When you are looking to hire live music entertainment for your wedding reception, there are numerous choices at hand.
Let's step back a bit to decide what constitutes live music.
Here's the general list:
1) bands (various genres and mixtures of music)
2) string ensembles
3) jazz ensembles
Sure they are other types of live music, but the above list made up over 80% of our bookings last year.
It really depends upon what type of reception you wish to have. Some prefer a more classical
environment where usually string musicians perform while others want a more livelier affair.
For this article, we will discuss the key points in hiring any live music. We are assuming you know the type of live music you want.
1) If possible, go to a live performance.
Unless you receive a live recording, most mp3 recordings and other samples are usually studio
based. When attending a live event, watch the group's mannerisms, stage persona, and interaction with the audience. You won't have to worry about this with classical ensembles because they are mostly instrumental.
The best event to view a band is at another wedding. This may prove difficult if you aren't in the
wedding party or an invited guest.
When viewing a band at non-wedding event, take careful note of the band's sound as well as
professionalism.
2) Get all your questions answered.
Ask lots of questions!
When you have questions, don't hesitate to ask and make sure you get a complete answer. This is key to booking any act.
The more formal your reception is, the more questions you will have. If want to have the traditional wedding reception with formal introductions, toasts, and dances, provide the band/ensemble with the necessary details.
3) Make sure you know how much space the band will need.
Not a good scene when a 7 piece band shows up and there is only space available for 5 members or less.
Find out the maximum amount of space allowed for the musicians. Some bands still may be
able to downsize without sacrificing sound to meet your needs.
Oh, and don't forget the sound techicians. There should be a section for them as well.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
7 Questions You Need Answered Before Booking Your Wedding DJ
Your wedding day is fast approaching. Even if it's a year from now or later it comes faster than you realize.
It is also one of the most important and memorable days of your life.
As you lay out the plans for your wedding such as guests list, catering, photographers, floral arrangements, venue, etc., don't forget how the much the music is part of your wedding.
Generally, there are 2 musical types of weddings:
1) Live Music
a) bands (all types of genres)
b) ensembles such as duos trios, quartets, etc
c) solo musicians
2) DJs
We are only going to focus on DJs for this article.
Remember, this is YOUR wedding!! The type of DJ you choose should reflect first of all your individual musical tastes, but don't forget the guests. Your guests interests are important as well, especially if you want a "hopping" event
Let's get to the nuts and bolts!
1.) What type of DJ to choose?
For most weddings, we divide DJs into 2 types: Generalists and Specialists.
* Generalists
These DJs play a wide variety of music, ranging from classical to country to hip hop. They should be able to provide you enough music when you have guests with wide age ranges.
The danger here is a group may decide it's time to leave when certain genre is played too long.
So may sure your DJ mixes it up.
* Specialists
Plays one or two types of music. They should have very deep knowledge of the genre of music you require.
2) What kind of personality you want in a DJ?
DJs come in varying forms of personalities.
Do you wish to have an outgoing DJ who can:
* emcee (mc) your event
* get the guest dancing
* interact and instruct the guests on dance routines on many of the line dances
-or-
* just play music from a list you prepared and provide a more laid back atmosphere
3) How much do you want to spend?
A side note: As the economy slows more weddings are having the DJ provide music for the ceremony as well as reception.
The price for a DJ varies upon the geographical area where you are having the event.
Other factors to consider are:
* Do they charge for consultation
* Do you want them become wedding planners
* What other services do they provide for an additional fee:
- karaoke
- lighting
- special effects such as fog machines
Caveat: If you intend to go the cheaper route, meaning well below market price, you may risk the danger of cancellation where DJ finds a higher paying gig.
4) What references to request?
There lots of reference sources. Most experienced DJs will have references from numerous people, such as:
* wedding brides and grooms
* wedding planners
* agencies
* other wedding professionals such as florists, caterers, photographers
Make sure they are not from what may appear to be mostly friends and relatives.
5) What samples are valid?
There have been DJs who have sent audio of their studio work. Others have sent club audio/video. Neither will suffice for a wedding.
The best samples are those which have the DJ in action and also show the satisfaction of the guests, bride and groom.
Sometimes the best DJ is one where you have seen his or her performance at another wedding.
6) Does the DJ have a feel for what you want?
Can he provide the goods you feel is necessary for a successful event? Does he offer constructive input?
By this time, you should have a feel for what type of wedding you are going to have. Is this DJ a match for your wedding?
7) Should You Meet the DJ in person?
If possible, yes. This is where you get a feel for his organization skills, mannerisms, and people skills.
It could be the DJ is too hyper or too laid back for your type of wedding. An over the top DJ is just as bad as a dull DJ.
There are many other factors such as licensing, insurance, contracts, etc to understand. If you are able to answer the above questions to your satisfaction, then you are on your way to a successful wedding.
It is also one of the most important and memorable days of your life.
As you lay out the plans for your wedding such as guests list, catering, photographers, floral arrangements, venue, etc., don't forget how the much the music is part of your wedding.
Generally, there are 2 musical types of weddings:
1) Live Music
a) bands (all types of genres)
b) ensembles such as duos trios, quartets, etc
c) solo musicians
2) DJs
We are only going to focus on DJs for this article.
Remember, this is YOUR wedding!! The type of DJ you choose should reflect first of all your individual musical tastes, but don't forget the guests. Your guests interests are important as well, especially if you want a "hopping" event
Let's get to the nuts and bolts!
1.) What type of DJ to choose?
For most weddings, we divide DJs into 2 types: Generalists and Specialists.
* Generalists
These DJs play a wide variety of music, ranging from classical to country to hip hop. They should be able to provide you enough music when you have guests with wide age ranges.
The danger here is a group may decide it's time to leave when certain genre is played too long.
So may sure your DJ mixes it up.
* Specialists
Plays one or two types of music. They should have very deep knowledge of the genre of music you require.
2) What kind of personality you want in a DJ?
DJs come in varying forms of personalities.
Do you wish to have an outgoing DJ who can:
* emcee (mc) your event
* get the guest dancing
* interact and instruct the guests on dance routines on many of the line dances
-or-
* just play music from a list you prepared and provide a more laid back atmosphere
3) How much do you want to spend?
A side note: As the economy slows more weddings are having the DJ provide music for the ceremony as well as reception.
The price for a DJ varies upon the geographical area where you are having the event.
Other factors to consider are:
* Do they charge for consultation
* Do you want them become wedding planners
* What other services do they provide for an additional fee:
- karaoke
- lighting
- special effects such as fog machines
Caveat: If you intend to go the cheaper route, meaning well below market price, you may risk the danger of cancellation where DJ finds a higher paying gig.
4) What references to request?
There lots of reference sources. Most experienced DJs will have references from numerous people, such as:
* wedding brides and grooms
* wedding planners
* agencies
* other wedding professionals such as florists, caterers, photographers
Make sure they are not from what may appear to be mostly friends and relatives.
5) What samples are valid?
There have been DJs who have sent audio of their studio work. Others have sent club audio/video. Neither will suffice for a wedding.
The best samples are those which have the DJ in action and also show the satisfaction of the guests, bride and groom.
Sometimes the best DJ is one where you have seen his or her performance at another wedding.
6) Does the DJ have a feel for what you want?
Can he provide the goods you feel is necessary for a successful event? Does he offer constructive input?
By this time, you should have a feel for what type of wedding you are going to have. Is this DJ a match for your wedding?
7) Should You Meet the DJ in person?
If possible, yes. This is where you get a feel for his organization skills, mannerisms, and people skills.
It could be the DJ is too hyper or too laid back for your type of wedding. An over the top DJ is just as bad as a dull DJ.
There are many other factors such as licensing, insurance, contracts, etc to understand. If you are able to answer the above questions to your satisfaction, then you are on your way to a successful wedding.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
