Wedding Reception Music
One of the most important elements of the wedding reception is something that you can’t see. You’ve booked the location, discussed the decor, selected the flowers and ordered the cake; after careful planning, you can even visualize the event. But there is still one missing ingredient – THE MUSIC.
One of the most important aspects of the wedding reception is the music. There is more to a wedding reception than just what we see with our eyes. Music is an integral part of the wedding reception and is important in creating the atmosphere that you want for this special event.
The type of music you select, should reflect the theme or style of your wedding reception. These considerations are important when selecting the music for your wedding reception. How do you decide what type of reception music will appeal to all of your guests? Consider the following:
- Type of reception planned
- Type of music you like
- Location of the wedding reception
- Ages and tastes of your guests
Your music selections will need to be as diverse as the guests list. Fortunately you have many options in accomplishing this task. Wedding music bands, orchestras, solo wedding musicians, classical wedding ensembles and wedding djs usually have a large musical repertoire enabling them to vary their performance. Depending on the reception, combining one or more of these performers will enhance the diversity of your music selections.
Using Live Music – Finding The Right Band
Live bands and orchestras can perform the type of music that gives a rich and vibrant feel to your reception. Deciding which type of live performer depends on the style of your reception. Some of your options are:
- Jazz bands, dance bands or orchestras that play the "great standards" offer a sophisticated feel to your event.
- A few refreshing margaritas and a mariachi band will set the stage for a laid-back outdoor wedding reception.
- Getting your guests up and dancing is a snap when you use rock and roll bands, Motown bands or top 40 bands.
- Create a down home feel with country music bands.
- Set the mood for an elegant affair with string quartets or solo wedding musicians.
- Beautiful and popular wedding reception music played by a classical wedding ensemble provides an atmosphere for a charming and gracious reception.
Hiring Live Music
The cost of hiring a wedding band varies. Prices are determined by how many musicians are used, type of music played, length of performance and travel distance to the wedding reception location. When hiring live performers it is important to have a written contract with specific details such as:
- Start time
- Break and finish times
- Equipment needs
- Emergency or no-show contingencies
- Fees
The contract should contain any information you feel is important in communicating your needs and wants as well as the needs of the performer(s). Do not be afraid to ask questions about the contract.
Wedding DJs
If you don't want a live band then you may want to consider a wedding disc jockey (dj). A wedding dj can furnish any type of music for a wedding reception. Whether you want to play a particular style or era of music, or if you want a wide range of dance selections, by using a wedding dj you can customize your wedding reception dance music. Disc jockeys can coordinate the wedding music, emcee the reception, and even incorporate karaoke wedding music for the guests' involvement and participation. A wedding dj will often introduce and invite the bride and groom for the "first dance", as well as introduction of other important songs. Some popular wedding reception music lists include the following songs:
- It had to be you – Harry Connick jr
- Stand by me – B E King
- Wonderful tonight – Eric Clapton
- Everything I Do – Bryan Adams
- Lets stay together – Al Green
Hiring A Wedding DJ
Use the same contract suggestions for live music when hiring a wedding dj. Before hiring a wedding dj, ask friends, family and co-workers about their experiences. Interview the disc jockey; ask for references and view videos of their performances if possible. Discuss you needs and wants and their style before signing a contract.Without music life would be a mistake (Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche) and so would your wedding reception. Lets get this party started with music to dance the night away.
Wedding and Party Network is a great place to find all your wedding music needs.
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