With your wedding reception looming on the horizon, there are numerous details to attend to, some of which can be much too easily overlooked. One such often overlooked but very important detail is the wedding music and entertainment.
The right music can do wonders in adding to the drama of certain wedding traditions such as the first dance, the garter and bouquet toss, the cutting of the cake, etc. It can also greatly influence the overall festive feel of the celebration. So it's really not an option to have a quiet wedding ceremony with only the crickets to break the silence.
Your Options
When it comes to wedding music and entertainment, there are several options that you can consider. Your choice would greatly depend on your budget and preferences.
DJ - A wedding DJ is a very popular choice to provide entertainment. DJs not only play the tracks, they can also act as emcees. The DJ will provide his or her own equipment and sound system. This would already be included in the package. A good DJ will set you back around $1200, more or less, depending on his or her experience and expertise. Before hiring a DJ, you should take the time to ask for references and get feedback from them yourself. You should also take a look at his or her repertoire and make sure that he or she can play certain songs that you want played, as well as take requests from the guests.
Live Band - A live band is another very popular choice for
wedding entertainment. This is the entertainment of choice for couples with higher budgets as this would cost somewhere between $1500 to $3000. There are many live bands to choose from, and your choice should depend on your
wedding theme, your guests, and ethnicity, if you're having an ethnic wedding. The band should provide their own instruments and sound system and should be highly recommended by at least 3 or 4 references. Again, study their repertoire and make sure that they can accommodate your song preferences, as well as take requests from guests throughout the party.
Do-it-yourself Entertainment - Couples with lower budgets can opt for DIY wedding music and entertainment. This option isn't difficult at all. It's just a matter of setting up a playlist in an iPod, laptop, or any portable music player and hooking it up to a good sound system. This will set you back no more than $400. This would also give you more flexibility on your choice of music as you can easily download your preferred songs from the Internet. For this option to be successful, a trusted friend or family member should be assigned to take responsibility for the music.
Foolproof Tips To Make Your Wedding Music A Success
The right music can benefit any party, and you're wedding is top of the list. It can also backfire, however, if not done correctly. Here are 10 tips to ensure that your wedding entertainment flows smoothly and seamlessly:
1. If hiring a live band or a DJ, make sure that they have experience in performing at weddings. After all, weddings are considerably different from other kinds of parties. They should be able to know the general format. You should also take the time to keep them abreast on the programme flow ahead of time.
2. Make sure that the sound system is ideal for the venue's acoustics. You don't want to play music too loudly in a small indoor hall or too softly in a big outdoor space. It's always best to test the sound system with the DJ, band, or iPod a few days ahead of time to make room for any adjustments or improvements needed.
3. When going the DIY route, make sure you have sufficient backup in the event of technical difficulty and equipment malfunction.
4. Make sure that the live band or DJ has a repertoire that will appeal to the various age groups in your guest list. You would have to take the time to meet with them several times to convey the mood you want to accomplish on your wedding day.
5. If the DJ or band front man is acting as the emcee as well, make sure that he or she can pronounce names correctly to avoid offending your guests. He or she should also memorize or adlib his lines, rather than read them. You're having a party, not a poetry reading.
6. Your live band or DJ should be able to provide a wireless microphone. This lets him or her easily move through the guests to better entertain them. Also, this makes it convenient for speeches.
7. If you're opting for disco lighting, make sure that it's directed to the dance floor and not randomly around the room. The effect should be fun and appealing enough to get people to leave their seats to dance and have fun, not to make them sick and dizzy. Your lighting should be able to compliment the venue's lighting scheme, as well as any candles you might choose to have.
8. Never sit elderly guests near the speakers. Younger people will be able to handle the noise better. This can be done with a well thought-of seating plan.
9. There should be no tables and seats between the dance floor and the DJ or live band. This would maximize your entertainers' ability to interact with the guests to take requests and encourage audience participation.
10. Check if your chosen venue has rules against volume and certain kinds of music. A restaurant with other diners present may demand a lower volume. A more conservative location like the gardens or grounds of a church might have restrictions against certain music genres. It's always best to check beforehand so you can make the necessary adjustments and the needed changes.
Your wedding reception's entertainment should not be put on the backburner until the last minute. You'll find that it's just as important as the appetizer or the champagne you serve. Your wedding music sets the mood more than any other, so this is a detail that definitely should not be overlooked at all.
