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section is concerned with helping you to understand a few important facets of
the music presentation that will make your wedding reception a success.
Music comes in all styles. Casual or
sophisticated; classical or rock; reggae or jazz; polka or pop. It is played
loud or soft and fast or slow. It appeals to young and old. It can make you
feel lively or lethargic.
Music subtly augments a cocktail party and
enhances dinner guest’s conversations. Then it energizes the dance floor
continuously for hours.
Music is a common element of everyday life, but
for your wedding celebration, the music should be extraordinary.
This section covers several points you should
review prior to consulting potential candidates for your entertainment. Some
insight will help insure your music will be extraordinary.
Styles
Playing a variety of music styles is a big part
of programming that will make the dancing segment of your wedding reception a
huge success.
Ethnic tunes, oldies, and today's hits should
be combined in a cohesive presentation to allow your guests the opportunity to
participate in your celebration and enjoy themselves on the dance floor.
DJs have an advantage over bands in this case
because they have a broader selection of musical styles at their disposal.
Requests
You may have specific songs which you would
like to have played during your reception and you may prefer to eliminate
certain songs or kinds of music. Your special selections and musical wishes
should be conveyed to your entertainer well in advance of your wedding day.
When guests request music, remember, it is not
possible for a DJ to have every song, or for a band to know every song that
could be requested; however, DJs do have greater flexibility in handling
requests because they don't have to learn the songs.
People often request songs that do not "fit-in"
with the music programming. Some may request inappropriate songs. Professional
entertainers know when it is acceptable to honor requests. If inappropriate
requests are played, they will make you look bad. If you, the bride or groom
insist on a song being played that is against the better judgment of the DJ or
band, they have every right to let your audience know that the song choice is
yours and not his. He has a reputation to protect and he should inform the
audience why a poor song choice is being played.
Music Taboos
Some music types and songs are unsuitable to
play at wedding receptions. Playing heavy metal or gangsta rap, for example,
might upset or displease some of your guests. Also, songs containing
objectionable language should not be played. Even though you may like a
particular song, you will survive if you don't hear it and you will not cause
anyone at your event to be uncomfortable.
Your wedding will not be hurt one bit by a song
that isn't played, but it could be hurt by a song that is.
Announcements
Whether you book a DJ or a band, you will have
someone on hand to MC the festivities. Announcements shouldn't pose a problem
for any performer.
Simply write your announcements on a card and
give it to the person who is handling the MC duties. Give the names of the
wedding party and family members to be introduced to the "announcer" prior to
the wedding day. This gives the MC a chance to learn difficult pronunciations.
If there is an unusual sounding name on your list, spell it out phonetically
or call to clarify its correct pronunciation.
Breaks
Bands may take 3 or 4 breaks during a
reception. They could be 15 to 20 minutes in length. Bands might play recorded
music during these times. DJs do not take breaks. Continuous music is played
during the reception with only brief interruptions to conduct special
festivities like a cake cutting ceremony or special introductions.
Sound Levels
Music volume should be kept at an appropriate
level so it doesn't "interfere" with the event. Throughout all segments of the
reception, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing, the music should add to, or help
create, the proper atmosphere. During dinner the music should be loud enough
to fill in any "dead" air that may occur while people are enjoying their meal.
The music level shouldn't be so loud that it is distracting when you are
engaged in congratulatory conversation. As the event progresses towards the
dancing portion of the event, the volume should increase. The increase should
be mainly concentrated on the dance floor. This will add to the excitement of
the party. The volume increase should not take away from the enjoyment of any
guest as it moves to the foreground. Some people may prefer conversation over
dancing. They should be able to find quieter areas away from the dance floor.
Sound System
A moderate size sound system can provide plenty
of quality sound for your reception. Depending on the number of guests invited
and function room size, sound systems can be customized. If you are planning
an unusually large wedding, or perhaps a reception at a sizable outdoor
facility, additional sound reinforcement for a band or DJ may be required.
Obtaining extra equipment should not be a problem, though it may mean a
slightly higher entertainment fee.
Lighting Systems
Unlike nightclubs, discotheques or live
entertainment venues, it isn't necessary for the entertainment playing your
wedding reception to be equipped with an elaborate light show. Excessive
lighting can be distracting. Some effects are disturbing and annoying to older
guests. For example, strobe lights can trigger epileptic seizures; therefore,
all guests would have to be warned that this effect was going to be used prior
to the event. Lighting effects can also add significantly to the entertainment
cost. Some lighting might be nice, and add to the overall excitement of your
event. Check with your entertainer to discuss your options.
Directions
Make sure your DJ has adequate directions to
the event prior to the event and go over them together. Use
www.mapquest.com
Supply addresses and phone numbers. (such as the reception hall and possibly a
cell phone number or two for emergencies)
Summary
The music you select for your wedding day will
have an impact on each and every one of your guests. From the time before the
ceremony begins until the last guest leaves your party, the music will be
present. Selecting the right performers to represent you will make your
special day one of the most memorable events in your guest's lives. Select
poorly and that image will be forever in their minds. Remember, if a guest
gets a bad meal or a watered down drink, they will be the only one who knows.
If a DJ or band plays the wrong tunes or if a singer during your ceremony
performs badly, every one knows. You're planning to spend a lot on your cake,
dress, venue and invitations all to look great. Don't skimp when it comes
to the talent! The music is one of THE most important elements of
your big day.
There are plenty of qualified entertainers from
which to choose. Ask questions, and talk to your friends. You'll feel
confident that your music is in good hands if you proceed equipped with as
much information as you can get.
Remember, everyone attending will appreciate
your attention to this major detail.
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