Weddings
Ceremony
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Drinks Reception
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After Party (Reception) |
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Imagine having one person to take away all of your worries and organise all of your music throughout your special day. I can do that for you!
Whether you are looking for a mix of pop covers, traditional Irish tunes, or a good old fashioned ceilidh, I have many options for you to choose from. Let me take you on a journey of what your wedding day could look like!
Whether you are looking for a mix of pop covers, traditional Irish tunes, or a good old fashioned ceilidh, I have many options for you to choose from. Let me take you on a journey of what your wedding day could look like!
Listen to a previous review below!
Solo Violin
Photo by James Thundercliffe Photography https://www.snapzphotography.net/
Why book me for your special day? I have over 25 years of experience playing for weddings. Read my About Me page for more info if you haven't done so already. With experience comes high quality music. Many brides and grooms are nervous about their big day so it's understandable if you have a lot of questions. Check out my FAQ section as you might find the answers in there. Click here to hear samples of my music. My calendar shows what days I have events booked. It is best to contact me to check if I'm available for an event. Check out the below review from Encore.
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2025 Prices for solo performance
Travel: I will calculate travel at 45p per mile. Any parking fees need to be added as well. Fees: The below are minimum performance fees depending on length of time you'd like to book for. They are in addition to travel fees. There may be other additional costs, e.g. to add a few special song requests, which we can discuss. Church/ Civil Ceremony only: From £200 Drinks Reception only: From £250 Wedding Breakfast only: From £250 Combination Packages: Ceremony + Drinks Reception = From £400 Drinks Reception + Wedding Breakfast = From £450 All three options = From £650 |
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Photo by Clipsham Brown Photography www.clipshambrownphotography.com
Serenade Wedding Duo
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Our Story
We are Serenade (Serena and Adam), a talented modern violin and guitar duo with a widely diverse repertoire - ranging from bang up to date chart pop to traditional folk tunes.
We are both full time professional musicians and have years of performing experience between us, including hundreds of weddings, parties and corporate events around the country.
As a duo, we create a rich acoustic sound while incorporate live looping of our instruments. This creates a multi layered sound more akin to a quartet or band.
We pride ourselves on being a fresh, dynamic alternative to the string quartet, creating our own unique arrangements, combining professional service with a personal touch.
How To Book Us
If you would like us to play for a wedding or any other event, please phone 07412 170 710, or send a message through the Serenade facebook page.
We are both full time professional musicians and have years of performing experience between us, including hundreds of weddings, parties and corporate events around the country.
As a duo, we create a rich acoustic sound while incorporate live looping of our instruments. This creates a multi layered sound more akin to a quartet or band.
We pride ourselves on being a fresh, dynamic alternative to the string quartet, creating our own unique arrangements, combining professional service with a personal touch.
How To Book Us
If you would like us to play for a wedding or any other event, please phone 07412 170 710, or send a message through the Serenade facebook page.
Current Sample Set List
Ain't Nobody - Chaka Khan
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Bridal March - Richard Wagner
Budapest - George Ezra
California Dreaming - Mamas & Papas
Canon in D - Johann Pachelbel
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
Despacito - Daddy Yankee
Englishman in New York - Sting
Hold Back the River - James Bay
House of the Rising Sun - Animals
How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
Human - Rag and Bone Man
Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Jolene/Jerusalem Ridge - Dolly Parton/Bluegrass Tune
Layla - Eric Clapton
Miserlou/Paint it Black - Dick Dale and Deltones/Rolling Stones
Moondance - Van Morrison
Music Sounds Better - Stardust
Rather Be - Clean Bandit
Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Shape of You - Ed Sheeran
Sitting On the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay
Strictly Come Dancing/Livin La Vida Loca - TV Theme/Ricky Martin
Teardrop - Massive Attack
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
Traditional Irish Reels
Uptown Funk/Good Times - Mark Ronson/Chic
Yesterday - Beatles
Your Song - Elton John or Ellie Goulding Style
Ain't Nobody - Chaka Khan
Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
Bridal March - Richard Wagner
Budapest - George Ezra
California Dreaming - Mamas & Papas
Canon in D - Johann Pachelbel
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
Despacito - Daddy Yankee
Englishman in New York - Sting
Hold Back the River - James Bay
House of the Rising Sun - Animals
How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
Human - Rag and Bone Man
Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Jolene/Jerusalem Ridge - Dolly Parton/Bluegrass Tune
Layla - Eric Clapton
Miserlou/Paint it Black - Dick Dale and Deltones/Rolling Stones
Moondance - Van Morrison
Music Sounds Better - Stardust
Rather Be - Clean Bandit
Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Shape of You - Ed Sheeran
Sitting On the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay
Strictly Come Dancing/Livin La Vida Loca - TV Theme/Ricky Martin
Teardrop - Massive Attack
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
Traditional Irish Reels
Uptown Funk/Good Times - Mark Ronson/Chic
Yesterday - Beatles
Your Song - Elton John or Ellie Goulding Style
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Serena Smith Duo
In case Adam isn't available, I also have other guitarists I play with as a duo.
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Serena Smith & Joss Ward
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Serena Smith & Steve Owen
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Serena Smith & Friends: Celtic Fusion Band
My friends and I can throw a great party for you after your wedding breakfast! Learn more on our official celtic fusion band page.
Serena Smith Ceilidh Band
What is a ceilidh?
We often get asked this question.
Ceilidh (pronounced kay’lee and spelt Céilí in Ireland but Ceilidh in Scotland) is dancing, to music that is usually played by a live band, with a partner, guided by a caller.
No matter what your level of dancing is, everyone has a great time. Smiling and laughing is not an option, it is a side-affect that cannot be avoided. Ceilidh dancing gives you a work-out for the inside and out. You should never feel too scared to Ceilidh, just take the plunge…you won’t regret it and you’ll be welcomed by what will soon become your new friends.
Ceilidh's are also fun for any occassion, not just weddings. We do birthday parties, christenings, corporate events, festivals, and much more!
Ceilidh (pronounced kay’lee and spelt Céilí in Ireland but Ceilidh in Scotland) is dancing, to music that is usually played by a live band, with a partner, guided by a caller.
No matter what your level of dancing is, everyone has a great time. Smiling and laughing is not an option, it is a side-affect that cannot be avoided. Ceilidh dancing gives you a work-out for the inside and out. You should never feel too scared to Ceilidh, just take the plunge…you won’t regret it and you’ll be welcomed by what will soon become your new friends.
Ceilidh's are also fun for any occassion, not just weddings. We do birthday parties, christenings, corporate events, festivals, and much more!
Our Experience
I started out learning Irish Céilí dancing in Minnesota back in December 1998. As is the experience of many others, I was drawn to the music and dancing after watching Riverdance and Lord of the Dance on television. When I went to university in Wisconsin in 2002, I discovered there was no Irish dancing there, so I started my own Céilí club. It ran successfully for 3 years and others continued the club after I graduated.
Since living in England, I have played in a few different ceilidh bands and picked up various other types of traditional dances to call, particularly Scottish. Feeling inspired by my experiences, I have transformed my Celtic Fusion Band to also be able to perform ceilidhs. I would do all of the calling myself if only I didn't have to play the main tunes on the fiddle as well! Occassionally I can call and play at the same time, but usually we have an additional caller to help shout instructions while the music is going.
As a band we give a more upbeat modern feel to traditional ceilidh dancing. Both Serena and additional callers are always full of energy to keep the dancers going. And we incorporate popular covers where we can. We have worked hard to make sure it all works together so you have a unique and exciting experience!
Since living in England, I have played in a few different ceilidh bands and picked up various other types of traditional dances to call, particularly Scottish. Feeling inspired by my experiences, I have transformed my Celtic Fusion Band to also be able to perform ceilidhs. I would do all of the calling myself if only I didn't have to play the main tunes on the fiddle as well! Occassionally I can call and play at the same time, but usually we have an additional caller to help shout instructions while the music is going.
As a band we give a more upbeat modern feel to traditional ceilidh dancing. Both Serena and additional callers are always full of energy to keep the dancers going. And we incorporate popular covers where we can. We have worked hard to make sure it all works together so you have a unique and exciting experience!
Your Options
We do everything from a low key acoustic event to full on drum kit with lights and electronic music.
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Solo Ceilidh Band aka Budget Ceilidh
Want a ceilidh but can't afford the full band? I can do it on my own!
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Three piece ceilidh band
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Full 5 piece ceilidh band
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Current Sample Set List
Folk (instrumental)
Whisky in the Jar
Star of the County Down
Crested hens (waltz)
Banish Misfortune/Morrisons/Kesh (jigs)
Irish Washerwoman / Blackthorn Stick
Farewell to Ireland
Dennis Murphy's/42 Pound Cheque/John Ryans
Pop
Ain't nobody
Moondance
Shape of you
Rave in the Grave
Sandstorm
Insomnia
Classical
Pachalbel's Canon
How To Book Us
Contact Serena if you would like to discuss performance options. If you click the Book Now button below, it will take you to my booking form. Also if you have anymore questions, you can phone or text/whatsapp me on 07412 170 710.
Folk (instrumental)
Whisky in the Jar
Star of the County Down
Crested hens (waltz)
Banish Misfortune/Morrisons/Kesh (jigs)
Irish Washerwoman / Blackthorn Stick
Farewell to Ireland
Dennis Murphy's/42 Pound Cheque/John Ryans
Pop
Ain't nobody
Moondance
Shape of you
Rave in the Grave
Sandstorm
Insomnia
Classical
Pachalbel's Canon
How To Book Us
Contact Serena if you would like to discuss performance options. If you click the Book Now button below, it will take you to my booking form. Also if you have anymore questions, you can phone or text/whatsapp me on 07412 170 710.
Sean Jackson Band
If you want to add a bit of country music to your wedding reception, I also play with singer/guitarist Sean Jackson. Contact Sean and ask if the 5 piece band is available for your wedding. Don't forget to let him know you heard about him through me!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in the costs of music for the ceremony?
I (or we if a duo) usually play background music for about 20 minutes before the ceremony starts (as guests are arriving), a special track for while the bride (and bridesmaids) are walking down the aisle, background music during the signing of the register, and a very upbeat piece at the end of the ceremony. I will keep playing until the space is empty as guests are leaving to join the drinks reception. If I'm playing the drinks reception as well, then I will pack up after guests have left the area so I can move to the next location.
2. Do you take song requests?
Over the years I have learned hundreds of songs and tunes, resulting in a large repertoire of beautiful music for weddings. As a solo musician, I offer 1 to 2 special request songs for free, however, it is likely I will already know your favourite song if it is a popular one. If your request is very unique I will try my best to accommodate it, however, I may come across some issues which I can discuss with you at the time of booking. More than 2 requests (of songs not already in my set list) will incur an additional small fee.
The groups I work in can take requests ahead of time as well, however, an extra fee may be applicable depending on the request.
3. Can I hear examples of you playing particular songs?
I have several video clips on my Facebook, Instagram and Youtube pages. Links to my social media are below. Also check out my Gigs page for any upcoming public shows if you want to see me live!
I (or we if a duo) usually play background music for about 20 minutes before the ceremony starts (as guests are arriving), a special track for while the bride (and bridesmaids) are walking down the aisle, background music during the signing of the register, and a very upbeat piece at the end of the ceremony. I will keep playing until the space is empty as guests are leaving to join the drinks reception. If I'm playing the drinks reception as well, then I will pack up after guests have left the area so I can move to the next location.
2. Do you take song requests?
Over the years I have learned hundreds of songs and tunes, resulting in a large repertoire of beautiful music for weddings. As a solo musician, I offer 1 to 2 special request songs for free, however, it is likely I will already know your favourite song if it is a popular one. If your request is very unique I will try my best to accommodate it, however, I may come across some issues which I can discuss with you at the time of booking. More than 2 requests (of songs not already in my set list) will incur an additional small fee.
The groups I work in can take requests ahead of time as well, however, an extra fee may be applicable depending on the request.
3. Can I hear examples of you playing particular songs?
I have several video clips on my Facebook, Instagram and Youtube pages. Links to my social media are below. Also check out my Gigs page for any upcoming public shows if you want to see me live!
4. What if the date changes due to extenuating circumstances?
I do work from contracts but can be accommodating depending on the circumstance. For example, I have had to reschedule a couple of weddings from 2020 to 2022 because of Covid19.
5. How precisely do you stick to timings?
I always make enough room for a minimum of half an hour set up time before each performance. However, I prefer to make sure I have at least an hour for set up, especially if I know parking will be difficult. I am flexible with times as I have done a lot of weddings and I know they overrun quite often.
6. Do you do traditional wedding music?
It is very rare that people will ask for it, but I do play the traditional pieces such as Wagner's Bridal March and Mendelssohn's Wedding March. If you are having a civil ceremony then I will not be allowed to play anything religious and usually it's up to the registrar.
7. Can I remove anything I don't like from your set list?
Of course, I/we don't want to cause any upset. If you see something on one of our sample set lists and prefer not to hear it, just let us know.
8. Is your equipment PAT tested?
Some of my equipment is less than a year old so does not need it. Almost all other equipment is PAT tested. For solo, duo or trio gigs, we may be able to perform without plugging anything in depending on the length of the performance which would avoid the requirement for PAT testing, however we would prefer to plug in where possible to avoid running out of battery. In some instances we may need clarification from the venue on what they require.
9. Do you have public liability insurance?
Of course, I personally have cover up to £10 million through the Musician's Union and can provide proof upon request. All other musicians I work with are insured as well.
I do work from contracts but can be accommodating depending on the circumstance. For example, I have had to reschedule a couple of weddings from 2020 to 2022 because of Covid19.
5. How precisely do you stick to timings?
I always make enough room for a minimum of half an hour set up time before each performance. However, I prefer to make sure I have at least an hour for set up, especially if I know parking will be difficult. I am flexible with times as I have done a lot of weddings and I know they overrun quite often.
6. Do you do traditional wedding music?
It is very rare that people will ask for it, but I do play the traditional pieces such as Wagner's Bridal March and Mendelssohn's Wedding March. If you are having a civil ceremony then I will not be allowed to play anything religious and usually it's up to the registrar.
7. Can I remove anything I don't like from your set list?
Of course, I/we don't want to cause any upset. If you see something on one of our sample set lists and prefer not to hear it, just let us know.
8. Is your equipment PAT tested?
Some of my equipment is less than a year old so does not need it. Almost all other equipment is PAT tested. For solo, duo or trio gigs, we may be able to perform without plugging anything in depending on the length of the performance which would avoid the requirement for PAT testing, however we would prefer to plug in where possible to avoid running out of battery. In some instances we may need clarification from the venue on what they require.
9. Do you have public liability insurance?
Of course, I personally have cover up to £10 million through the Musician's Union and can provide proof upon request. All other musicians I work with are insured as well.
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