Entertainment
You'll need to entertain your guests before, during, and after the ceremony with music. You may hire separate musicians for the ceremony, the cocktail hour, and the reception, or you may call on the same group to do double (or triple) duty somewhere. You may want to also consider other forms of entertainment like dancers, cigar rollers, caricature artists, and beyond!
Music for the CeremonyAre you looking for a soloist, an organist, a string quartet, a guitarist? If you are having a religious wedding, check with your religious officiant first to make sure that the music your daughter wants is allowed. Some religions demand that the music during marriage ceremonies be religious; others allow secular music as long as it meets certain criteria.
Next, you'll need to track down the perfect performers. If your daughter loves organ music and your church already has an organist, your job is fairly easy. However, if she's looking for a topnotch soprano or a professional string quartet for the ceremony, try contacting a music talent agency that represents bands and musicians.
Reception MusicFor most brides and grooms (and MOBs), the question of the reception music comes down to two choices: a band or a DJ. Some people find that they have a strong preference from the get-go, and would never consider the alternative, while other folks really try to weigh the pros and cons of each.
Even if someone gives you the name of the best band or DJ in town, it's important for you to hear them before you sign a contract with them. Picture the guests who will be at your reception and ask yourself if they will enjoy the type of music you're listening to. How does the band leader or DJ handle his emcee responsibilities? Is he dignified enough for your crowd of friends and relatives? What about his apparel (and that of the band)?
Of course, if you like what you hear, but the playlist isn't quite perfect for your daughter's wedding, there's a chance that the band or DJ has an entirely different set that is appropriate for other occasions.
If you're almost won over, take the time to schedule an interview and discuss other options. A good band (or DJ) is not always easy to find, and since the best guys are booked more than a year in advance, this is not a task you want to leave unfinished for too long.
Generally speaking, a live band is always going to be more expensive than a DJ. DJs are completely acceptable at a formal reception, and it is not unreasonable to ask that your DJ be appropriately dressed (and that it be put in writing).
Weddings are becoming more like major productions. A wedding is not the ceremony followed by food and cake anymore. Brides are opting for more pizzazz at their reception and wanting more than just music to entertain. Other popular options include:
Asking your photographer to set up a photo or video booth to salute the bride and the groom
Asking your wedding planner or caterer to set up a candy bar
Bringing in cultural dancers to represent your culture or his family's heritage
Setting up a lounge area for guests to smoke cigars
Creating a tea-tasting station that represents the teas of the world that the bride and groom love
The options are truly endless, as every couple is unique. Ask your daughter and her groom about what their favorite hobbies are and try to incorporate them into the reception.
