An Essex Wedding – Betty and Eric at Parklands, Quendon Hall

I recently performed at the wedding of Betty and Eric at Quendon Hall, Parklands in Essex. I am quite a regular at Parklands and have sung there many times. However, Betty and Eric’s day was a little different. They did not have a DJ, and it was my job to provide all of the musical entertainment. With my trusty guitar and Bose PA system, I was up for the challenge! The couple had enjoyed a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in addition to the wedding ceremony earlier that day. It was quite a small party of 40 or so guests, which made for a very intimate evening.

Eric and Betty chose Stand By Me as their first dance, and confetti cannons were fired during the performance.

All of the guests enjoyed Eric’s speech, which followed the meal.

The couple were a pleasure to play for, and I even managed to correctly guess the orange and blue colour scheme!

My first task was to play Eric and Betty’s first dance, for which they had chosen Stand By Me by Ben E. King. This was accompanied by a couple of confetti cannons. The couple had supplied me with a playlist to put on in between my sets, and had chosen a nice selection of chilled and upbeat tunes from my repertoire. Playing a highly energetic set in order to get (and keep) guests on the dance floor was a refreshing change for me. I played everything from Chaka Khan to Kevin Lyttle to Faith by George Michael and entertained the crowd. As is invariably the case at a wedding, there was quite a spread of ages, so it was important to play songs that are timeless and would be well-known by younger and older guests. As the wedding was on a Tuesday night with a smaller number of attendees, Betty and Eric’s day had an earlier finish than usual, and the bride and groom had selected some more relaxed music as the night drew to a close and friends and family said their goodbyes. A lovely couple, and as ever a pleasure to play at Parklands and be looked after by the helpful staff.

Are you ready to create the perfect soundtrack for your special day? Let’s start planning your wedding music.

How Tom Ryder Weddings Can Help

I know how important music is in creating unforgettable moments on your big day. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a full evening celebration, we offer a range of live music options to suit your vision. Here’s how we can help:

• Tom’s heartfelt acoustic performances provide the perfect backdrop for key moments like the ceremony, drinks reception, or first dance. Learn more about our Acoustic Wedding Singer service.

• From background ambience to full party sets, Tom is a versatile performer who keeps guests engaged and the dance floor full. Discover how he can be your ideal Entertainer for Weddings.

• Based in London and available nationwide, Tom brings professionalism and energy to weddings across the UK. Explore what makes him a top London Wedding Singer.

• Packages & Prices: We offer flexible packages designed to fit your needs and budget. Whether you want a single set or all-day coverage, there’s an option for you.

• From romantic ballads to upbeat classics, Tom’s extensive repertoire is tailored to every part of your day. Check out the full Singing Repertoire.

• Contact & Bookings: Ready to secure your date? Get in touch to discuss your plans, ask questions, or request a custom quote.

By working with Tom Ryder Weddings, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your music is in expert hands, helping set the tone and elevate the emotion of every moment.

Don’t leave the soundtrack of your wedding to chance and let’s make your celebration truly unforgettable.