How To by Jennifer Crone
Your last unmarried walk down the aisle, your first dance as husband and wife…the music at your wedding is important. But who to choose? Here’s How:
Just like your dress and decor, you want to choose music that goes with your venue. There is more to choose from than a classical band or a dance DJ. You can choose from celtic, jazz, performance, latin, the list goes on. Even still, you don’t have to choose between a DJ or a band anymore. Some musicians incorporate them together, switching off between the two. For example, if you’re having a multicultural wedding and want mostly American music but would like to include some Indian songs, a band with a DJ (or DJ capabilities) will be able to play both–without butchering the classic Indian songs.
- Elan Artist’s Bon Musique
Many music companies work like brokers and have, for example, strings for your ceremony, a jazz trio for your cocktail hour, and a DJ for your reception–and all under one contract! This route is the way to go if you want variety for your wedding as opposed to hiring out different musicians. One contract is easier to manage, especially if you don’t have a planner, and likely with a company like this you will have one point of contact for all of your musicians instead of multiple.
Many bands in metropolitan areas often play in bars or clubs. Go see them! If they don’t perform regularly, schedule a meeting with them and view videos of them playing or request a DVD. It’s important you and your fiance get a good vibe from the band or DJ before you book them. Think about what’s important for you and your guests. Will everyone want to dance? Would you prefer your band to play mellow background style music?
- Tip: After choosing and signing with your band give them a list of songs you definitely DON’T want to hear at your wedding. This is just as important, if not more important, than the list of songs you love. If I were at my wedding and my band played “Crazy” by Gnarles Barkley, I myself would go crazy as I really don’t like that song. Think about it.
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