| |
-
-
|
-
# 1 - Quick Tips
- A successful wedding depends greatly
on the entertainment provided. The music provided at the ceremony expresses the fine
tradition of a wedding or it can express the couple’s unique song. Entertainment also plays
an important part of the cocktail hour (if provided for the guests) and at the reception.
Entertainment can be traditional, unique, live or through recorded music. One thing for sure,
the music sets the tone for each part of the day’s events.
We recommend that you prepare a list of songs that you like and deliver your list to the
entertainer at least one week before your wedding. While you are at it, you can make
another list of songs that you don’t want played at your wedding! Make a checklist from
the Wedding’s a Breeze software program or planner.
Here are the most popular options for entertainment at your wedding.
• Wedding Ceremony. Consider music for the time guests arrive and are seated. Music for the processional, music during the ceremony (usually for a long mass),
and music for the recessional.
• Cocktail Hour. Consider live music (such as harp player or guitar player or three-piece
band) or recorded music (but not a DeeJay). This is a casual event to allow your guests to
mingle while the newlyweds, immediate family and the wedding attendants are photographed.
• Reception. Whether the reception is for lunch or dinner, you want either recorded
music or a one to three-piece band during the seating and dining portion of the reception. If dancing is included, consider a
fully-staffed live band or a DeeJay.
Return to Top
-
# 2 - About
- The best way to find a DeeJay is by
referral. Other methods include attending a local bridal show so you can meet the DeeJay
on-the-spot. The company may provide a video or DVD to see the DeeJay at work at a wedding.
Another option is by searching the Internet for local DeeJays or through the regional bridal
magazine ads. Also look in your Yellow Pages or other local printed directory.
The DeeJay must be comfortable with people, have a large selection of music, know what
makes a good party, not offend any one or group of people, not talk too much and knows
how to encourage guests to dance and enjoy themselves. Some DeeJay’s can play the role of
Emcee if you wish, to make major announcements such as welcoming the newlyweds and wedding
party, the parents, announce the cake cutting event, the garter toss, the bouquet toss and
the send-off.
About Live Music
Live music is a beautiful way to celebrate your wedding. The best way to find a good
live band is by referral. Other methods include attending a local bridal show so you can
meet representatives of the band on-the-spot, however, not too many advertise at a booth.
You may want to visit some of the local bars where live music is played and talk to the
band’s manager—first inquiring if they perform at weddings. Then obtain a business card so
you can call later and ask more detailed questions. Another option to finding a live band
is by searching the Internet for local bands or through the regional bridal magazine ads
and your local newspaper’s entertainment section. Also look in your Yellow Pages or other
local printed directory.
The band you select must be comfortable with performing at weddings. They should be
able to play a large range of music—from 50’s music through current hits. The most
experienced bands know the songs that work and those that don’t work well. Additionally,
plan to provide a list of songs that you want to hear for special events, such as your
first dance as newlyweds. If you don’t have a special person, such as the Best Man,
willing to make the announcements (not everyone feels comfortable with a microphone),
you may decide to ask the band to make the announcements such as welcoming the newlyweds
and wedding party, the parents, announce the cake cutting event, the garter toss, the
bouquet toss and the send-off.
Planning Your Music - Ceremony
For your ceremony, you either want a traditional wedding song or a song that is personal
and meaningful for both of you (like the song played when you first met). If you aren’t
sure about the song you want, then it’s safe to select the traditional wedding march. If
time permits, start a list of songs you hear in movies or on the radio that are touching.
If you are hiring live musicians, give them the list and most likely they can play it. Of
course, all musicians who perform at weddings already know the traditional wedding songs
and most likely have an entire list or samples available for you to review. For classical
music, Bach and Mozart are favorites. Who is your favorite artist? Celine Dion, Kenny G,
Shania Twain, Enya? Listen to the words of the songs. Select songs that evoke feelings of
love, romance, and compassion, and maybe even tears.
If your ceremony will be held at a church, synagogue, temple, or chapel, most offer the
services of musicians who regularly play. If you prefer your own musicians, ask the
organization what is required or what restrictions there are for say, loudness or number
of players. Ask about when the musicians can arrive and where the electrical outlets
are located. Also find out what is available for the sound systems or if the musicians
you hire must bring their own. Ask where the musicians can unload and load their
instruments, microphones and other equipment. Lastly, don’t forget to ask about the fee
for their services.
If the ceremony is outdoors in a park, at the beach or someone’s backyard, then one to
four musicians is a beautiful accompaniment. If at the beach or in the country, you may
want a musician whose instrument does not require any electrical power such as for
microphones. Make sure the stage or area for the musician is one that is accommodating.
Planning Your Music - Reception
Have you ever attended a wedding reception and there wasn’t any music (at all)? Or maybe you attended a
wedding where the band or DeeJay played loud music while you buttered your roll and had to scream at
everyone just to carry on a simple conversation? What you really want is something in between. May we
suggest “dinner music” during the reception? The songs should fall somewhere in between elevator music
and dancing music. Perhaps jazz, or soft pop, or even listening music from the 60s and 70s for the older
generations. Listening to a harpist or guitarist is always a pleasure as well. The DeeJay and band are
familiar with popular dance music, but don't forget to provide a list of "must have" songs.
Newlywed’s First Dance
The song for the newlywed’s first dance should be a slow song and personal to the couple.
Remember, all eyes will be on you for this once-in-a-lifetime dance. [If you think you
might be a little uncomfortable, consider dance lessons or try practicing a few times.]
Make sure the musicians you hire practice the song. If you hire a DeeJay, then confirm
that he/she has the song ready and it plays flawlessly. We say this because every few
years, couples select a popular love song to play at weddings and you don’t want
scratches on the DVD during this special dance.
Return to Top
# 3 - Contracts- Get a contract signed to commit the
date (leave at least two months to book) for each entertainer. Communicate your special
requests by providing a written or printed report of whom, set-up time, start and end
playing time, and location. Verify that the contract details each requirement (provide
music and/or emcee role). Ask about responsibility in case a musician is injured while
on contract (such as tripping off the stage, electrical shock, etc.). Call references
if possible.
Read the contractual details to answer questions such as what happens if the musician
doesn’t show up, or is late to the event? If the company has a web site, review it for
any hints of a lack of professionalism. Contact the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to see
if there are complaints listed.
Return to Top
# 4 - Questions to Ask -
• Ask if the entertainers are available on your wedding date.
• Ask to see if they have a video or DVD to view their services at another wedding.
• Ask how long each entertainer has been playing at weddings
• Ask how many weddings he/she performs per month.
• Ask about the deposit and their refund policy.
• Ask if the entertainer has performed at the site of your ceremony and/or reception.
• Find out how many players are expected to play at the event and if you can have a
list of their names.
• Ask about what will happen if the entertainer is ill on the day of the wedding.
• Find out if the entertainers plan to dine at the wedding and don’t forget to add
him/her to the final head count
• Ask about any special requests the musician may have, such as electrical outlets,
lighting, speakers, chairs and preferred refreshments.
Return to Top
Customer Support:
support@weddingsabreeze.com or 760-419-1516
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Event's A Breeze
Software Solutions(TM). All rights reserved
|
|
