There comes a point at most weddings when the ceremony is over, the food has been eaten, heartfelt toasts have been made and it's time to rock the party! At this point the bride and groom envision the dance floor suddenly filling with happy guest to dance the night away. How to make this actually happen and stay within your budget can get tricky and deserves careful thought. The music at the wedding can certainly make or break the mood. An ipod loaded with your favorite background music can be linked it up to the audio system to automatically play all night and for those on a tight budget this is a way to provide music for virtually no monetary cost though the 'quality' cost is at times rather high as the silly thing just doesn't know when to stop for an impromptu toast or that its time to switch gears as the playlist is failing to inspire the crowd. However it can be an excellent choice when you want to keep the mood low-key to encourage your guests to leave early so you can catch that flight to Jamaica. However, if are looking for the mood to take a leap into fast-forward at exactly the right moment, count on a dj / mc or bandleader to provide and direct the pulse of the party. This can be the key to a successful event. You can get away with skipping the party favors or choosing chicken over lobster but one thing you shouldn't skimp on is the music. You may not remember that the table linens were eggplant colored, that the prime rib was melt in your mouth delicious, that the cake was incredible or that the center pieces were bowls of water with some kind of weird fish swimming amongst the plant scraps. What you will remember will be that your party was beautiful, elegant, sophisticated and / or that it ROCKED!, . . . or not.
When planning what type of music to play, it's nice to keep in mind the various age groups of the guests. Many people prefer classical music or traditional hymns for the ceremony, and turn to rock, pop or jazz during the reception. We've even seen a child friendly wedding start the party off with the hokey pokey. Hiring a band or group of musicians can be a great way to offer live music, but hiring a DJ might be simpler and less expensive and offer other advantages.
So, lets talk about how to get the crowd out of their chairs and onto the dance floor and create a party to remember. How do you choose the right entertainer? How much should you spend? What questions do you need to ask? A live band or DJ are the most popular options. A band can make a fantastic visual impression on stage and make a unique statement about your wedding, such as when our niece marries her Irish sweetheart the Irish band will be familial and cultural statement as well as being very entertaining. But, while a band can add to the atmosphere it may lack the variety and diversity of a professional DJ. Hiring a variety or cover band can go towards overcoming this problem but still may fall short of the resources available to a pro DJ.
Once you have decided on the type of entertainment that you want at your wedding, it's time to find the 'perfect' band or DJ. It is important to know what you're looking for in order to support the mood of the event. Do you want the elegance and sophistication of a string quartet or maybe a 'big band' rat pack sound? Do you want a theme or cover band that plays a particular genre of music or would you prefer a DJ that can 'rock the house'. If you have some idea in mind it is good to discuss it with several potential entertainers so that they know your expectations as well. YOU need to like the music. It's your wedding so make sure that you are happy before you commit to anything. Its a good idea to keep your guests in mind also. Your own tastes are important but not everyone likes the same music. You may not want your guests heading for the door because the band or DJ is so loud that it is impossible to carry on a conversation. You may want to think twice about a band that plays only sophisticated jazz that is failing to appeal to your friends and family.
Here are some suggestions to keep in mind while shopping for your entertainment.
Look for diversity and variety in play lists. Is the music a mix of genres. Will it appeal to the age range of your guests.
Look on the Internet for reviews. There are many good vendor resource sites available. Ask the DJ /Band for testimonials. Do they have a list of clientele that you can actually call and talk to? Talk with friends who have recently gotten married. The importance of word-of-mouth references cannot be overstated.
Does the band or DJ provide any thing other than music as part of the service such as an MC / announcer, special lighting, audience motivation, participation games, etc.
Will they meet / consult with you prior to the event to help plan and get a feel for the day.
Ask for a demo CD or video or a date where you can see them perform.
Are backup personnel and equipment available in case of emergency or unforeseen circumstances.
Make sure that everything is documented in a reader friendly conntract. It is important to know what to expect and to have it in writing.
Know who is going to be your DJ. The single biggest complaint in the DJ business today is that the DJ you hire is not the one that turns up 'on the day of'.
As with most services, the easier it is to provide, the cheaper the price. And while not necessarily always true, generally it is cheaper to hire a DJ than a band. That being said, professional services come at a professional price. Locally, we know of several excellent DJ's that charge between $600. and $700 for a four hour commitment. The highest fee that I have heard of in this area is $1500. Are they any good? I can recommend several who are. That is where your personal taste and finances come into play. Bands start in the $1500 - $2000 range. Prices vary from place to place and from band to band, every city and area of the country has its 'norm'. If a band or DJ quotes you a price for services that are over your budget don't be afraid to speak up. Many musicians / DJs will adjust their fees slightly rather than loose a gig, it's always worth asking.
As a wedding photographer I have been to hundreds of weddings and quite literally have seen it all from iPods to guitar hero bands, from a six piece mariachi band playing the Hora to an eighteen piece 'rat pack' cover big band, excellent and not so excellent to down-right lousy DJs, and a kid spinning 45s on a portable turntable. One thing that I have learned is that music is a very personal experience; you've just got to do your homework. Find a band or DJ that appeals to you and fits the mood you want to emote at your reception. My very personal preference leans towards a few excellent DJs, but then, . . . the eighteen piece 'rat-pack' cover band at my daughters wedding (remember the castle?) was pretty hot.
