Dayton Grey Music is a national finalist at The Wedding Industry Awards
Dayton Grey Music first started in 2013 when Dayton was 32. "I was very shy, hence the late starts," says Dayton. "I initially performed as part of a duo named Domino with my close friend Helen Hale. Considering my shy nature, I was surprised to find myself so at home on stage, and I soon gained confidence! It wasn’t long before I added new solo shows A Tribute To The Legends of Soul & Motown, For The Love of Luther (Luther Vandross Tribute) and Old Skool Flava (classic R&B). This month, I debut Ocean Devotion (Billy Ocean Tribute).
"In 2014, I performed my first wedding as a soloist. The feeling was like no other! Eager to explore my place in the industry, I took part in several wedding fairs. Things took off quickly and all subsequent bookings came from recommendations, guests from previous weddings, social media, or TV shows.
"Then the pandemic hit. The impact on our amazing industry was devastating. It didn't just affect suppliers financially. Weddings planned by couples for years were suddenly, and heartbreakingly, cancelled and rescheduled only to be cancelled again. My wife and I spent countless hours consoling devastated couples, rearranging their original suppliers and being a soundboard during difficult times. One of my couples originally from the UK (now living in Dubai) came back to stay with their family. The groom contacted me, and we planned for me to do a surprise doorstep performance for his bride-to-be on the date I was supposed to sing at their wedding! Her reaction was priceless, and it was a moment I'll never forget!
"As a supplier, my wife and I become emotionally invested in each couple's special day. Being chosen is such an honour, one we never take for granted. Throughout the process, we create great relationships with the couples, so they feel like they are speaking to a trusted friend, rather than a service provider. I’m often rebooked to sing & DJ at their future events, christenings, birthdays, anniversaries. That's such a magical feeling!
"In 2021, I was awarded Wedding Musical Act of the Year in the West Midlands by The Wedding Industry Awards. Being my first time nominated, winning was a huge surprise! I was delighted to win the title again last month, for the second consecutive year! I'm now a national finalist, and the winner will be announced on February 23rd, 2022.
"In addition to performing covers, I write and record original music. Two recent collaborations with writer/producer Alex Lloyd went straight to number one in the Amazon Music charts! During the lockdown, I was approached to be the male lead of a new national theatre show, Endless Love. Phenomenal vocalist, Leanne Sandy, will perform Diana Ross' songs while I present Lionel Richie's hits. I feel privileged to have this opportunity and cannot wait to premiere the show at the Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, on 26th February, 2022.
"Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to share the stage on several occasions with Ray Lewis, former lead singer of The Drifters, invited to be an industry expert judge on BBC1’s All Together Now, and performed as a mystery singer on BBC1’s I Can See Your Voice. This month, I will be appearing on ITV's new primetime show, Starstruck. It has a real nostalgic Stars In Their Eyes feel! Olly Murs hosts and the panel features Jason Manford, Beverley Knight, Sheridan Smith, and Adam Lambert."
The 2026 UK Wedding Blacklist: The 10 Songs Couples Don’t Want on the Dancefloor
Modern British couples are officially rewriting the rules of wedding entertainment, according to new social listening research released today by UK live music and entertainment agency Jonny Ross Music. An analysis of social media discussions across TikTok and Reddit (r/UKweddings) reveals that traditional party staples are being systematically blacklisted in favour of curated, sophisticated setlists. The results point to a clear change in what younger couples want from their wedding receptions. Group dances, heavily played 2010s pop songs and football-style chants are among the tracks and trends couples are increasingly asking DJs and live bands to leave off their playlists.
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The rise of ‘wedding-like’ commitment ceremonies – and the legal dangers couples don’t see coming
With the costofliving still shaping how couples celebrate, and social media normalising nontraditional ceremonies; more people are opting for celebrations that look like weddings but aren't legally binding, and many couples aren't realising the risk until it's too late. Google searches for "what is a commitment ceremony" have surged 63% in the past year, and with costs ranging from just £200 for a simple register-office ceremony, non-legal celebrations are becoming an increasingly attractive option with the cost-of-living continuing to put couples under pressure when considering marriage. However, these ceremonies also carry hidden legal pitfalls
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New UK map reveals Brits’ favourite proposal spots according to social media
National family-owned jeweller, Beaverbrooks, has unveiled a new map revealing the 15 best places in the UK to pop the question, based on Instagram hashtag data. Whether it's against a backdrop of dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside or iconic city skylines, choosing the perfect place to propose is almost as overwhelming as choosing the ring. To help partners looking to ask the all-important question to their other halves, Beaverbrooks has created a new 'Proposal Map of the UK', making it easier than ever to find an idyllic location.
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Big Day, Smaller Budget, Beautiful Weddings at Barnsdale
Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland is offering couples 25% off weddings taking place in 2027 when booked by 31 December 2026. Set across 38 individually styled gardens, the venue offers a romantic setting for weddings in every season, from spring blooms and summer colour to autumn hues and winter charm. Couples can exchange vows beneath a beautiful oak arbour surrounded by spectacular planting, before exploring the gardens for photographs in settings including the Woodland Walk, Japanese Garden, Formal Pond and Knot Garden. With an experienced team and a flexible approach to celebrations, Barnsdale Gardens can accommodate everything from Champagne and canapés to a traditional wedding breakfast, creating a day tailored to each couple.
