Choosing your wedding music.
To some people the wedding music is probably one of the most important elements of any wedding or special party.
In years past live entertainment was usually the only choice due to the limitations of recorded music. Record albums were bulky and the sound equipment was not readily available as it is today.
Today the DJ or Disk Jockey is a more viable choice, particularly due to the compact disk. The task of playing the right piece of music at the right time is as simple as pressing a few buttons. Multi disk changers allow an entire set to be set up in advance so the music can be selected well in advance.
Some of the advantages of hiring a DJ include saving money and a broader selection of music available. Since the DJ service usually involves one or two people the cost can be less than that of a band where there are a number of members to be paid. The DJ usually can select any music by any artist that has be recorded. Also a DJ can usually set up in a smaller space than a band.
If you find a good DJ service they may also be able to serve as the MC as well. Having a master of ceremonies will help the event flow in the chosen direction with fewer hitches.
Never the less, many people would never think of having “canned” music at their event. We came from the era where recorded music was for home listening and Juke boxes. Using this type of music for any party was never even considered. To many people there is no comparison between live and recorded music.
Choosing a musical group that suites your needs does not have to be difficult. Especially since there are numerous good musical groups to fit any need from solo piano to small orchestra. Finding the right wedding grope is easy if you have a particular one in mind. If you don’t simply check your local telephone directory or online wedding sources.
Don’t limit your search to something like “wedding music”. In-fact talent agencies usually have access to a wide assortment of musicians for any event. Even thought they may get a “cut” it usually comes out of the musicians end. Be sure to have a type of music in mind when you call on the agency, or any prospective DJ or band for that matter. The agency may have audition tapes or other promotional materials that will help you make a good decision.
Whether you are using a DJ or live music, proper planning is everything.
The music plan could be as simple as a type of music such as “country” or “western” or “rock” or as complex as specific numbers to be played at certain times. Experienced musicians or a good wedding planner can help you compose the music lineup so that certain pieces will be played when the time is right.
Other things to consider are contracts and making sure what exactly is expected of the entertainment. How much and when will they be paid. Does the band get fed? How late do you expect them to play?
Don’t forget that your loud music is loud noise to others. I remember back when I played in a band and we were to provide the music for a wedding party. The party was out side at an American Legion club and the neighbors complained so much the police came and pulled the plug. Not that the music was bad, just that it was in the evening and the neighbors wanted peace and quiet. The juke box provided the music for the rest of the evening.
The most interesting wedding music moment we ever witnessed was at the wedding of a band member when he stood up and sang “Mack the Knife”. Priceless.
Tags: wedding music, weddings