CHOOSING YOUR MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
If you’re starting to think about bands and deejays for your reception - remember that music sets the tone for any event, and especially for weddings. Do you remember “the Chicken Dance” or “Who Let The Dogs Out” at the last wedding you attended… and the empty dancefloor? Set yourself apart from the crowd by planning your music with a couple of things in mind:
- First your budget. A ten-piece dance band will obviously cost WAY more than a two piece instrumental group. Deejays charge a lot less and a top-notch one may be a better choice than a “so-so” band, but there’s something about hearing live renditions of favorite tunes that can be hard to pass up.
- If you’d rather your reception music was unique, consider budgeting for musicians - or make your budget go farther by hiring a band for the dining hour and a deejay for dancing, or play recorded music during the meal, then kick off the dancing with a live band.
- Ask around and get samples of music first. Utilize a consultant that represent everything from string quartets to International Music groups to deejays. They can assist you in providing complete and complimentary promotional materials, demo CD’s, references and sometimes, if possible, live performance observation possibilities.
- Whichever you choose, read the fine print; including hidden charges, such additional costs for staging, number and length of scheduled breaks and what will be playing when they’re on those breaks.
- What happens if the party is still rocking after the end of the scheduled time? Is there an allowance to extend beyond the timeframe? Overtime pricing?
- Do they assist as “master of ceremonies” announcing when the cake will be cut, toasts, first dance and buffet is open?
Last, but not least, don’t be afraid to ask about tailoring the playlist to the evening, but remember that while coming up with a range of music is one thing, scheduling every minute of the band’s performance is something else. Bottom line? Provide the band with as much information as possible to increase the likelihood that they’ll give you what you want.
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.
Reserving 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 is a time for 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 musicians 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 deejay or 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
Plan How To Start The Music
Prelude music is a nice touch as the guests are being escorted into the church. To start the processional music, have someone signal the musicians at the appropriate time.
Approve Your Music Selections With Clergy
Make sure your clergyman is aware of your music selections. Ask whether there are any restrictions on music. Some ministers or priests insist on approving all the music prior to the ceremony. Your favorite love song may seem offensive to the clergyman; neither you nor your musicians will enjoy any last-minute confrontations.
