When you’re planning a wedding in the heart of the East Yorkshire countryside, you’re usually looking for two things: a relaxed, authentic atmosphere and a day your guests will never forget!
While the “big things” like the guest list and the bar are essential, there are two elements that truly define the feel of your wedding day, the venue and the entertainment.
At our latest open day we sat down with local acoustic legend Matthew Stephens to chat about why music is such an important part of a wedding day and why a venue like Riverlands makes all the difference when it comes to getting the party started…
Music sets the tone of your day
According to Matthew, music does more than just fill the silence; it subtly (and sometimes not so subtly!) tells your guests how to feel.
“The venue is the entire vibe and the music is what punctuates it,” Matthew explains. “It informs people when to be emotionally involved and when to let loose; when to relax and when to party!”
From the magical moment when you walk down the aisle to the high-energy requests during a sunny drinks reception, music bridges the gaps in the day, provides the perfect backing track to your wedding breakfast and ensures the energy never dips and the “lulls” simply don’t exist.
Forget what everyone else is doing
One of the biggest pieces of advice Matthew gives our couples is to stop worrying about “what fits” or what other people have done. At Riverlands, we’re all about authenticity, and Matthew’s approach is exactly the same.
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- Want a rave tune for your aisle walk? He’s done it (acoustically, of course).
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- Want a rock anthem for your first dance? He can make it gentle and romantic.
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- Not “lovey-dovey”? Don’t feel like you have to have romantic songs!
“I tell them over and over again to pick WHAT THEY WANT. I like risks – people remember risks and they become a great talking point during and after the day.”
Why Riverlands?
We’ve always felt that the setting of a wedding influences the mood of every guest, and Matthew agrees. He’s seen first-hand how a “corporate” or “chain hotel” vibe can lead to clock-watching, but a venue with character changes the game.
“For a drinks reception at Riverlands, I like to do my ‘roaming requests’ routine and it ALWAYS works well. Riverlands is a great venue for music, and one of the reasons is the courtyard is an amazing spot to stand in the sun with a drink and a canapé singing your favourite tunes with your friends. It doesn’t get any better than that, does it?!”
Here are Matthew’s top tips on how music can help your day flow:
Ditch the setlist: Matthew never uses one. He reads the room and adjusts to your guests’ tastes in real-time. “Coming at a thousand different crowds with one list is like trying to cook for a thousand different people with one menu.”
Hire an “All-Day” professional: Having a musician who stays for the duration means they can coordinate with venue staff, learn the crowd, and ensure the music flows perfectly with the schedule.
Personal touches: Don’t be afraid to ask for something unique. “Some people have had me work lyrics they’ve written into popular songs to give them their own customised personal tune. That’s a pretty personal touch.”
If you’re looking for that perfect blend of Yorkshire charm and a soundtrack that feels 100% you, Matthew is your man.
You can find out more about his services and hear that amazing voice of his here:
Website: www.matthewstephens.net
Socials: @matthewstephensacoustic
Image credit: https://www.grainyboi.com/
