Most reception entertainment consists of a live band or a disc jockey and should be reserved about eight months in advance of the wedding. The music at your reception is a key element in its success. Select appropriate music that appeals to all ages for a truly successful musical plan. Additionally, include music and dances from your family's ethnic heritage to liven up your reception.

Before interviewing musical entertainment, discuss the following items with your location manager. It would be heartbreaking for you to shell out thousands of dollars on a band to discover that your venue is located in a residential area and amplified music is not allowed, or that your rural locale has no power. Additionally, visit the site with your band or DJ before making any formal commitment. Consider these questions:

Can the reception site accommodate your band or DJ?

Is there enough electrical power? Outlets? Space?

How are the acoustics?

Are there restrictions on amplified sound or a noise curfew at the venue?

Live Versus Recorded

You will hear many arguments about why a disc jockey is better than a band or visa versa. Ultimately it comes down to your preference for prerecorded music versus live music. Bands look impressive up on the stage and have traditionally been considered to be more formal. However, bands are considerably more expensive, and many couples want to hear their musical selections as they know them, not as a band plays them, so either choice has become perfectly acceptable at a formal wedding. The DJ or bandleader also typically acts as the emcee for the event.

When you are selecting the musical entertainment, you do not have to settle for a loud band or a cheesy DJ that will spoil the mood. Professionals will tailor their repertoire to your needs. Tell the group what you want, and if they cannot do it, look elsewhere. Consider hiring a combination of musicians, such as a strolling violinist for the cocktail hour and throughout dinner, and a DJ for the dancing portion of the evening.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING WHEN HIRING A BAND:

• Do you like the group's sound? (Is it appropriate for your wedding?)

• How good is the band's sound system?

• Is their overall appearance and demeanor positive? (Do band members look happy about what they're doing?)

• Do they have a wide repertoire of material? (Do they balance various styles well? Is there a good mix of fast and slow songs?)

• Would you trust the band leader to serve as master of ceremonies if need be? (Will he or she charge extra for this?)

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING WHEN HIRING A DISC JOCKEY:

• Is the equipment and sound system of good quality?

• Does he have a large musical library?

• Does she mix different sounds and styles well? Is there a good mix of fast and slow songs?

• Would you trust him to serve as master of ceremonies, if need be? (Is there any additional fee?)

Questions to Ask

As with every wedding vendor you hire, interview the musicians carefully and ask for references. Use the following questions when interviewing potential entertainers.

What is the band's specialty/forte?

Does the band specialize in rock and roll, jazz, blues, etc.? Does the DJ specialize in a certain style or sound or genre of music?

How many members are in the band? Does the DJ work alone or have an assistant?

What is your attire for the event?

What equipment do you bring? Do you have a song list that we have to use? Are you willing to learn/find special requests?

What are the fees? How many hours does that include? Is over-time available? At what cost?

How many breaks do you require during a typical four- or five-hour reception? How do you accommodate our musical needs during your breaks?

What are the costs?

Are there any fees not included in the quote?

Is a special sound system or hookup required?

What is the cancellation policy?

What are the payment terms? (Ask about deposit and balance amounts.)

It's a Deal

Some details should never be left to chance, so make sure to get the following stipulations in writing.

• The attire. You don't want to see anyone wearing ripped jeans and gym shorts to a wedding, much less to your formal wedding.

• The arrival time. Make sure that the band or DJ has enough lead time to set up gear before the guests arrive. This is especially important for bands; sound checks don't often make for soothing dinner music.

• The exact cost of the services and everything that price includes. Some bands charge you if they have to add an extra piece of equipment; some DJs charge for special requests. Find out in advance about everything you'll be expected to pay for.

• The band or DJ's knowledge of the exact location of the reception. Sounds elementary? Well, believe it or not, there have actually been instances where the musical talent has shown up at the right hotel, but in the wrong city!

RECEPTION MUSIC WORKSHEET

Reception Music Checklist

When you hire professional musical entertainment, you do not need to direct the musical selections for every moment of the reception. The talent should be able to read the crowd's mood and judge what music would be appropriate based on prior discussions with you. You may want to select special pieces of music for certain events.

Here is a checklist of events that your master of ceremonies (i.e., band leader, disc jockey, or other) and reception site coordinator will discuss with you in regard to the reception. Complete this form to determine the happenings at your reception and include your preferred musical selection for the events. Once you do this, your reception will take shape quickly.