Making Beautiful Music Together at Your Wedding

Whether you are having music played at your ceremony, reception, or both, you will need to coordinate musicians and/or DJs to make sure that the music is what you want to set the mood.  The right music can help create the right atmosphere to make both you and the guests happy.  Here are some tips to keep the music flowing:

Tip #1:  Musicians and DJs get booked months to years in advance.  Start shopping around for your musicians right after you have your date and venue selected.

Tip #2:  Listen to the performances.  Find out where the musicians or DJs will be playing next.  This will allow you to get an idea of their style to see if they will fit into the vision for your wedding.  If you cannot see a band perform, make sure you ask for a demo tape.

Tip #3:  Make a list of what you want – and don’t want.  Some brides and grooms have specific taste, and if a band or DJ does not know what not to play you could end up with your most hated song playing in the middle of your reception. Also, not every professional carries or knows every song, so by giving the band or DJ your list of special requests can ensure those songs will be available.

Tip #4:  Know times, dates, and length of service.  The musicians and DJ will need to know how long they will be needed and when they can take breaks.  Also, find out how much it will cost if the band or DJ is required for more than the agreed upon performance time.

Tip #5:  Make sure you get a receipt or signed contract for the services you require.  This contract ensures you will get what you want or that you have the right to take legal action if the professionals do not provide certain services. 

Tip #6:  Confirm your music requests with your ceremony and reception sites.  Some places have specific restrictions on types of music allowed.  Other sites may not have the capabilities for the lighting or sound your music professional may need.

Tip #7:  Call and confirm your booking before the wedding.  This way you will confirm that the band or DJ will show up and make arrangements if it seems that they will not appear.

Tip #8:  Provide the musicians or DJ a map to the wedding site along with important contact numbers in case they get lost or are running late.

Tip #9:  Make sure there is enough room for the band or DJ to perform and for people to enjoy the music.  If you want dancing at your wedding, make sure there is room for the band and all the dancers on the dance floor.