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Best Ceremony Songs

A ceremony is the starting off point of a wedding, it sets the vibe, and it’s the only part of the celebration that makes it a legally binding wedding. Without a ceremony, it’s a dinner party!

Walking down the aisle is usually how it all begins. Although traditionally accompanied by a father, you can walk down with your brother, sister, mum, friend or your partner. There are no rules when it comes to the arrival part of the ceremony, in fact you don’t have to walk down an aisle if you don’t want to! Music plays a huge part in setting the tone during a ceremony and especially at the beginning. Nerves are high and that first song should be a song you love which will calm you and get your guests excited/emotional for what is to come.

We have asked some of our most popular ceremony artists what their favourite processional (walking down the aisle) songs are and what they love about them!

Alyssa & Daniel

The most popular song we sing would have to be Perfect by Ed Sheeran; the overall feel of the song pulls at the heart strings and is also a great tempo to walk into.

There’s no right or wrong song – we find the best/most emotional songs are ones that are sentimental to the couple :-)

Georga B

I could go on about this all day! I love singing at weddings & I have collected so many songs favs over the years!

Songbird- Eva Cassidy: This is such a classic love song & with beautiful lyrics! It sets a beautiful atmosphere for the ceremony!

Time after Time – Eva Cassidy: I mean these lyrics are perfect for a wedding! Talking about the fact that no matter what, time after time that person will be there!

At Last – Etta James: A beautiful jazz classic, that is full of romance & moody tones! There’s so much hope in this song!

No Matter where you are – Us The Duo: I love this song so much these artists wrote this song for each other for their wedding day and then it went viral on YouTube. I’ve decided a lot of weddings lately it’s a more contemporary in the type song but the lyrics are just perfect for a wedding day. This song talks about the fact that no matter where the other person is that they will be there.

Becky R

I’d say BY FAR the most popular ceremony songs seems to be “Can’t help falling in love”.

I’d say in recommendations to couples when choosing, they should figure out whether they want something “romantic” or “fun”… and go from there. If they have a couple song – figure out whether they want that to be the aisle song or their first dance.

I also think choosing a fun upbeat song for the exit song is always a good idea!

MaryAnne M

One of my fav ceremony songs down the aisle is La Vie en Rose.

Best advice on choosing songs is lots of research. Think about what mood you want to create and feel coming down the aisle. If you have a favourite song but not sure if it will work as a ceremony song find a great musician to guide you.  Some of the best ceremony songs we have done are different takes on the loved originals, but have a unique take on it so its unique to that couple.

Sarah R

Simply The Best – Noah Reid Cover (Schitts Creek)

This is such a beautiful rendition of the classic Tina Turner hit, it’s super gentle, help create a romantic scene without being over the top , I love the opening line ‘I call you when I need you, My heart’s on fire’ – Every word in this song has purpose and really would be suited to any generation .

 

Now for my own opinion..

I say, have a think about your favourite songs as a couple. Remember the song doesn’t have to be slow and emotional and that a lot of great songs have had acoustic covers done of them which may make your beloved rock, metal and crazy pop tunes a bit more ceremony appropriate.

I walked down the aisle with my husband to an acoustic version of Bubbles by Biffy Clyro. It was one of our very favourite songs and one we had been lucky enough to hear played live twice. It was perfect!

Choose a song that means something to you both and you’ll walk down the aisle with an extra spring in your step.

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Melbourne Venue Spotlight – Eureka89

Here at Top Dog, we love working with a variety of venues. We love the old, the new, the fancy and the casual. What we love the most is forming a bond with a venue, which we have with many of Melbourne’s finest event spaces, and Eureka 89 is one of our favourites. We attend parties there regularly and we love it. We love the staff, the food and how can we not mention the view!

I spoke to the business development manager, Tobin, about the venue and had him answer some questions.

How long has Eureka 89 been around? 

Eureka 89 opened in 2008 and has been welcoming all sorts of parties ever since.

Just how high up is your venue? 

300 metres above sea level and takes about 1640 stairs to get to the 88th level during the annual stair climb. It is the third tallest building in Australia and the highest restaurant in the southern hemisphere.

Tell us a little bit about the events you do both private and publicly.

Eureka 89 is available for all sorts of events from weddings to product launches, to birthdays to corporate parties. With our two event spaces we can host parties big and small. We have the option to host parties across the whole floor or separate the space into two.

Our executive chef Renee creates amazing tasting menus highlighting Australian seasonal produce, so all you need to do is book a table to experience a meal up on the 89th floor!

We also host many special events throughout the year. This year we have planned some really exciting special events including caviar month, game dinner, truffle dinner and a special whisky pairing dinner in conjunction with Melbourne Whisky Week.

What is the best dish and cocktail on the menu? 

Not officially on the cocktail menu but those in the know will often order a bloody shiraz negroni.

As for the best food dish, my favourite would have to be the Southern ranges beef with confit shallots, pea cream and beef dashi.

  • Shelley jumping in here – have tried many a canape/cocktail/food station item at many of Eureka 89’s showcases, and everything is always excellent. 10 out of 10 from me!

Tell us about the most exciting or most unique event you have done to date. 

Well, our NYE events are always a bit wild – they are ticketed events and always have a fun theme, excellent entertainment thanks to Top Dog and a great vibe.

However, the one that really ticked the unique box would be a specific private event where they turned the whole floor of Eureka 89 into a jungle – the set up was phenomenal.

What is something we may not know about the venue? 

So many fun facts about the Eureka building. It took 4 years and 2 months to build, the top 10 floors have 24 carat gold plated glass windows and the current record to climb the 88 sets of stairs is said to be around 7 minutes!

However, if you are interested in venue specific trivia, the 89th floor was originally planned to be a penthouse apartment but at the last minute was changed to a restaurant & event space.

What entertainment do you think works best at Eureka 89? 

Everything! We’ve had everything from acoustic guitarists, large party bands, roving entertainment, dancers, DJ’s, string quartets and more. They have all been great and as we can host a wide range of events, we have seen a wide range of entertainment come in and out of the lift! We love seeing all of the different performers from Top Dog at our events!

To learn more about the events Eureka 89 can host, visit https://eureka89.com.au

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Grazeland Melbourne

Launched on March 26th, 2021, Grazeland is Melbourne’s newest must see ‘playground for foodies’ boasting:

  • over 50 of Melbourne’s best food vendors
  • a nonstop entertainment schedule of live music, DJs, DJ bands, roving performers and kids’ entertainment

Grazeland will be open even if it is raining. 75% of the park is under cover, and there is heating in parts of the park during the colder times of the year.

Entry is $2.50 per person and paid at the main gate.

Children under 12 are free.

Dogs are also welcome!


When Is It Open?

Grazeland is open every weekend of the year:

  • Friday: 5pm – 10pm
  • Saturday: 12pm – 10pm
  • Sunday: 12pm – 9pm

Where Is It?

Grazeland is located 5km from Melbourne CBD at 20 Booker Street, Spotswood (next to Scienceworks).

How Is Top Dog Involved?

Top Dog are the exclusive entertainment provider for Grazeland Melbourne.  We have been working closely with the owners for nearly 2 years carefully curating the best mix of entertainment to complement the amazing food on offer for customers.

There are 2 performance stages and a heap of roving entertainment scattered throughout the precinct.

Why Should You Go?

If you’re reading this, then you are probably looking to book entertainment for an event!

Each weekend at Grazeland, Top Dog has over 20 unique acts performing throughout the venue.

It is essentially a live showcase, where you can go and see Melbourne’s BEST artists perform before you decide to book them.

If you have a specific act you are interested in and you cannot see them on our roster, please contact us and we can advise when they will be featuring.  You can also speak with the artists on their breaks to tell them more about your event.

There are not too many family friendly venues that offer free live entertainment that appeals to everyone.

For more information about Grazeland visit https://www.grazeland.melbourne/

For weekly entertainment schedules please visit: https://topdogent.com.au/grazeland/

Or call us for a chat! 1300 658 718.

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Why Book Entertainment Through An Agency?

When it comes to wedding planning or organising a Christmas party for your work, chances are, you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to entertainment. You may have a budget, you may not. You might want a change from what you booked last time, or you may have been to an epic wedding and you want what they had!

Here are some of the top reasons to book through an agency when organising entertainment for an event.

Volume Of Artists

We have hundreds of artists across many genres, styles, price and instruments. We work with bands, solo artists, duos, DJs, DJ band musicians, roving performers and more. You get access to all of these artists with only one contact – super easy to keep track of.

This comes in handy if you aren’t sure what you want, if the artist you wanted is not available or if you want multiple elements of entertainment across your event. With not only the volume, but also the high level of skill our artists have, we will find the perfect options for you no matter your budget or brief!

You Have No Idea What You Want

Sometimes people have no idea what type of music they would prefer at their event and that’s ok. A band or a DJ, a DJ band or an acoustic act – we can help you work out what would be best suited.

Give us a brief and we will give you options. We are happy to work with a small, large, tricky, specific, or strange brief – we love a challenge. Give us as much information as you can, and we will give you a couple of line ups that are sure to impress.

Your Artist Is Sick

People get sick and things (although rare) can happen out of our control. Once in a blue moon a DJ or musician is not going to be able to turn up at your event and sometimes with very little notice. Should this happen, and your wedding was only hours from commencing, you wouldn’t have time to deal with this. Cue the agency staff – we would be on this instantly and sort out the best possible back up/replacement. Here at Top Dog our office phone line is diverted to a staff member overnight and over the weekend. We are always available. Should anything happen, we will be onto it and sorting it out before you even know what is going on! With the sheer volume of artists we have, we can find available alternatives in a flash.

You Have Too Much To Organise

Planning an event can take up a lot of your time and chances are (especially for couples getting married) you haven’t done this before. Planning events doesn’t always come naturally to everyone.

We will coordinate all your song choices and run sheets with our user-friendly online forms, coordinate with venues, liaise with performers and make sure everything is perfect and ready to go on the day. This is particularly useful when you book multiple artists. We ensure they all work well together; the right amount of equipment has been arranged and that everyone knows their parts, arrival times and we organise payment to all artists whilst you only have to deal with one invoice.

We Are Experts

All we do is listen to music, scout new artists, talk to musicians and DJs, follow new trends, visit venues, and organise entertainment for epic events. Got a question? Need some advice on what will fit/work for your event? Bit confused about on-site restrictions/rules? Chances are high we will know the answers to any of your questions. In our office alone we have a DJ, a musician, an event manager, and a celebrant. We have a wide range of event knowledge and we are always learning.

Professional Service Guaranteed

We do not just book anyone. We have seen every single person we book play in person. To us, it is not just about talent, its about being presentable, experienced, personable and talented. We make sure that anyone we send out to an event is representative of our brand – we have high expectations of our artists.

 

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DJ Henton – Diary of a Wedding DJ

Diary of a DJ by DJ Henton S

It’s always a pleasure being asked to provide the soundtrack to a couple’s special day. I don’t just rock up on the day. The planning starts well before the actual event by sitting down and going through the details provided to Top Dog on the event form to get a feel for how they dream of the day panning out. I like to find out what music is special to them, what might make their friends and family dance, look at playlists they may have created and make sure I am across the run sheet and key songs, such as ceremony music or the first dance.

In the week leading up to the big day I ring the couple. It’s a great opportunity not only to introduce myself but to run through all the music, get a feel for the vibe they are after and just get to know them a little. I think it’s important that they feel comfortable with me and that they trust that I can deliver the atmosphere they are after for their big day.

After chatting with them I will play around with my music and put together some folders containing music they like and music that will fit around that. It helps to be prepared and although I have an extensive collection of music, (great for requests!) it makes the night easier when I have all of their must plays on hand.

On the event day from behind the decks I’m very lucky to have a fantastic viewpoint of the entire venue and celebrations. Starting off with seeing the smiles of excitement from the guest arrivals, everyone looking beautiful and sharp, friends & family travelling from far & wide, reuniting and embracing with joy!

My first aim is to set the mood and play a perfect balance of welcoming and warming music to get everyone relaxed and excited for the evening ahead. It’s great to look around and see people happy in conversation catching up or eating the amazing food but as long as the toes are tapping then that’s a good sign!

Once the formalities are out of the way it’s time for the DJ’s most crucial job; to get the party started and everyone on the dance floor! Quite often this involves a First Dance of the couple’s choice and then straight after it’s my turn to up the BPM (beats per minute for those non musicians!) and get everyone in the party spirit! Working with other musicians, such as saxophone, trumpet and percussion also brings an extra wave of energy which the crowd always enjoy. It is really fun seeing them roving around the dance floor and interacting with the guests.

Once you get the guests up and dancing, one of the most difficult jobs as a DJ is to keep them there because one wrong song choice can kill the dance floor! This is where experience and a vast music collection comes in to play. With 20 years practice under my belt I like to read the crowd, mix it up with some new hits, some sing along classics, floor fillers and play for the girls, as they are usually the best dancers!

As the night draws to the end (depending on what is requested) I would usually aim to finish with a bang, some big sing along anthems and finally give the couple a farewell circle or archway send off if that’s their thing. This is a great way to bring everyone together for one last time to say their goodbyes and off into the night.

Once it’s all over I pack up and fill out an online job report form so that everyone at Top Dog knows how amazing the night was! Job done!

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Band or DJ – That Is The Question!

Congratulations! You are engaged and planning your wedding – fun times. By now you have probably sorted the venue, photographer, celebrant and maybe even your outfits? Those are usually the first to be investigated and entertainment tends to be further towards the end of the list.

I have been in the wedding and events industry now for almost fifteen years, working at some of Melbourne’s premium wedding venues and I have seen everything come through those doors. From DJs to bands, strings to magicians, I have seen the best and the absolute worst. Believe me, the world of weddings could make for an epic new Netflix reality doco! Music is so valuable to getting the atmosphere right. The music needs to reflect the mood you wish to create and the guests you have invited.

For most couples the entertainment decisions come down to just one question: Band or DJ?

At the end of the day it really should come down to what you would prefer personally, however, I hope the below points help you make up your mind!

DJ:

DJs are fun because they play all your songs in their original format. Not too many singers can belt out Whitney Houston and do her justice however a DJ can play that banger at any time of the night and it will be exactly how you remembered it. They can play any song at any time due to having huge digital libraries. You like multiple genres? No worries, just give your DJ an idea of what you want, and they will have it all ready to go!

When you hire a DJ, there is no set list to choose from – if the song exists then with a bit of notice they should be able to source any of your favourite tunes. Having everything digital means they can keep an incredible amount of music with them at any time. Should you or your guests have any requests on the night, there is a great chance they will have it (or can quickly download it!) and your favourite song you forgot to put on your list will be coming up next.

Bands:

Party bands have come a long way from the typical wedding band you would have seen 10, 20 years ago. There are so many talented bands and it’s a tough path to go down when choosing one. Bands bring the party in different ways to a DJ. It helps encourage the first few people to get on the dance floor when there is already 5 band members there creating a party atmosphere! Although they can’t perform each song you love, they can alter some of your favourites and give them their own spin. Whether you want a rock song slowed down for your first dance or you want acoustic style versions of some epic pop tunes for background music during your canape hour bands can cater for different parts of the night and play most songs in a suitable style. My husband and I walked down the aisle to a chilled out version of a rock track!

Now, if you really can’t decide there’s always the ever-popular DJ Band which is a handy creative mix of the two. With a DJ band you get to hear your favourite songs played in their original format with some embellishments. First you have a DJ then you book a sax, singer, percussionist or any other musician. This way you get to hear your favourite songs come to life with the added flair of live musicians. A fun element of the DJ band is when some of the instruments you can add are wireless (hello saxophonist or vocalist) and what’s more fun than having a dance with the sax player as they belt out an epic solo! A DJ band is an affordable way of achieving the feel of a full band without paying for 5 people to be there for the whole night. As you add members to the DJ band you only need to pay for the hours that the musicians play for making this option a budget friendly alternative when you love live music!

So, how do you make the decision if you are still on the fence? My best suggestion that I always give to clients is to think about what they prefer to hear when they go out. Do you gravitate towards venues with DJs or are you the band type and love heading out to gigs? Consider what would suit your friends and family’s demographic and whether one would be more suitable or expected than the other. Also, have a think about weddings you have been to and loved and what entertainment they had.

So, the answer really lies with you. All are great options and as long as you choose a professional, talented and experienced DJ, band or DJ band you will have an epic time. You and your guests make the party, we just nudge you all along!

Like to talk to someone about choosing entertainment for your engagement party, wedding ceremony or reception? Get in touch and we’ll help you find the perfect match!

 

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Artist Spotlight – Chris S (DJ/Sax Hybrid)

These days, people are looking for the next best/most popular entertainment option when planning their event. A DJ Hybrid is the latest option (and one of our most popular) when choosing a DJ band. A DJ Hybrid is produced when you find an incredibly talented individual who has not only nailed the skill of an instrument (or vocals) but learnt to mix tracks on the decks like a pro! Booking a hybrid gives you the flexibility to have a bit of live music without the price of hiring two separate people.

We sat down (virtually…) with one of our most popular hybrid performers, Chris, who is not only an incredible saxophonist but also a DJ!

What instruments do you play (and how are they incorporated into your set)?

Saxophone and Flute, and DJ decks.

Acoustic flute and sax work really well in canapes or meal sets. Wandering through the guests as they eat and mingle without being too intrusive

Sax gets the dance floor going! Wandering out and partying with guests

What music is your favourite to play?

Love playing any funk/disco/soul music – works wonders with the sax! But honestly, my favourite type of music is what the client wants to hear – their energy on the dance floor gives me energy and it creates a really positive feedback loop that makes the night a huge success.

Why do you love performing at events?

Being a part of someone’s special day (wedding) or party (corporate event). Knowing that you are helping to make the day memorable.

Why a hybrid? Why not one or the other?

Saves the client money by hiring one person instead of multiple performers!

Playing sax whilst DJing offers a live music experience without the need for a full band. You get the flexibility of song choice that a DJ offers, but have the live music element and interactivity that a musician can offer. When you are the musician and the DJ you know all the perfect songs to complement the event but also your instrument.

Favourite dance floor song?

Definitely love disco hits like September but also a big fan of Yeah! or You’re the Voice (especially playing along with the bagpipe solo!) or sax specific tunes like Jubel.

What song goes off with a sax solo?

Jubel and Careless Whisper are definitely the two most request sax songs. Levels, Valerie and I Wanna Dance with Somebody are close thirds. Can also end the evening and begin to wind down the night with the famous INXS never tear us apart solo.

Memorable moment?

  • Playing at the races and moving around the marquees – also love the different crowds that are in the bird cage or the private marquees on the other end of the track
  • Having another guest at an event bring along his own saxophone and we had a good jam throughout the night
  • Joining in with a Croatian band at a wedding – They were a great bunch of guys and had some music for me to read. Night was a huge success – they played all the classic Croatian tunes and gave me freedom to jam along and roam amongst the crowd.

What’s good about working with Top Dog? (shameless plug – can you blame us??)

Organisation and making my life easy – they take care of the admin and fine details for me so I can focus on making the night a success!

The honesty and transparency when working with them, as well as feeling like you are valued as a musician. They have your best interests in mind when working to deliver what the clients want.

What’s next for you Chris?

  • I love playing with the Garth Ploog Trio where Garth sings and does keys, Henton DJs the beats and I play sax. This gives a great canape and early evening sound that can easily transition into the dance floor as the DJ is already set up and ready to go! It’s a really unique DJ band option!
  • Next step is pairing up multiple entertainers with the hybrid and having a full DJ band. Percussion and vocals with a DJ/sax hybrid creates live music entertainment with the flexibility of song choice of a DJ.
  • Pairing a Hybrid DJ with a Hybrid DJ so that there can be more features of my sax whilst the other hybrid DJs and/or sings – the options are endless! I’m booked in early next year to DJ and play sax with another DJ who sings. It will be an awesome vibe!

Like to hire Chris for your next event or function?  Contact Top Dog Entertainment today!

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DJ Claudia – Best Wedding Entrance Songs

You’re married and the reception is starting. A very popular tradition is to make an entrance. I am sure you would have seen it if you’ve been to a wedding lately! The reception starts, the guests are all called to attention and the MC announces the bridal party (and sometimes the couples’ parents/grandparents) and the happy couple into the room. It’s your first official introduction as newlyweds! Choosing a song for such a grand entrance is quite the task and we have asked one of our DJ’s, Claudia, for some of her favourites…

Maybe I am just being biased because I am an entertainer but to me, music and entertainment is such an important, if not the most important, part of a wedding celebration. The beauty of music is that everyone has their own tastes and no wedding is ever the same. As a wedding DJ/singer I get to see so many amazing couple entrances to some all-time classic songs that absolutely lift the atmosphere.

Here are some of my personal favourites that I see quite often and that I think work perfectly to make a fun, grand entrance to your special day!

1- Lets Get Loud- Jlo

An absolute classic party starter. It’s upbeat, fun, well known and just an overall feel good song that will get your guests excited for an amazing night of fun, music and entertainment.

2- Let’s get married- Jagged Edge

Perfectly fitting for a wedding entrance! It’s a classic old school RnB jam that everyone knows and loves.

3- You & I – Medina

This one is must for all the house music lovers out there. Such an iconic song that is timeless no matter how much time passes by.

4- Danza Kuduro- Don Omar Ft Lucenzo

One of my all-time favourite songs and so fitting for a wedding entrance.

This song is sure to get all your guests up on their feet and help you make an entrance that everyone will remember.

5- Crazy In love- Beyonce

There isn’t a wedding entrance like a Beyonce wedding entrance. You can’t go wrong with a bit of Queen B to make an arrival and get the party started. Crazy in love is not only a dance floor favourite but something I often play for clients as an entrance song.

6- Yeahx3- Chris Brown

For all the old school RnB lovers, you can’t go past this song for an entrance. An upbeat, well known song that will get everyone up and ready to welcome you in for a night of celebrations.

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Top 10 Entertainment Tips

Book Early

Particularly during peak event periods (Nov – Apr) and on keys nights (Fri, Sat and around public holidays}

Watch videos & read testimonials

Make sure the agency you choose is reputable and well-reviewed

You get what you pay for

Don’t automatically go for the cheapest option or lowest quote – you often will get what you pay for. On the other hand, be conscious of what you are being charged. Some agencies will charge a premium price for an entertainer you can book though another agency for much less. For more info on pricing check out our FAQs

Atmosphere

Set the mood from the moment your guests arrive – entertainment creates that mood in an instant

Be creative

Think of something that will make your event unique (i.e. feature performance, bridal waltz sung live etc.)

Timing is key

Consider your timings and at what points your entertainment can make the best impact, whether its a corporate event, wedding or anything in between!

Keep in touch

Ensure you have access for direct contact with your entertainer(s) before the day, not just the agency. It’s important to be on the same page and build rapport as opposed to introducing yourself on the night

Be kind

Be kind to your entertainers on the night – It’s also a huge day for them, make sure they are happy, you’ll get the best performance that way!

Trust your entertainers

Let your entertainers read the room, they are the professionals – it might be your day/event, but it’s everyone’s night to party

Give Feedback

Let the agency know what you thought – write a review! Testimonials help agencies and entertainers get to play at great events like yours

 

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