We're
The class jazz ensemble for
Your Wedding day!


Get a quote:

This page:
  • Common questions
  • Our service
  • What's required
  • Additional 1st Class Services
  • You've found London and the South East's highest spirited period authentic swing and syncopation jazz band and swing orchestra.. we're ready to perform for you and your guests on your day!

    The Silver Ghosts have entertained guests at weddings receptions in hotels, stately homes, museums, marquees, public gardens and private members clubs. The orchestra's energetic dance-floor filling swing always a sure fire hit, and romantic classics from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s make the ideal choice of wedding entertainment. Perfect for the discerning couple seeking glamorous ambience and high spirited splendour!

    1930s wedding

    And that's not all.. in addition to the swing orchestra,
    we can organize..

    Don’t just take our word for it, see some of the glowing testimonials received from past clients.


    Common questions

    “Do you play music our guests will want to dance to?”

    YES!   Our speciality is upbeat, dancable swing music from the 1920s - 40s. The ensemeble is an ideal cross-generational entertainment option for your wedding.  The mix in our repertoire always raises smiles and fills the dance floor with quirky obscurities as well as familiar classics of the period. Your guests will love the elegance, energy and novel entertainment of the 1930s swing band.

    Top of this page

    “What size band should I have for my wedding?”

    By far the most popular line-up is the seven piece swing dance orchestra - this line-up gets asked to perform again and again at places like The Albert Hall and St. Martin-in-the-Fields. That's because much of the repetoire has been arranged for the seven performers to most authentically evoke the high spirited juke-joint and high class parties of the jazz age. The ensemble can perform as a five or up to an eight piece swing orchestra. The seven performers are: vocals, double bass, drums, banjo', trumpet, clarinet and trombone.

    Top of this page

    Jon, resident piano player at Claridge's

    Trombonist Jon is
    also resident pianist
    at Claridge's
    “Can you play some background music for when guests are arriving?”

    We can arrange an instrumental trio or quartet to create just the right background ambience for when you're guests arrive.

    Alternatively, a background piano player can be arranged as an addition to the performance. The outfit works with Jazz standard piano players that are resident at top London hotels like Claridge's and Simpsons-in-the-Strand.

    Top of this page

    “What about the first dance?”

    If you have a particular song you would like as a first dance, an arrangement of it could be written and rehearsed for your day. Our repertoire also includes several numbers suitable for first dance; request a copy of our repertoire. A favourite is the emotionally powerful classic 'At Last' with vocals performed adeptly by our singer Lucy.

    Top of this page

    “I am having a Jewish wedding. Can you do music for the Horah?”

    YES! The outfit has in its repertoire a 10 minute meddly of traditional Israeli folk dance songs designed for the Horah at Jewish ceremonies. The clarinet takes the lead through a highly energetic arrangement that includes Shalom Aleichem, Mazel Tov and of course Hava Nagila. It is always a joy to perform this at Jewish weddings and cermonies.

    Top of this page

    Mirrorball effect“Does the band have any lighting?”

    A pin spot stage light directed at a table mounted 8" rotating mirrorball is a very simple but effective system that the outfit often employ. The classic ambience is in character with the period performance, and also has a modern dance floor flavour. It would be provided at no extra cost and may negate the expense of lighting hire elsewhere.

    Top of this page

    “The venue has no PA or equipment, do you have your own?”

    Yes, we have PA equipment, mics, mixer and all equipment necessary. All we need is a couple of power points.

    Top of this page

    “The venue needs you to have PLI (Public Liability Insurance), are you covered?”

    Yes, no worres. We have Public Liability Insurance cover and we can send your venue our confirmation of cover.

    Top of this page


    Our service Includes:

    • Set up of PA equipment, mics and drum kit up to 4 hours in advance of 1st set start, to avoid disturbing your guests.*
       
    • A PA for up to 200 people, mics, stands, mixer etc. All that is required is a couple of power points.
       
    • Swing orchestra suited and booted in smart/glamorous period style atire, and if there is space, likely some swing dancing as part of the performance as well.

    • But that's not all.. optional first class services (below).

    *Early set up might/might not be possible Monday-Friday

    What's required

    • A couple of power points near where the outfit would be performing.
      It is possible for some versions of the line-up to perform acoustically, depending on the venue. For instance, this may be necessary if you would like the outfit to perform at your ceremony.

    • Parking arrangements for 2-3 cars depending on line-up
       
    • If possible, it is normally a good idea to have a space or room where the performers can stay out of view of your guests when not performing.
       
    • If you plan on organizing catering, the performers would be very grateful for organizing rations+refreshments for them. (Meals are tricky for jobbing performers, help is always much appreciated!)


    Get a quote:


    Top of this page

    Swing dance class at a function with The Silver GhostsAdditional First Class Services

    If you are looking for more features for your function or additional wedding entertainment ideas, the following services can also be arranged as part of the entertainment package.

    Swing Dance Class

    Swing dance class before the live performance from a professional swing dance teacher. Dance learners 'rotate' partners during the class, so everyone is introduced to many people very quickly. It's a great way to break the ice at your wedding function, your guests will love it!

    Piano player

    Background music while your guests arrive.

    Vintage DJ


    Get a quote:



    Top of this page