Your wedding reception is a very special event and deserves very special consideration. Think of the music you want as the soundtrack to your vision -- and do so with broad strokes. Given the multiple items on your wedding to do list, you won’t want to be naming every song, in order, to be played at your reception.
Where do I start?
A good place to start is with genres of music. Most couples choose “classic” music, that is to say the swing and pop standards of the American Song Book mixed with modern (but classic!) selections. These can include standards by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé, and Justin Timberlake. As your evening progresses, you might like 50’s/60’s rock ‘n’ roll; 70’s disco or hits from the 90’s into the 2000’s. Just remember, if you want your family and friends to have a good time, it’s important to choose good music!
No matter what style you choose, here is a good rule of thumb: there are only about 50 songs that can be played in a three hour wedding reception. So, again - don’t worry so much about the songs as much as the style you are going for.
What to look for?
Once you have that style (or styles) in mind, you can then search for bands or DJs that appeal to you. While DJs are more versatile than bands, there’s nothing like the experience of live music to excite an evening and keep your guests on the dance floor.
Look for a band that has the ability to sense the feeling of the room -- one that can feel the song or genre which matches the vibe. A key ingredient is knowing how to control the band’s volume in the venue. Too soft and the party never really happens, and too loud and it drives people out of the venue, if they can’t talk and visit with each other.
When should you book entertainment?
That’s somewhat tricky. While it may be tempting to contact a band well in advance (and the best bands do tend to book early), it’s best to have a confirmed date and venue before you reach out. That being said, booking a band about 6 to 9 months out is best.
Will the band make announcements for us?
Absolutely yes. We’re here to help your event run as smoothly as possible. It’s best to provide the announcements you’d like, in advance. Good questions to consider include:
• How would you like to be introduced?
• Would you like the parents of the Bride & Groom introduced?
• How about the wedding party?
• Are there toasts to be made and who will make the toasts?
Other considerations to be addressed:
Will there be announcements for other special moments, such as:
First Dance
Bride & Father Dance
Groom & Mother Dance
Cake Cutting
Bouquet and Garter Toss
Bride & Groom’s Leaving of the Reception
Remember that the band is there to help make a memory that will last a lifetime. It’s not the band’s concert. It’s not the band’s artistic interpretation of what the music should be. It’s not about the band. It’s about YOU!
To start planning your wedding reception with a live band and/or DJ, contact Jimmy Maxwell:
504-236-910
jimmy@jimmymaxwell.com