Archive for August, 2007

Hiring Music for your Wedding

Monday, August 13th, 2007

The important things are sorted, the ring, the reception venue, the flowers, and now you are thinking about music for your wedding reception. Music is one of the most important elements of the entertainment for your wedding reception and key to creating the right party atmosphere.

Many factors will influence your choice of music. What are your tastes? How many guests are you inviting? What size band will suit your venue? What is your budget? Most wedding audiences include guests with a wide range of ages. How can you be sure that everyone will like the band or DJ?

There are a variety of styles of music from string quartets and harpists to big bands and specialist party bands. It is worth considering something you do not normally listen to as it may be a better fit with the venue for your wedding and the guests you have invited.

When to start looking for a wedding band or DJ

You should really start looking around 12 months before your wedding, especially if your reception will be held on a Saturday. Popular bands and DJs will often booked up more than a year in advance, so the earlier you start, the more you will have to choose from.

What to look for in a wedding band or DJ

When contacting a band or a DJ, ask for their play list. Good wedding music has a lot of variety so it will appeal to a wide range of tastes. A wedding band or DJ should be able to incorporate songs that you want to hear or exclude songs you definitely don’t want!

Make sure the band or DJ has plenty of experience performing at weddings. Seasoned professionals should be able to provide you with a list of venues or previous clients that recommend their services.

Many bands and DJs provide samples of their music and videos of performances on their websites or MySpace pages, and this is a great way to see them and hear what they sound like. But, it is always worth checking if you can see them performing live at any public events.

Above all, while negotiating with the band or DJ ensure you feel comfortable and can communicate easily with them. They should be willing to learn your wedding song and to give you the benefit of their experience in helping to organise your wedding celebration.

A DJ is a great option if your budget is small or if you are looking for more of a nightclub feel for your celebration. A range of DJ are available from a single DJ to more elaborate packages light shows, dancers and MCs.

Find party bands, wedding DJs and ceilidh bands and more in our entertainment directory!

Important questions to ask before booking music for your wedding

  • Will the same musicians or DJ that I have seen or heard definitely be the one performing at my wedding?
  • Does the band or DJ have Public Liability Insurance?
  • Will the band or DJ need feeding?!
  • How long will each set be and how long will each break be?
  • Will taped music be provided during the breaks?

These tips and questions should help you choose the best wedding music for your big day, whether that is a band, string quartet, harpist, or DJ.

Event Entertainment Information

Wednesday, August 1st, 2007

Do you need an entertainer for a wedding, corporate event or party? Maybe you’ve considered a UK magician as an entertainer or maybe it’s all new to you? Find out more on this site, check out the articles below: