The Essential Directory of Live Entertainment Professionals for Your Southwest France Wedding Celebration
13/08/2024As a family-run business specialising in wedding event hire and services, we at Fête24 have had the pleasure of working with some incredibly talented musicians, DJs, and performers since moving from the UK to Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
We've seen firsthand how the right entertainment can transform a wedding celebration. The best ones can fill the dance floor throughout or deliver memorable guest interactions that simply wouldn’t have happened otherwise. They really can be total difference-makers at a reception party.
But whether you’re looking for musicians or magicians, we know that finding the perfect act can be a challenge, especially when you're planning your French wedding from afar. That's why we've put together this comprehensive directory of live entertainment professionals who can add that extra sparkle to your Southwest France wedding.
From our very own DJ services (which we'll shamelessly plug!) to local bands, unique performers, and even a magician or two, we've done our best to source to deliver you the best in the business.
As with our wedding planner list, many of these entertainers are tried and tested by us, while others have earned their spot through their exceptional reputations in the industry.
Wedding DJ Services in Southwest France
DJs are there to keep dance floors filled and the energy high throughout your evening celebration. Below are some of the best DJs available for your French wedding, starting with ourselves, of course!
1. Fête24
We couldn’t kick off this list without mentioning our very own wedding DJ services. With years of experience in the UK and now in Southwest France, we know how to read a crowd and create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Our professional, English-speaking DJs come equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems and an extensive music library to cater to every taste and genre. Whether you're dreaming of romantic first dances, high-energy EDM hits, a medley of some of the biggest wedding party classics, or a mix, we can provide whatever you want.
We’re also far more than merely hitting play on a playlist. Our DJs are true entertainers, skilled at engaging with your guests and ensuring everyone has a fantastic time. We work closely with you in the lead-up to your big day to understand your musical preferences, must-play songs, and any special requests you might have.
We can also adapt our role to suit your needs. If you need us to MC various aspects of your celebration, great! If you want us to take a backseat and focus on the music, that’s fine, too. The added advantage, of course, is that we can also provide any other wedding event production services you need on top of DJing, including but not limited to dance floor rental, stretch tent hire, sound equipment hire, and wedding lighting.
We're proud to have been involved in countless events across the region over the past couple of wedding seasons at leading local venues, including Chateau Du Raysse, Chateau la Durantie, and Chateau de Robernier, to name just a few!
Contact Information:
- Email: bonjour@fete24.com
- Phone Number: +33 (0)7 66 43 02 11
- Website: Fête24
While we're confident in delivering an exceptional experience, don't just take our word for it. Here's what one of our happy couples had to say:
Testimonial:
“Hired a stretch tent, dance floor, and DJ from Fête24 for our wedding. Everything was set up efficiently, the lights looked fantastic & the DJ understood our music preferences and put together an amazing performance that kept pulling everyone back to the dance floor, even when they wanted a rest! Really pleased with their service and would 100% recommend them!”
2. Luis Horta
Second on our DJ list is Luis Horta. He’s a Portuguese native with extensive experience DJing across the British and European events scene (including BAFTA afterparties for celebs!). He is also someone we’ve had the pleasure of working with on multiple occasions.
Flexibility is his middle name, and he can provide you with a setlist/playlist that matches your preferences and personal style, no matter what that may be. Unlike some English-speaking DJs, he’s also got a handle on some of the biggest European cultural hits that get blasted out at French weddings, and so he’s an ideal fit for weddings combining French and English families and friends.
So, if you’re looking for a wedding DJ who is very malleable to your needs to focus on a very specific genre, he’s an excellent choice.
Contact Information:
- Email: info@professionalweddingdj.co.uk
- Phone Number: +44 (0) 77 72 36 75 70
- Website: Professional Wedding DJ
Testimonial:
“We enjoyed using Luis for our outdoor wedding. He was always very quick to respond to any of my calls or questions and always very polite. He was even able to work around some last-minute changes that we had requested for our playlist. We would definitely recommend Luis to other brides!”
3. Tymz Two
If you’re looking for a more urban feel to your wedding celebrations, you may want to consider Tymz Two as your choice of wedding DJ. Jed (as we know him) is an established DJ artist who has soundtracked major events at venues including the O2 Arena in London.
Again, he’s someone we’ve worked with on numerous occasions and can attest to his abilities. He has honed his craft to capture that London sound, so if you’re jetting out to France for your wedding but want to retain the sounds you might hear on a night out in the big city, Tymz Two is your man.
With his dance hall, reggae, grime, and drum & bass influences, his repertoire still has excellent breadth and depth and is perfect for keeping your guests partying well into the early hours.
Contact Information:
- Social: Tymz Two
- Email: TymzTwo@outlook.com
Testimonial:
“Tymz Two was great for us. We could tell from the outset that he was a bit different as a wedding DJ, and we really connected through our love of dance hall music. We had a great time at our wedding reception, and he was a perfect addition to our evening entertainment lineup.”
Live Wedding Bands in Southwest France
Whether you prefer the visual spectacle of a live band or you want a live warm-up act for your DJ, live bands have a certain je ne sais quoi about them and can deliver the perfect evening entertainment for you and your wedding guests. And don’t forget we can provide all of the necessary backline equipment, so all you have to do is worry about booking the band!
Here are our top picks for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region:
1. SWINGUEZ
First on our list of live wedding bands in Southwest France is SWINGUEZ, a talented Gypsy jazz band created by Matt Guez in 2015. This dynamic group brings the vibrant and evocative sounds of Gypsy jazz, also known as jazz manouche, to your special day.
We heard great things about Matt Guez, the band's guitarist and manager, who brings his extensive experience from his successful UK-based band, Ultraswing. Both his band members and himself have built themselves a growing reputation in the wedding market here, especially for providing the perfect acoustic backdrop to the cocktail hour (vin d'honneur), and they’re on the approved supplier's lists of lots of the leading wedding venues in the South of France.
That said, SWINGUEZ offers the flexibility to provide the perfect live music for any segment of your celebrations. Firstly, they can perform as a duo, trio, or quartet to suit your needs. However, they can also provide entertainment for every aspect of your wedding day, from the church service to the afternoon reception and evening party.
With a diverse repertoire that includes swing jazz tunes, French chansons, high-energy Gypsy numbers, and Latin rhythms, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Contact Information:
- Email: mattguez@icloud.com
- Phone: +33 6 40 24 12 48
- Website: SWINGUEZ
Testimonial:
“We booked SWINGUEZ for our chateau wedding on the back of a friend's recommendation. To be honest, we didn’t know a lot about them, but we were blown away by their performances, which covered the vin d’honneur and evening meal. We would highly recommend looking for a quintessential European jazz feel to their wedding celebrations.”
2. SouthWest
Next on our list of exceptional live wedding bands in Southwest France is SouthWest (the clue is in the name!), a five-piece rock/pop cover band based a stone’s throw from us in the Dordogne.
With an impressive repertoire spanning over three hours of carefully curated floor-filling tracks, SouthWest will keep you and your guests dancing the night away at your wedding celebration.
The band's diverse set list features many artists, from classic favourites like The Blues Brothers, Tom Jones, and David Bowie to contemporary hitmakers like Amy Winehouse, Kylie, Blur, Pharrell Williams, and Queen.
They also offer a special package for couples who book the band for their wedding. François, the band's talented keyboardist, can provide up to 90 minutes of solo piano music for your ceremony and/or cocktail hour at a special low rate. Ideal if you’re looking for one musical supplier for your special day.
They’re also happy to learn a special song for you, even if it's not on their set list, making your wedding celebration more personalised and meaningful.
Although we’ve not had the pleasure of meeting them, we’ve heard great things about SouthWest's performances, and we know they are firm favourites over at the stunning Chateau du Doux.
Contact Information:
- Email: alex@south-west.fr
- Phone: +33 6 37 53 99 03
- Website: SouthWest
Testimonial:
“We booked SouthWest for our destination wedding at Château Du Doux in June, and it was the best decision we made. They were absolutely amazing, playing the perfect playlist to get the evening party started. From the minute they got going, the dance floor was full and never empty. All our guests commented on how brilliant the band was.”
3. Smart Music
Next on our list of exceptional live wedding bands in Southwest France is Smart Music, a high-calibre international band featuring top-class musicians who’ve played for Daniel Powter and Chris Isaak. With a strong reputation built over five years in the industry, Smart Music has received numerous wedding awards and has built a very long list of glowing testimonials from clients.
This premium wedding band differs from others because they can effectively soundtrack your entire day – from start to finish. From the ceremony and cocktail hour to a raucous wedding party. They can do it all, should you want them to.
They offer customised wedding band packages featuring 4 to 9 artists, including a diverse range of musicians such as a drummer, bassist, pianist, guitarist, pop singer, soul singer, violinist, and various instrumentalists. This allows you to create a unique lineup that perfectly reflects your style and vision for your big day. They are flexible in terms of musical genres, too. From chilled-out jazz to energetic, well-known pop covers, they can pretty much play whatever you want.
So, if carefully crafting the perfect wedding band lineup, set list, and performance schedule is your wedding dream – these guys are the outfit for you.
Contact Information:
- Email: contact@smart-music.fr
- Phone: +33 6 95 37 43 37
- Website: Smart Music
Testimonial:
“Planning a wedding is a stressful enough experience, yet Smart Music were fantastic! Alan and the team were magnificent from start to finish, from initial contact to planning the flow of the day to planning the music choices. They got our vibe. They complimented our favourite songs with tunes they knew worked well with a crowd. I loved the reception drinks and the move to the dancefloor to change the vibe and music set. So much consideration and proactiveness from the whole team. It will be a day we will never forget. Cannot wait to recommend you to more people and to have you at our next event.”
4. Joyrider
Joyrider is a top award-winning wedding band based in the South East of England, which we know a little bit about from our time spent in the UK events industry. However, they’ve been playing at French destination weddings for years and have a number of relationships with wedding planners and coordinators in the region. Their most recent event in the country was at the stunning Le Domaine Du Rey in Provence.
Like Smart Music, these guys can provide music for each element of your wedding celebration, from your walk down the aisle to the first dance and wedding reception party. They also have an acoustic duo option featuring Ian and Jen, offering the perfect accompaniment to your cocktail reception with idyllic vocal harmonies and luscious guitar melodies.
However, their full live band experience really takes the energy up a notch. With one female and two male vocalists, they cover a wide range of genres, including rock, pop, Motown, and disco, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy. Their extensive setlist spans from the 1960s to modern-day hits, guaranteeing a packed dance floor all night long.
Lastly, they're happy to accommodate special requests, such as learning your special song for your first dance, even if it's not on their current setlist. So, if you’re an English couple looking to tie the knot at a romantic chateau, this group might help you achieve the perfect blend of home and away on your special day.
Contact Information:
- Email: info@joyrider.band
- Phone: +44 (0) 77 58 12 12 73
- Website: Joyrider Band
Testimonial:
“What an amazing band. Joyrider played at our wedding reception, and they were absolutely amazing. An instant hit with all our guests, who never stopped dancing from start to finish. Jen’s incredible voice not only brought the party but also made our first dance truly magical. I would highly recommend Joyrider.”
Other Live Bands in Southwest France To Consider
It’s impossible to list all the wedding bands based in France or those in the UK catering to destination weddings, but here’s a quick selection of groups we’ve heard great things about that might also be worth considering for your celebration.
Jazz'Azimut
A jazz duo offering the perfect music for cocktail hours, ceremonies, and more. They typically come as a piano and double bass duo but also offer guitar and vocals.
- Email: laurentfacon2@gmail.com
- Phone: +33 6 01 85 55 92
- Website: Jazz’Azimut
AYJAY
Piano and guitar duo offering pop and folk covers, but flexible to suit your needs. Again, they are really well suited to ceremonies, the cocktail hour, and the reception meal.
- Email: ayjay-band@hotmail.com
- Phone: +33 6 28 34 09 92
- Website: AYJAY Acoustic Duo
The Rovers
A full band offering a unique combination of strings and drums, it can perform as a wandering acoustic band or a full live performance with microphones, etc. They are best suited to the evening party wedding segment – even when acoustic!
- Social: The Rovers Wedding Band
- Email: rovers@fixthemusic.com
Wedding Saxophonists in Southwest France
If you want to incorporate authentic European flavour into your celebrations, then there’s nothing better than a saxophonist. A common sight at European parties and weddings, the saxophone's versatility means you can enjoy a broad spectrum of musical genres and ambiences from your chosen performer.
Whether you’re looking for cocktail hour jazz or floor-filling sax house music, here are the leading wedding sax players in the South West of France.
1. Jon Rebbeck
While we’ve not yet had the pleasure of working with him, everyone working in the events industry in Southwest France knows Jon Rebbeck.
He’s a professional saxophonist who’s graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and the Guildhall School of Music in London. He’s enjoyed a stellar 25-year career and has shared the stage with numerous renowned musicians, including Bob Mintzer, Eric Marienthal, and Michael Nyman, and has played and recorded with prestigious orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic, the RLPO, and the Halle.
More recently, he moved to Southwest France and has been further enchanting his reputation for performance by playing at events throughout Europe, including several wedding celebrations each year. Over the last few wedding seasons, he’s performed at leading local venues, including Chateau Destinée, Chateau du Doux, and Manoir de Longeveau.
His wedding performances are tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking for a solo saxophonist, a sax/guitar duo, a 5-piece band, or a sax/DJ show, Jon will work closely with you to create a unique musical experience that perfectly encapsulates your requests.
From performing your favourite song or classical piece during the ceremony to entertaining guests with smooth sax sounds through cocktails and dinner or even creating a relaxing Ibiza-inspired ambience for a pool party the following day, Jon's versatility ensures that your wedding music will be unforgettable.
Contact Information:
- Email: jonrebbeckmusic@gmail.com
- Phone: +33 (0)7 64 82 96 55
- Website: Jon Rebbeck Music
Testimonial:
“I would hire Jon again and again! Everyone at our wedding loved listening to him perform during our cocktail hour and part of our dinner. We wanted to hear a specific musician's songs that other saxophonists said would be too difficult, but Jon did not hesitate and executed the music wonderfully! He is calm under pressure and a talented performer. Thank you, Jon!”
2. Maël Sax
Maël Sax is another talented saxophonist based in Southwest France who boasts a versatile repertoire spanning soul, jazz, R&B, funk, pop, ambient, chill, lounge, and house music. A graduate of the Angers Conservatory and winner of the Francesco Salime International Saxophone Competition, Maël brings a level of expertise and professionalism not many other wedding performers possess.
Like Jon, he can create the perfect atmosphere by matching his performance style with each wedding segment. He is just as at home being in the background for your cocktail hour as he is being the chief ringleader of a high-energy evening party. His signature performance style involves walking through and mingling with guests, with his wireless microphone allowing him to become the heart and soul of the party.
His busy event schedule has seen him perform up and down the Western coasts of France, with notable wedding and event venues, including Domain de Raba in Bordeaux, Chateau d'Agassac in the Médoc region, and Chateau de la Roche Courbon near Rochefort.
Contact Information:
- Email: maelsax.music@gmail.com
- Phone: +33 6 77 11 50 31
- Website: Maël Sax
Testimonial:
“I highly recommend Mael, who delivered an XXL service to us at our wedding and was a hit. He’s one of the best sax players I’ve ever seen, and we loved that he wandered freely among our guests while he played during the cocktail hour. It was also great that he could effortlessly change gears for the evening reception and got everybody dancing straight away!”
Alternative Entertainment Options for Wedding Celebrations in Southwest France
Perhaps you want something a little different for your wedding instead of, or in addition to, your musical lineup. Well, in that case, it might be worth considering a few of the outfits below that will give you more of a unique twist.
1. Singing Waiters in France
If you're looking to add a really unique aspect to your wedding celebration in Southwest France, consider hiring Singing Waiters in France. As the only singing waiter company in the country, they specialise in creating bespoke, interactive performances that will surprise and delight your guests.
They perform all over the country, but recent wedding seasons have seen them perform at local wedding venues, including Chateau du Raysse, Manoir de Longeveau, Chateau Canet, and Chateau du Puits Es Pratx.
They work on a simple premise, but the results are usually spectacular. In short, the team at Singing Waiters in France goes undercover as waitstaff, spending hours getting to know your guests before revealing their true identities in a burst of song. Their exciting and engaging set is tailored to your preferences, ensuring that everyone at your wedding will be on their feet, singing, dancing, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
So, if you want to add an element of surprise to your special day, these guys will certainly get people talking and remembering it for years to come.
Contact Information:
- Phone: +33 5 33 52 12 14
- Website: Singing Waiters in France
Testimonial:
“We booked singing waiters for our French English wedding this July. From start to finish, the singers we had were amazing. They had everyone up singing and dancing and really got the party started. They even managed to stay secret from me throughout the day (the bride that booked them!). I cannot rate them highly enough! Five stars isn't enough!”
2. Dan Brazier Magician
Dan Brazier is one of the most sought-after contemporary magicians in with South West region of the UK. But he spends his summers bringing his captivating performances to weddings across France, Switzerland, and Portugal. He also collaborates with luxury wedding planners in the UK and Europe, including Bridelux, and has even partnered with Hello! Magazine.
With his charming style and humour, Dan will break the ice at your wedding reception and get your guests talking, laughing, and bonding over his incredible magic tricks and illusions. The fact that he’s a preferred supplier for over 100 venues tells you all you need to know about his abilities – he’s right up there as a top-tier magician internationally.
His close-up magic could be the perfect entertainment for any natural lulls in proceedings, such as your cocktail hour or during wedding photography sessions, ensuring that your guests remain engaged and amazed throughout the day.
He loves to travel and share his talent throughout France, so if you're looking for a magician who can add a touch of wonder and excitement to your destination wedding, he’s your man!
Contact Information:
- Phone: +44 7 78 55 45 13 55
- Website: Dan Brazier Magician
Testimonial:
“ We first saw Dan at a friend's wedding. He was so good that we instantly booked him for ours. Dan is so professional, slick, classy and a wonderfully polished performer. His character, presence and aura had all those watching him transfixed. He really made our wedding extra special, and we cannot thank him enough. We will definitely use him again if we get any opportunity.”
Combine Your Perfect Musical Lineup with Fête24’s Wedding Event Production Services
Hopefully, this extensive list has given you plenty to go on in your search for the perfect musical lineup for your French wedding. Whether you’re looking for acoustic vibes during your cocktail hour and meal before ramping things up for the evening dancing or want something more unique, like a magician to entertain your guests, there should be something for everyone here.
Of course, we’ll be here to help you with whatever you may need. We can do everything from our top-notch DJ services to more technical aspects, such as wedding sound hire or backline line for your live wedding band.
So don’t put it off. Whether you choose us or other performers to get the party started, make sure to book your wedding event equipment hire with us before your date disappears!
