Halifax Wedding - Entertainment

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Halifax Wedding - Entertainment

Topic: Bands, DJ's, etc. Music for the Reception

Timeframe: ASAP

While things like food and flowers enjoy a universal appeal, the choice of entertainment for your wedding reception often must satisfy diverse tastes. Weddings typically involve a mixed audience of young and old, and so you may want entertainment that will cater to both.

Options

Reception entertainment options include DJs, bands, orchestras, violinists, and polka bands. Many couples will use a combination of entertainers at their reception. Cocktail hours require livelier background music, while dinner calls for quieter selections. Dance music should be a mixture that calls everyone from their seats at one time or another. You may start with a strolling violinist, pianist or string quartet for cocktail hour, followed by a band or DJ for dinner and the remainder of the evening. The band may play recorded music during break times. If you are having your ceremony and reception at the same facility, many entertainers can supply the music for both events.

Booking Entertainment

You should begin looking for entertainment as soon as you have your reception facility booked. Many bands and DJs book more than one year in advance. Start by asking friends for references. Another source of entertainers is a booking agency. They will be able to show you hundreds of acts on videotape. This is very convenient and can save you a lot of time. Most booking agencies do not charge a commission; they earn their fee directly from the musicians they represent.

Live Band

If you are considering live entertainment, think about the style of music you and your guests will enjoy. Aside from delivering a great deal of energy and elegance to an event, live music is also visually stimulating.

When considering a band, review its play list. Look for a band that can play a variety of music that will fit into your style of reception. Many bands will play a mixture of Top 40, rock, oldies, polkas, etc. Others may play big band selections, show tunes, waltzes, fox trots, Latin rhythms and ballads. Inquire about their policy on learning new songs at your request. Live bands have the ability to alter songs to suit the flow of the event and create medleys of songs to build excitement on the dance floor.

When selecting a band, success of your event depends on the following:

• Proper event planning by your entertainment consultant

• Talent and experience of both the producer and key members of the band

• Skill of the bandleader–Your band leader wil be the Master of Ceremonies and will need to be an expert at song selection, volume management, and pacing of events

• Extensive repertoire–The band will need to be prepared to entertain all of your guests

Bands may have anywhere from 3 to 12 members. A large area may need more musicians for the music to be heard by everyone, but this will depend on the acoustics, the individual band, and the area available for them to set up.

Professional musician's rates will vary. Most bands book for a 4 hour minumum, which will include 2 -3 breaks in that time period. Overtime can be purchased in advance or on site, according to your contract. Be certain that you understand what the band's price includes as far as playing time verses break time, and what an overtime rate would be.

When signing a contract with a band or booking agent, follow the guidelines as listed in Contract Information.

DJ

A DJ is an ideal solution for people who want to hear original artist's recordings. The DJ can also act as an emcee and coordinator—either by addressing the reception directly, or more subtly by pacing the activities through the selection of music. The job of emcee requires a strong personality and some homework.

Etiquette Tip:

Assign a friend or relative to make the DJ aware of any last minute changes in the wedding party due to illness or other emergency. Also, provid

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