Setting the Music for Your Wedding Day

Unless you want your wedding to be incredibly lame and boring, you better book a live band or disc jockey for the reception. If you think that this is unnecessary, you are wrong! Just because you and your friends and family don't do out dancing all the time doesn't mean you don't need music at your wedding reception. Weddings are special occasions, and they bring out the wild dancing side in people! The last thing you want is to miss out on the opportunity to dance to a first dance song with your new spouse!

The first decision that you should make is whether you are going to hire a disc jockey or a live band. Generally speaking, if your budget allows you to afford a live band, you should book a live band. Look up wedding bands in your area. Never book without first meeting with the band leader and hearing the band perform. Even if you have gotten a recommendation from a friend or family member, it's still the best idea to sample the bands you are interested in with your own eyes and ears. You want to make sure that you like the style of music and the way the performers play together. You also want to ensure that your personalities mesh with the band leader because the band will absolutely be an integral part of your reception.

If you can't afford to hire a live band, then you should look for a disc jockey that has plenty of experience jockeying at wedding receptions. Never ever hire a disc jockey before having an in-person meeting. Lots of DJs are young kids - barely out of high school -- who don't really know what the heck they are doing. Ask for references and song lists before signing a contract. Just like with a band leader, it is critical that you get along and have an easy time communicating with your disc jockey because that person is going to have the important roles of announcer and entertainer at your wedding reception. On such a special and important day, you want to know that someone you trust is at the reigns.

Whether you are getting a live band or a DJ, make sure to read the contract agreement carefully before signing it. Verbal agreements are out of the question, by the way. You need every detail in writing if you want to ensure that things go smoothly - the cost, the deposit date, number of band members (if live band), special song requests (like a first dance song, parent dances, et cetera), overtime rates, and the cancellation policy should all be included. Be certain that the date of your wedding is correctly recorded in the contract agreement, and also be sure that the contract states what time period the band or disc jockey is responsible for being ready to go at the reception site. As far as song selection goes, remember that while you can choose the music that is played, you ought to keep your selections predominantly limited to songs that can be danced to - either fast or slow.

Treat your entertainment right on your wedding day. The disc jockey or band members should be seated comfortably during their dinner break, and they should be served the same dinners as your guests. Obviously, it is unacceptable for the band members or DJ to get intoxicated at your reception, but if there is drinking at you reception, it is fine to allow the disc jockey or band members to drink responsibly. Remember: the happier you keep the entertainers, the better they will entertain you and your guests on your big day!