Deciding On Entertainment
Every entertainer should have a music list available for you to review. This will be helpful in deciding on what type of entertainment you would like. You may want to ask if the entertainer is currently playing somewhere, then you can listen to their music style live and see their stage presence before you make a final decision.
Reservin
g Entertainment
Reserve entertainment for your reception immediately. There are only a limited amount of Saturdays available, especially in peak wedding seasons. Popular bands and orchestras are often reserved up to a year in advance.
Setup Requirements
The formality, facility, and size of your event will determine the type of music that is appropriate. Inquire about whether the site can accommodate dancing and has the area necessary for the musicians to set up and perform. Be very specific about getting the space and electrical requirements from the band so that you can accurately relay the information to your contact person at the facility.
Cut-Off Hours
When you make all the final arrangements with your facility, be sure to ask if they have any specified time cut-offs for music. Some facilities require that music be stopped as early as 10pm for the comfort of neighboring homes, businesses, or other guests.
Background Music and Dancing Music
Remember when reserving your entertainment that the first hour of your reception or event is a time for introductions and mingling with guests. If your entertainment begins playing immediately, you’ll want to make sure that the music is background-type music that doesn’t overwhelm and interfere with mingling. The entertainer can be instructed at a certain time or by signal to pick up the pace of the music for dancing.
Keeping The Flow Going at The Reception
It is a good idea to have a coordinator between the bride and groom and the band. This person can instruct the band when it’s time to play the “first dance” song. Many times the band leader will act as master of ceremonies, announce the cake cutting, throwing of the bouquet and the garter toss. Your wedding coordinator is the best person for this job, however if you didn’t hire one, the best man can be the liason. This will help the day to flow smoothly for the bride and groom.
Band Breaks
How many breaks will the band be taking and for how long? Will there be music provided during this downtime? Will the musicians require food and/or beverages? This could effect your total count to the caterer.
Saving On Music
The best way to cut music costs is to have your wedding in off-season: January through March, Sundays, early in the day. Musicians will be more willing to negotiate prices if it doesn’t conflict with another high paying booking.
NOTE
Make sure your contract is sound, and that your event won’t be bumped for a larger engagement. A deposit is usually required.
Every entertainer should have a music list available for you to review. This will be helpful in deciding on what type of entertainment you would like. You may want to ask if the entertainer is currently playing somewhere, then you can listen to their music style live and see their stage presence before you make a final decision.
Reservin
g EntertainmentReserve entertainment for your reception immediately. There are only a limited amount of Saturdays available, especially in peak wedding seasons. Popular bands and orchestras are often reserved up to a year in advance.
Setup Requirements
The formality, facility, and size of your event will determine the type of music that is appropriate. Inquire about whether the site can accommodate dancing and has the area necessary for the musicians to set up and perform. Be very specific about getting the space and electrical requirements from the band so that you can accurately relay the information to your contact person at the facility.
Cut-Off Hours
When you make all the final arrangements with your facility, be sure to ask if they have any specified time cut-offs for music. Some facilities require that music be stopped as early as 10pm for the comfort of neighboring homes, businesses, or other guests.
Background Music and Dancing Music
Remember when reserving your entertainment that the first hour of your reception or event is a time for introductions and mingling with guests. If your entertainment begins playing immediately, you’ll want to make sure that the music is background-type music that doesn’t overwhelm and interfere with mingling. The entertainer can be instructed at a certain time or by signal to pick up the pace of the music for dancing.
Keeping The Flow Going at The Reception
It is a good idea to have a coordinator between the bride and groom and the band. This person can instruct the band when it’s time to play the “first dance” song. Many times the band leader will act as master of ceremonies, announce the cake cutting, throwing of the bouquet and the garter toss. Your wedding coordinator is the best person for this job, however if you didn’t hire one, the best man can be the liason. This will help the day to flow smoothly for the bride and groom.
Band Breaks
How many breaks will the band be taking and for how long? Will there be music provided during this downtime? Will the musicians require food and/or beverages? This could effect your total count to the caterer.
Saving On Music
The best way to cut music costs is to have your wedding in off-season: January through March, Sundays, early in the day. Musicians will be more willing to negotiate prices if it doesn’t conflict with another high paying booking.
NOTE
Make sure your contract is sound, and that your event won’t be bumped for a larger engagement. A deposit is usually required.
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