You been dreaming of this event for years, and planning it for months... interviewing vendors, addressing invitation, choosing rings, dress fittings- the list seems endless. The day has finally arrived. The ceremony was flawless and elegant and now its time for the celebration everyone has been waiting for.
So much goes into this event; you will want to be sure to choose your musical entertainment wisely, as it will most likely be them who control the flow of your entire reception. With so many options to choose from, the type of music you choose should enhance the atmosphere of your reception. If you are having a black tie affair, a jazz band or orchestra will be a perfect match. If you are having a more casual reception, you have many more options to choose from such as a D.J., a solo musician, a quartet or a band.
Here are some tips to remember as you are choosing your musician/s for the evening. Most bands will allow you to watch them in action at another event or function. Take advantage of this, because you'll want to see how they perform. Even if you are booking a DJ, you'll want to see how they interact with the crowd. Once you like what you see, be sure to request that specific DJ or lead singer be present at your wedding, and make sure that his or her name is on the contract! Many companies have a number of different performers/DJ's who rotate through performances. This can make all the difference in the world to the outcome of your event, and will eliminate unneeded stress at your reception.
Be sure to give your DJ or Band a list of songs that you would like them to play during special activities such as your grand entrance, first dance, and cake cutting ceremony. If you are working with a band, ask for a demo of the songs so you are happy with the way they sound in advance. If you are not pleased with their rendition of your important song, ask if they can play a CD instead, or choose another song. In addition, it may help to give your musician a list of songs that you do not want them to play (such as the Macarena). This not only lets him or her know your wishes, but also gives them a good sense of a specific genre of music that should be avoided.
Some DJ's and bands have very specific requirements for working. Most will require a dedicated outlet with a specific number of AMPS just to get started. Some will require their own dressing room (the industry term for this is the "Green Room"), a certain amount of space to perform, a table and/or linen, specific lighting or even their own stage! Some may require that each employee be fed at the event. This can get pricey if you're planning an expensive meal for your wedding guests. One way to possibly avoid this is to ask if you can purchase a pizza or two instead of offering wedding food. If this is the case, be sure they have a private area where they can eat.
Another detail that you'll want to be sure to address with the band are breaks throughout the evening. Be sure you agree on specific break times and be certain that you have a way to play background music the instant they leave for their break. Nothing can clear out a room quicker than silence, as the guests will think that the reception has ended. If you are working with the DJ, confirm that he can play a CD without interruption if he needs to leave for a few moments throughout the night. Even if he is at his station, the music should flow nicely from one song to the next without interruption. This is often overlooked and very important.
As stated earlier, your DJ or Band leader will most likely run the show for the night. Ask to run through the events of the reception and the approximate times (within a 5-10 minute window) they should take place. Stick to your schedule, or you may find yourself at the end of the reception without having a cut cake! This time schedule is definitely something that you will not want to worry about. If you are not working with a wedding coordinator, make sure that your DJ, band or caterer can take over so you can enjoy every moment of your event without having to worry what needs to happen next.
After you've found out all the details required by your band or DJ, be sure to run these requests by your reception venue to make sure there are no problems or extra rentals that you'll be stuck with at the last moment, and enjoy your reception! You'll have the time of your life!
-Jay Byerly