The best of times, the worst of times……

In many respects television has taken over from newspapers the role of exposing unfair business practices, rogue traders, corporate rip-offs etc, yet examples still crop up from time to time.

Finding wedding suppliers who offer genuine good value is sometimes as difficult as locating a good plumber or a competent painter and decorator.  One solution is to commission the services of a wedding planner but these people will often demand both a fee from the bridal client and a commission from the various wedding suppliers they recommend.  Both mean extra cost for the bridal couple and there’s enough evidence to show that even then, you’re not certain of a trouble-free event.

Of course, planning a wedding is hard work, not rocket science, and our advice is always to do your own research and to decide for yourself which supplier offers good value and reliable service.  Don’t rely on testimonials (when did you ever read a bad one?) or on recommendations of people you don’t know well; after all, one person’s dance band is another person’s ear ache!

Think twice also about recommended suppliers.  Recently we’ve come across well-known and popular wedding venues which not only charge a lot of money for their venues – but they then make even more by demanding substantial commissions from photographers and others whose services they “recommend”.  Actually this gets worse because some popular private houses also demand commissions for allowing photographers to even work on their premises.  And you already know who really pays this commission – you do, in the form of higher prices.

So what’s the solution?  It’s easy, though it does involve some time and research – ask the questions and compare the prices and service you’re offered.  If you’re in any doubt, avoid all recommended suppliers and choose one that suits you best.

Now, bearing in mind what you’ve just read, you might be surprised that we’re going to close by offering you a recommendation – but it’s a recommendation we suggest you consider for yourself.

Francesca Spedding is a singer; in our opinion, a very good and attractive singer.  She’s experienced, versatile and, very important for a wedding singer, knows the role she plays as part of your wedding.  She sang for one of our recent clients, not only at the ceremony but during the drinks reception, for the First Dance and, later in the evening as the cabaret entertainment.

Singers have to do much more than sing in tune, they have to “know their place” as well.  What impressed us especially was the way Francesca adapted her performance and style to each part of the day.  During the ceremony she performed the clients’ favourite songs, providing a unique musical background to the formality; during the drinks reception her music added gentle style and harmony behind the conversation between old friends and family, then in the evening she took centre stage and became the star turn of the party and dance.

But, as we’ve said throughout this piece, don’t take our word for it.  Listen to the songs she sings on her website (www.femalesoloartist.co.uk) and arrange to meet her yourself.  We don’t think you’ll be disappointed.