The music you use for your ceremony and reception creates
the atmosphere. Using special songs
will make
your wedding uniquely
your own. The music should be determined by you and your groom, keeping in mind the type of guests attending, your budget,
and any ceremony or reception
site restrictions.
Normally there are two types of music played, a softer more romantic music for the ceremony and entertaining or dancing music for the reception. In some cases the same musicians
may play for both types. This is more common if the wedding and the reception are held at the same place. An alternative is to have one set of musicians /organist
or soloist for the ceremony
and another group to play for the reception.
Ceremony Music:
Before you make any definite music arrangements, you should
check with the church or synagogue
to see what restrictions they may have.
The music should
start about a half-hour
before the ceremony begins, usually
instrumentals to set the mood.
Just after the mother of the bride is seated,
a solo is sung to let the guests
know the processional is about to start.
The processional will begin with an instrumental or sometimes a solo that has a good beat.
Once the attendants reach the altar,
the music, which announces
the bride, is played, commanding everyone’s
attention as you’re
escorted down the aisle.
One or two songs may be played
during the ceremony; any more would be too many.
Finally there is the recessional, which
should be more upbeat and have a slightly quicker
temp.
Reception Music:
The reception music can be of a variety
of types depending on the mood you want to set at particular times. You may want something
a little softer for the first hour during
the receiving line or cocktails
and then have the tempo pick up as the evening
goes on. The types of musicians you may have range from an individual such as a pianist
to a small combo of mixed instruments to a larger orchestra of 8 to 20 people.
Locating musicians:
Music can add or distract
from the success
of your wedding
and reception so select your musicians carefully. Ask friends,
relatives, caterers, and wedding consultants or look through
the local yellow
pages to locate
your musicians. If your reception will be held in a hotel or restaurant, the manager
may be helpful in your selection. Use spreadsheet “Music Estimates” and “ Questions To Ask Bands or DJ’s” found at the end of this section
to record your comparisons and to ask the proper questions. Make sure to interview a few groups before making a final decision.
Ask to hear them play at one of their events or view one of their videos
if possible. Select musicians
that can play a variety
of music. Discuss
the fee, how many hours they will play,
how many and how long their breaks will be, and what they will wear.
Check to see if they have recorded
music, which can be played
during the breaks.
Also, make sure there are enough electrical outlets
for their needs.
Make your musical
arrangements as far in advance
as possible. It’s a good idea to make a list of songs you would like played
and give it to the bandleader. Review
spreadsheets “Music for the Ceremony and Music for the Reception” to come up with a list of songs. Try to have a good mix of fast and slow songs. The bandleader may be able to help you arrange
and select the appropriate songs.
Also, go over the timing of the important
announcements, grand entrance,
first dance, cutting
the cake, and throwing the bouquet
and garter.
Give the musicians
a deposit to secure the date and get everything agreed upon in a written contract.
Recorded Music:
Recorded music is becoming more popular due to the equipment
and the people operating it becoming more professional. Recorded music is about half the price of live music.
It will provide
continual music and the space requirements are minimal.
In addition, it provides for a wide variety of music.
Use spreadsheets “Ceremony Music Information Sheet” and “Reception Music Information Sheet” to record your musicians
and selections for the ceremony and the reception. Photocopy these and give to all pertinent parties.
Items to include in Band’s contract:
Q Date and time of reception.
Q Address of reception site.
Q
Contact name for bandleader to contact if there is a problem.
Q
Where and when musicians will dine and any special
storing needs of the band.
Q Names of all musicians including the bandleader.
Q If bandleader will be emcee and his/her responsibilities.
Q Number
and types of instruments, number of hours the band will play, frequency and duration of breaks.
Q
Payment schedule (deposit, balances, and due dates).
Q Overtime
rates and person authorized to request overtime.
Q Method of payments.
Items to include in the DJ’s contract:
Q Day, date and time of reception.
Q Address of Site.
Q Contact name: a person the DJ can call with questions
before the wedding
day and speak to directly before and during the reception.
Q
If a meal is included
(this is a standard
practice) where and when the DJ will dine.
Q
What time he or she can set up equipment.
Q Equipment
DJ will use (specifications of the sound system,
whether a one or two turntable/CD-player set-up).
Q Song list or music guidelines.
Q If DJ is expected
to act as emcee, include
responsibilities.
Q The schedule
for the evening.
Tips to avoid rip-offs:
·
Always get a contract
that specifies the date, the location, time the band or disc jockey
(DJ) should arrive, the number of hours they will play, the number
of breaks, the cost and any overtime
charges.
·
List the names of the individual band members
and specify the appropriate attire.
·
Deal with the agent or bandleader. Specify all the names of the musicians you want to play or sing in the contract
stating they will appear in person on that date.
·
Check in with the band periodically especially if you booked them months
in advance to ensure the band is still
together or to discuss
any musicians changes.
Money Saving Tips:
·
Hire a professional DJ instead of a band or have a friend be the DJ using taped music.
·
Opt for a band with fewer musicians
or hire a single performer.
·
Have the musicians
only play for a couple of hours.
·
Purchase pre-recorded music for the ceremony.
·
Ask a friend or relative to sing or play at the ceremony
or reception.
Ideas:
·
Make a list of your favorite
love songs or ballets that could be used in your wedding
and reception.
·
Make a CD of your favorite love songs and give to guests as favors.
Number of hours
needed:
Ceremony:
Reception:
Choice #_
Music for:
Ceremony Q Reception Q
Agent/contact:_
Phone:
Number of Musicians:_
Rate
per hour:
Overtime
rate:
Number of Breaks:
Length of Breaks:
Audition
Date:
Time:_
Location:
Comments:_
Choice #_
Music for:
Ceremony Q Reception Q
Agent/contact:_
Phone:
Number of Musicians:_
Rate
per hour:
Overtime
rate:
Number of Breaks:
Length of Breaks:
Audition
Date:
Time:_
Location:
Comments:_
Choice #_
Music for:
Ceremony Q Reception Q
Agent/contact:_
Phone:
Number of Musicians:_
Rate
per hour:
Overtime
rate:
Number of Breaks:
Length of Breaks:
Audition
Date:
Time:_
Location:
Comments:_
Choice #_
Music for:
Ceremony Q Reception Q
Agent/contact:_
Phone:
Number of Musicians:_
Rate
per hour:
Overtime
rate:
Number of Breaks:
Length of Breaks:
Audition
Date:
Time:_
Location:
Comments:_
Choice #_
Music for:
Ceremony Q Reception Q
Agent/contact:_
Phone:
Number of Musicians:_
Rate
per hour:
Overtime
rate:
Number of Breaks:
Length of Breaks:
Audition
Date:
Time:_
Location:
Comments:_
Q What types or variety of
music do you play?
Q What is your experience playing for wedding receptions?
Q Are you
insured?
Q
Do
you have an
upcoming event that I can attend
or have a recording of your band or show that I can listen
to?
Q How many hours could you
play?
Q How many
breaks will you take
and for how long? Is there a tape or something that can continue the music while you are taking
your breaks?
Q Will you learn or play particular songs that we will
request in advance?
Q Can you handle last-minute requests from our guests?
Q Will the DJ or bandleader act as emcee?
Q What will the DJ or musicians wear?
Q How many electrical outlets will you be needing?
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