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By Lei Lydle
Founder and Editor
Last Updated: 2/22/2005 4:44:50 PM |
There are lots of different options for the music for the reception. You could have a small jazz band or a ten-piece orchestra. It is really up to the bride and her budget. You would want to keep this portion of the reception in line with the style of the wedding though. If you are having a small, informal wedding a large ten-piece orchestra might be too much!
Consider Your Budget
You also have to consider your budget here. Although there are many wonderful and affordable bands in town, many bands can be quite expensive. If budget is an issue for you, you may want to consider hiring a DJ who can play a variety of songs and at a lower cost.
Look For Variety
Whoever you choose should be able to play a variety of songs that people of all ages will be familiar with and can dance to. Don't choose your favorite college band that only plays Pearl Jam or Grateful Dead covers - your parents probably won't like that too much.
You should also have a good mix of both fast and slow songs. The best idea is to get a copy of a tape and a song list from the bands or DJs you are considering. Listen to the tapes and check the song lists for variety, etc. I would also ask for references from other brides whose wedding's they have played.
Band Or DJ
For some brides this is a no-brainer - they know up front if they want a band or DJ for their wedding reception. For other brides this can be a tough decision.
I think almost everyone who is unsure initially thinks they probably want a live band. Really good live bands are very fun to dance to and are a must for very large weddings.
Bands may limited in their song lists. Most bands play a variety of songs but they may not know how to play your special song. If this is the case, I suggest you put the song in the contract and then bring a CD to the reception - just in case!
Another drawback to bands is that they tend to take breaks. Some bands take a lot of breaks and others only take one or two. This is something you will want to ask the bands you are interviewing. And generally, bands have other small demands such as the need for dressing rooms and food, etc. These are standard and are really no big deal.
The main drawback to DJs is the lack of live music - obviously. DJs can be a lot of fun though and a lot less expensive if money is a concern.
One of the great things about DJs is that they can play just about anything because everything is on CD. DJs are especially good for small to medium sized weddings.
You will probably want to discuss with your DJ exactly how much you want him to talk in between songs. I went to one wedding in Alabama where the DJ talked more than he played music. He tried to tell jokes, etc. Although he was pretty good and funny, it really wasn't appropriate for a wedding reception.
Finding Entertainment
How do you go about finding an entertainer? Check out our Preferred Professionals and ask everyone you know for suggestions. Bands don't do a lot of advertising except in bridal magazines and then it's hard to know who to call because there are so many ads. In addition, a lot of reception sites have favorite bands that they have worked with and caterers are also a good source of information.
Other options for bands - you could call Georgia State music department or one of the other schools in the area and ask if any students play weddings for extra money. Also, some symphony musicians may play during wedding ceremonies for some extra cash and exposure.
For disc jockeys - you may call the American Disc Jockey Association for a referral in our area. Their number is 215.675.9567.
Money Saving Tips
The best ways to save money on reception music is to hire a DJ or choose a band with fewer musicians or a student band from a local college. And here's a tip: don't get married in December if you want to hire a live band. The competition with corporate holiday events will be high and can cause the price of bands to rise substantially during that time period.
Photo Source: © Swing Studio Photography, Atlanta, Georgia
| Posted by: Melissa from New York, NY on 2/22/2005 4:44:50 PM |
Hi, I'm an out of town bride planning a wedding in the Atlanta-metro area and I'm looking for a fabulous swing band. Any suggestions or recommendations?
Wedding Date: 06/17/06
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