Tips on choosing wedding musicians
You've
got the ring, your ceremony and reception sites
are booked, and now your attention turns to the selection
of entertainment for your wedding reception. Your
decision
will have a great impact on the outcome of your party.
You know that music is a key ingredient in setting
the mood for the affair.
Many factors will influence your choice of music
for your reception. How large a group will you be
entertaining? What size band will suit your room
size and your budget? Most wedding audiences will
include guests whose ages span from teenagers to
grandparents. How can you be sure that your friends
and your relatives will all rave to you about your
band or DJ?
Begin shopping for bands 9 to 18 months in advance
of your party, especially if your reception will
be held on a Saturday night. Popular bands will often
have their prime dates taken up to a year or more
in advance, so get started early to ensure that you
will have a good selection to choose from.
Look for a band or DJ that has substantial experience
performing at weddings. Most seasoned professionals
can provide you with a list of country clubs and
caterers that recommend their services.
When interviewing a band or a DJ, ask for a list
of the songs that they can play. Versatility is a
key ingredient to your party's success! You should
be able to create a list of the songs that you want
to hear or to provide a list of "please do not
plays"! "Make sure that you feel comfortable
and can communicate easily with your bandleader",
advises Betsy Greene of Ariel Entertainment. "He
or she should be willing to learn your wedding song
and to spend time helping to coordinate all the special
touches at your celebration. You should be encouraged
to express your preferences on all of the party's
details, including the control of the band's volume."
Some questions that should be asked include:
- How many breaks will be taken?
- Will live music
or taped music be provided during the breaks?
- How long will the dance sets be?
- Am I guaranteed
to have the same musicians or DJ that I have
seen on video or at a live showcase?
- Does the company
have liability insurance?
- Should I plan to feed
the entertainers?
If your budget is tight, or if you are looking to
create the atmosphere of a night club at your party,
choosing a DJ might be right for you. DJ companies
offer services that range from a single DJ entertainer
to an elaborate DJ package that includes a DJ, an
MC-entertainer, costumed dancers and laser-like light
shows.
Whether you choose an exciting dance band complete
with male and female vocalists and a horn section,
an elegant smaller band, or a DJ package, try to
see the entertainers perform live at a showcase or
other event. There is nothing like getting the real
feel of a performance by previewing the entertainers
in action. Most importantly, have fun shopping, and
planning for the most significant and exciting day
of your life!
By Betsy Greene
Ariel Entertainment
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