Music for your special occasion.
One of the main ingredients of any wedding is music. There will be music as your guests enter the church, and music plays a large role in the wedding ceremony itself. You and your guests will be accompanied by music down the aisle and out of the church, and greeted by it when you arrive at the reception. During the reception itself, there will be no time when music is not playing. This being the case, shouldn't you put serious thought into your wedding day music?
CEREMONY
The music you choose for your ceremony will do a lot to set the mood for your entire wedding day. Whether your wedding is large or small, formal or informal, you can characterize the flavor of the day through your musical selections.
There are a few different ways to personalize the wedding ceremony through music. Use music that is very meaningful to you as a couple. Ask a close friend or relative to perform a solo, or incorporate a song that all your guests will know so they can join in.
If you want to use some of the traditional classical pieces (such as the wedding march) hire someone other than an organist to play them. Walk down the aisle to the accompaniment of a flute and guitar, trumpets, or a harp. Also look into the availability of musical ensembles, such as string quartets or chamber music groups.
Don't use the traditional songs at all. Choose contemporary tunes that mean something to you and your fiancée -- perhaps the first song you danced to, or the song that was playing on the radio when he proposed. When you're choosing pieces for the processional and recessional, keep the length of the aisle in mind. Longer pieces will need to be adapted for a short walk down the aisle. For a long aisle, choose a combination of songs.
It is most important that you speak to your priest of celebrant about exactly what types of music are permitted by the church before you make your final selections. Churches can have very strict rules about what music is to be played at a wedding.
You should try to set up a time to hear the music played at the ceremony site. You may find that the pieces you liked in the confines of the music director's office don't come across as well when played in a larger setting, like a church.
Be sure to audition any musicians the way you would a band or DJ for your reception. Agree upon fees up front, and put everything into a written agreement so there are no unnecessary problems on your wedding day. ...
RECEPTION
After the wedding ceremony, your guests will be ready to put on their dancing shoes and have a good time. The music you select, whether live or recorded, will have an important impact on the mood of your reception. Since a successful reception is every bride's objective, selecting the right music is an important factor in achieving that goal.
You will have two options in reception music: live music (a band) or recorded music (a disc jockey). Depending on the style of your reception, you may prefer solo performers, a band, or a disc jockey.
The type of entertainment you hire will be primarily based on the size and style of your reception. Select the kind of group that will be most appropriate. You'll want to choose a band or DJ that will give your guests plenty of variety. No matter what type of music you choose, a blend of fast and slow songs is most desirable. Also ask about music for group dances such as the Bunny Hop, the Chicken, and the Hokey Pokey.
Whether you prefer live or recorded music, it is advisable to book the service for your wedding date as soon as possible. As with every other aspect of your wedding, planning ahead will help secure your first choice, not you’re second or third.
One of the best ways to find excellent entertainment is to ask for referrals from friends whose weddings you enjoyed. Chances are your taste will run along the same lines. It is important to find a service with experienced people who know how to keep a wedding reception running smoothly. Set up a meeting with the bandleader or DJ and be sure to ask for a demo tape and references.
Besides playing the music, your DJ or bandleader has the important responsibility of being the master of ceremonies at your reception. He makes sure the evening runs smoothly and all the traditional parts of your reception are fun for everyone. Make sure you meet with your DJ or bandleader to go over the order of the evening. Listen to their suggestions. Remember, they have done many weddings and usually know what works the best. Ask about announcing the new Mr. and Mrs. and the bridal party as they walk in, the toast, cutting the cake, the bridal dance, throwing the bouquet and garter, the money dance, a dance with you and your father, and any special announcements that you want made.
Along with announcing these special parts of your reception, the bandleader or DJ should have music to go with them. Ask to see a list and pick out your favorites. If they don't have "your song" for the bridal dance, ask if the DJ can find it or if the band can learn it.
Also give the DJ or band leader a list of songs you would like played during your reception. Customize the music for your reception to what you want, but don't try to dictate every song. Choose categories of music you like and list some of your favorite artists to give your DJ direction, but trust in his or her ability to direct the party.
Ask plenty of questions during your search. Find out how they will dress for your reception (suits or tuxedos are proper) and if they will require dinner. Also ask to see the sound system so you can be sure it will not detract from the overall atmosphere. Choose a service that fits your budget. The cost will depend on the number of entertainers, how long they will play, and location of the reception. Plan on contracting for at least three hours with a provision of playing longer.
When talking to a band, find out how many breaks they will take. A fifteen minute break every forty-five minutes is usual. Some bands, though, will play pre-recorded tapes during breaks so that there is continuous music. If your band does not provide this service, consider hiring a DJ to cover the band's breaks.
Many couples prefer to choose a disc jockey to provide all the entertainment. As with a band, it is very important to hire someone who can give all your guests a good time. If you'll be dealing with a large service that employs several people, be sure to meet the person who will perform at your reception. Everyone has their own style, and you need to be sure that the DJ will give the kind of performance that you feel is appropriate for your wedding reception. Also ask if the company can provide special effects, such as lighting and smoke machines. They will probably cost extra, but some couples like the mood they create. Find out as well about backup equipment, and the DJ himself. Will there be someone at the reception to take over if something happens to him?
Talk about deposit requirements and payment schedules. Do not give more than half of the total price before the reception, and never pay in full before the service shows up. Also discuss the refund policy, just in case. Find out how much they charge for overtime in case the reception runs longer than you had originally planned.
Also ask what accommodations they'll need for their equipment. Special necessities such as space requirements and electrical needs are important facts to know so you can make the proper arrangements with your reception hall.
When you've made your decision, complete a contract for the band or musicians' services, including the name of the group or DJ, number of musicians, date, and place. It should also contain the starting time, finishing time, total compensation, and any other information pertinent to your reception. A signed contract will guarantee services to be rendered and protect both parties.
In addition, you should stipulate the number of breaks and whether dinner will be provided. It is very important to note the name of the group as well as the names of its members, or the name of the DJ you want to perform. This will guarantee that the musicians you hired are the ones who will show up. Get all details in writing to protect both you and the service.
The work doesn't end when you sign the contract, though. Keep the lines of communication open between yourself and the entertainment so they everybody knows what to expect during the day.
Above all, don't be afraid to ask all the questions you want answered. If you feel uncomfortable with a DJ's answer on a certain subject, don't just accept it. Ask more questions or have them clarify their answer so that you will feel comfortable.
Remember that the music service, whether for your ceremony or your reception, is hired to cater to you. With careful planning and lots of communication, you and your guests will have a beautiful wedding and a very memorable reception.
