Setting the Music

Contrary to popular opinion – music doesn’t just happen.
Music must be planned. It is an important ingredient
in setting a mood. The good news is that you have
lots of options. You can pick live entertainment high energy
bands, symphonic orchestras, classical trios, disc
jockeys, jukeboxes.
The music played at your wedding ceremony does
not necessarily set the tone for your reception. But
whichever you choose, make sure you have heard the
group play live. Ask for the option of attending a ceremony
and/or reception where the group you are considering
will play.
Where do you find the music you want? You may first
have heard of the group from a friend or relative. It
should be no trouble to “crash” the event to look at and
hear the group under consideration. But be very careful
of this. If you involve strangers, the band may consider
letting others “crash” your wedding.
What are some other issues to consider as you select
the music for your wedding?
What kind of overall look will the musicians under
consideration present to your guests? How do they
look? How will they dress? Can you request/ demand
what you consider proper attire? What condition are
their instruments in? Will they play the music you request
or are they determined to use only their play list?
Most musical groups have CDs or taped recordings.
You need to make sure that what you hear on the
recording is what you get live. Will whoever you hear
be on stage at your event?
Think about how you want the musicians to interact
at the wedding reception. Do you want/mind them mingling
with the guests or will you prefer that they go to a
“ break room”? Have you made arrangements to feed
them if they request it? Do you need to add to your
catering numbers and feed them as if they were a guest
or can you do sandwiches in the break area?
Just because you “ love” a group, consider your reception
guests. If you love “Metallica” and your guests are
more “Frank Sinatra” how will you reconcile prefe rences?
Make sure that the venues you have chosen – for
both ceremony and reception – can physically accommodate
the musical group you have chosen? Think this
through before you sign the contracts involved.
Our experienced consultants can help you with all
the aspects of your wedding ceremony and reception.
No idea what kind of music you want or where to start ?
Come and see us for ideas and recommendations.