, these talented musicians complete any event. Read more about the band and check out their availability here.
Final Thoughts
Vintage wedding bands are the icing on the cake for any wedding. Whether you’re going all-out and creating a wedding from the past or mixing contemporary and vintage styles, consider these unique wedding bands for your big day.
Curious about vintage music styles? Keep exploring. Browse the Encore Music selection of expert swing, jazz, and blues bands to bring some vintage charm to your wedding. You won’t regret it when you’re sipping a glass of fizz and enjoying some rhythmic jazz!