To Swing Or Not To Swing
By Tom Smith
 Tom Smith Big Band at Westbury Manor, Long Island...New York
"Loved the Swing Music, Sinatra and Big Band Classics at our wedding."
Scott & Linda Armyn, Melville, New York Planning a wedding is one of most important things you'll ever do...infinitely gratifying and also a bit daunting. It's like producing a Broadway show that will only run for one night. There are so many details to consider and, except for your mom, dad, grandmother, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends...you are the last word. All the more reason to proceed calmly and avoid stress whenever possible. Make a list. Breathe deeply and try to have fun.
My specialty is music. I've been in the business for 30 years. I've worked in every conceivable setting and have seen the best and worst of wedding day drama. I once had a young bride ask my permission to dance with her father. The maitre d' told her she must wait until after dinner. I said: "Today...you're the boss. Dance with him whenever you like." Here's my advice: You can try to please everyone...but also Please Yourself!
I read an article about the pros and cons of planning a swing wedding. The author made some valid points and some I disagree with. He said: "a live band adds ambiance and texture to your big day." He's right but it has to be the right band playing the music you like and deporting themselves in a professional manner. Skill, repertoire, volume, visual appeal...all of these factors must be addressed when selecting live entertainment. A good DJ with first class equipment plays your tune list and connects the dots...the celebrity artists whose recordings are featured...do all the rest. The result should be polished and predictable. Live musicians, on the other hand, create the mood and sound from scratch with varying degrees of proficiency. I admit it...that's what you'd expect me to say. Truth is...it all comes down to taste.
It was further stated that a good swing band is costly and that folks may get bored with the same-ness of style after awhile. Regarding prices, I must say that the fees for my orchestra (17 musicians and 2 vocalists) and for our ensembles are quite competitive with much smaller units. Maybe my overhead is lower than the large contracting offices. Maybe my mark-up is less. There are many quality groups still charging reasonable rates. A good tip is: try to deal directly with the bandleader. As far as "too much swing is a bad thing" goes: I can listen to it all night. So can many others. Folks with a low tolerance will be better served by a variety band and that's what I tell prospective clients.
The swing music fad of a few years ago has retreated but people who love the style continue to crave it. The others have returned to their preference for typical wedding fare: bands that play a little bit of everything with an emphasis on contemporary dance music. There is, certainly, room for us all but there should be a universal definition of the word "Swing." Swing is Glenn Miller, Harry James, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Sinatra. The Brian Setzer School, albeit exciting, is "Rock-a-billy" with a horn section. Good stuff but not quite swing.
In summary, I invite all brides and grooms to make the most of their wedding milestone. Tackle the complicated issues first. Try to lighten your load as the time approaches. Remember: as important as the day and the party are: the dress, the hall, the limos and all...they are only symbols of a much bigger deal. Keep that in mind and, as I told the young bride those many years ago: YOU'RE THE BOSS...ENJOY IT!
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