What Eddie Murphy Taught Me About Weddings
The blockbusters. The iconic laugh. The oft-forgotten, criminally under-respected musical talent. At one point, Eddie Murphy was one of the biggest stars on the planet. Those that know me well (or even slightly honestly), know that “Coming to America” is my favorite movie of all time. Over the years, I’ve noticed that there’s something that “Coming to America” shares with a few other of Mr. Murphy’s movies – Eddie often tends to take on multiple roles in one film. With the help of Eddie’s comedic range and flexibility, coupled with extremely talented makeup and wardrobe departments, one actor is transformed into two, three, four, or even more, characters in a movie. There are even scenes where the characters are interacting with each other, and most are portrayed by Eddie! This is of course, a testament to movie magic. But imagine if Eddie Murphy attempted this on a live stage. He’d either have to adjust the story so that he can only portray one character at a time, or he would need to find other actors to portray all of those roles. This is due to the fact that stage plays are live performances. Does that remind you of anything? A live performance production with planning and design teams, and everyone taking on a specific role. Ringing any bells?
In the luxury wedding industry, it’s not uncommon for various firms to collaborate to help produce and execute the wedding of their mutual clients’ dreams. When everyone is operating with a focus on their sole role, everyone gets to operate at optimal capacity (as opposed to having to juggle multiple responsibilities). When a wedding planner is able to tend to logistics, scheduling, and preparations – they are able to devote all of their attention to that responsibility. When a band leader and/or DJ is able to tend to the musical soundtrack for the celebration – they are able to devote all of their attention to that responsibility. When a wedding Master of Ceremonies is able to tend to announcements, run-of-show curation, and in-event entertainment direction – they are able to devote; you get the idea.
While I continue to love Eddie Murphy’s classic roles, and re-watch “Coming to America” several times a year (self-care is paramount - add it to your routine), I wholeheartedly know that his approach to multiple characters in one production is something that should be left to film. When planning a wedding, keep in mind each event partner’s role, and the part that each will play in your live production. If you are a wedding professional, keep in mind the benefits of hyper-focus (or as the kids may say, being “in your bag”), and while it may seem that tending to multiple roles at once is a value-add to your clientele, you may be unintentionally executing a disservice to your clients, and their guests, by decreasing your attention to a role, to compensate for another.
In summation, when it comes to live productions, such as weddings, while Mr. Eddie Murphy can take on multiple roles in a movie, make sure that your fairytale story culminates with event partners that are devoted solely to their dedicated role on event day.