If you've never been to a piano bar and seen dueling pianos, basically it's two piano players facing one another, taking turns playing a mixture of songs. They normally try to outdo one another by getting more crowd participation or by making the performance more enjoyable. They usually play mostly anything that's asked of them, and they bring the fun. Any piano bar I've ever been to, I've never left sober, and I usually leave thinking it was a blast.
Keep in mind we're thinking of having a more casual wedding. We aren't very formal people, so it kind of seems fitting. People would most likely drink their faces off, join in singing with the piano players, and dance. Not sure if the piano players would ever let one of us take the mic - but everyone knows my love of Karaoke, so it may be a possibility.
What do you guys think?
Ugh.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's just me, but the last time I had a good time at dueling pianos was in college. It seems a little... I dont know... juvenile? But that's just one man's opinion.
I'd just be afraid that you'd get stuck with two idiots who aren't funny. Now if they were awesome... yeah, I see how it could work. Interesting idea though.
Nothing says drunk college girl like dueling pianos. Think that's a bit too casual.
ReplyDeleteSo I'll take that as 2 no's... Glad I asked!
ReplyDeleteI may lay this idea to sleep. Anyone like it? I want to know truthful answers! Don't hold back!
I want to hear from everyone.
My first instinct was YES! I love a good dueling piano bar.
ReplyDeleteThen I thought about my own wedding, subbing the DJ with piano men...
And I thought about attending a wedding with dueling piano men....
And I decided that I agree: it's a no. While it may be causal, I also think it may come off as slightly too casual and a bit un-classy, to which other commenters have alluded. If they associate dueling pianos with juvenile and intoxicated behavior, quite frankly, the guests will, too. Wearing Chucks is a good way to show your style, but I don't think music is a place where you have as much of an opportunity for deviation.
I think that it's probably a high risk/high reward move. I agree with what everyone is posting. It may be right on the other side of juvenile. It may be a little too party and not enough wedding. I think that you'd have to find the RIGHT guys that aren't too kitschy and loud. I'm sure there's a version of the act that's not too juvenile.... and if you could have the performers tone down the "let's all do shots!" attitude, perhaps it's a good idea.
ReplyDeleteWhen you break it down, it's just really two people playing pianos back and forth that can play anything and are entertaining as an act. I'm still on the fence.
I think it sounds like a blast. To be honest though, it probably wouldn't be what I would have wanted at my own wedding, but it sounds like a wedding I would like to attend! ;) It would be perfect if you could have them for an hour for entertainment and then have a dj if it fit in your budget! What does your bride think?
ReplyDeleteRebecca kind of likes the idea too! We are both huge fans of piano rock. We both think the idea would work well if the pianists kept the kitschy-ness to a minimum. I know that sounds like we're taking the "dueling" out of the dueling pianos, but I'm sure there's a watered down, tamed down, wedding reception version of their act - Make it less about them and more about the wedding. I think it's still an option! Thanks for coming to the Temple, Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteHmm, interesting idea, but i think it could get out of hand- at least the ones i've been too those guys seem pretty boisterous for a wedding....unless of course, you want Rebecca up there half naked when she tosses her boquet....
ReplyDeleteElton John and Billy Joel would be great!! Can we get them?? It might be tough finding a venue that can fit 2 grand pianos though!
ReplyDeleteWe had dueling pianos at our wedding reception. My husband's idea. I was way skeptical at first, especially considering we had an afternoon wedding. Our family and friends LOVED IT. We met with the piano guys twice before the wedding to review the play list, introductions, absolute do-nots, etc. They were great MCs, super professional and played some great music. While we ate, they played jazz. Then, I still wanted our first dance to be to a specific song, not played by the dueling piano guys. So we had them pipe it through the loud speakers and it actually would have been totally better if we would have just had them play it. When we went back to watch our wedding video, we had missed a couple of the great songs when we were upstairs changing. It was hilarious to see our family members bust a move without us. I think if you communicate your expectations clearly, you'll have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteRachel, thank you so much for commenting. I'm so excited to hear that it can be done. I'm leaning towards yes on this one!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to a piano bar or seen dueling pianos, but I think this idea sounds like FUN! I imagine it'd be more classy than a DJ; I don't get the PPs who said it'd it be too informal... isn't everyone doing the chicken dance and hokey pokey casual, not to mention awkward? I think I'll have to check out my city's piano bar now, thanks for the idea and good luck making your decision!
ReplyDelete-Rose
Awesome! I am having dueling pianos play at my rehearsal dinner party - its a much more casual event for my wedding weekend. I totally say go for it! I am really looking forward to the party - I think its a great way to get the party started!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome idea! I would totally want to come to your wedding! I would be so glad to have such fun friends!
ReplyDeleteI'm a designer and considering the same idea! Ours will even be outside. I just envision the pianos flanking each other and everyone laughing, interacting, and getting down. I think it's fun and creative. You set the tone for the evening. I think any entertainers who commits to wedding performances know that the celebration is about the couple more than their 'act'. I say go for it, it's unorthodox and original. And talk about kitsch...a DJ reminds me of a 8th grade lock in. No judgement... just celebrate your uniqueness as a couple. You can't go wrong.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of the same thing. I LOVE the idea!! We are getting married in an outdoor garden in a residential area and can't have amplified music after 10 pm, so pianos are perfect. I think our crowd (old and young) will really dig it. Go for it! Just work with them before hand to set the tone!
ReplyDeleteI am so in love with this idea--and dueling pianos are not college at all to me! I am so bored with weddings after having attended 20 or so, and in planning my own I am trying to find ways to keep it different and exciting! Thanks for the idea!!
ReplyDeleteI went to a piano bar in Vegas with dueling pianists and thought it was great! One thing they did that perhaps you could somehow incorporate was get the audience to pay a dollar to make them play another song! lol For instance, Cousin Amanda requests, Timberlake's "Sexy Back"... Uncle Jeff, in the mood for something a little less annoying, puts a dollar and writes "Midnight Train to Georgia" on the request sheet. It could get pretty humorous when you get battling relatives, not to mention perhaps a big lucrative for you? =)
ReplyDeleteHi, Just came across your site. Love the title. If you decide to go with Dueling Pianos for your big day check out our site. http://www.2GrandEntertainment.com We perform Dueling Pianos for corporate events and weddings. No rookies telling dirty jokes all night at their Casio's!
ReplyDeleteMichael
2 Grand Entertainment
did you do it? did you love it?
ReplyDeleteWWW.DUELINGPIANOSHOWS.COM
ReplyDeleteThese guys perform at weddkinga all over the country. Great blog about dueling pianos weddings here: http://www.duelingpianoshows.com/blog/?tag=dueling-pianos-wedding-receptions