Wedding Music Sets the Tone

The music for your reception is one of the most important decisions you will make. Ten years from now when your family gets together they might not remember what they ate at your wedding reception, but they will recall old Aunt Rosie out on the dance floor be-boppin' at your hoppin' reception.

The music sets the tone for your reception whether it be an elegant string quartet or a rockin' DJ. Most people prefer a wide variety of music so everyone will dance and have fun. Oldies, ethnic, Top 40, rock and country are popular choices. Group dances such as the Hokey Pokey, The Electric Slide, The Chicken Dance, and The Stroll get everyone involved and are lots of fun. Country line dances are also a hot new trend.

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 wedding 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. The master of ceremonies does it all. He is the one who makes everything flow together and makes sure no one misses any part of your reception.

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. Give a band ample warning however. If the music for the song you request is readily available, give the band four to six weeks to learn it.

Also give the DJ or band leader a list of songs you would like played during your reception. Your DJ should customize the music for your reception to what you want. Choose categories of music you like and list some of your favorite artists to give your DJ some direction.

Your music choices will literally set the mood for your reception. Big band, jazz, Top 40, rock and roll, ethnic music--it's up to you. This area has an endless list of music services from which to make your selection.

Oldies are especially popular for wedding receptions today, because they offer lively rhythms for dancing without being too loud for the older guests to enjoy. Music from the Fifties and early Sixties seems to have universal appeal to wedding guests.

Estimate the age range of your guests and ask your musician if he can play something for everyone.

Ethnic dances will always be popular as well. Brides and grooms often have different cultural backgrounds, and a blend of ethnic music from both sides can make the reception familiar for both families. If either you or your fiance has a strong connection to family heritage, find a way to incorporate some of these traditions into the reception. Polkas, the hora, and the tarantella are all ways to display your pride in your heritage. Not to mention that lively ethnic dances are a great way to get people on the dance floor and break the ice!

Depending on the style of your reception, you may prefer solo performers, a band, or a disc jockey. 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 your second or third.

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. Whether you prefer big band, swing, jazz, or pop, a blend of fast and slow songs is desirable.

The DJ has to be able to read the crowd to see what people will get up and dance to. It's the only entertainment at a reception and all the music has to be danceable. There's a lot of music you can listen to but you can't dance to it.

You may want to hire a combination of music services to perform at the reception. For example, it is becoming popular to have a strolling violinist play during dinner. This still provides entertainment to the guests, but allows them to talk as they enjoy their meal. It can also be a lot of fun if the guests get involved.

For a smaller event, such as a second wedding, you may want to consider softer music also. Will you be doing all the usual reception activities, such as dancing, tossing the bouquet and garter, etc.? If not, you may want to think about hiring someone to simply play pre-recorded background music. Or consider a string quartet or a small chamber music ensemble to provide elegant classical music for your guests to enjoy as they mingle.

When selecting entertainment for your reception, listen to tapes or watch videos to get a feel for the band or DJ's style. If possible, go to a public performance to see how well they interact with an audience and how they act as master of ceremonies. Ask for references and be sure to check them, and also check with the Better Business Bureau and the local Consumer Affairs office for any unresolved complaints.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Talk about deposit requirements and payment schedules. Try not to give more than half of the total price before the reception, and never pay in full before the service actually 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.

The most important consideration for a band is space. Make sure there is enough space for all the members, especially if a stage or risers are used. Also, the band should be close to the dance floor so they can interact with the audience.

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.

So whether it be oldies or rock and roll, make sure the music reflects the personalities of you and your groom and entertains everyone at your reception. With the right musician, your guests will still be talking about your great reception twenty years from now.