Reception Music
Whether you opt for a live band, deejay, or your own iPod, your reception music will set the tone for the party. Your budget may determine which of these options you choose. Live bands are often the most expensive choice, and doing it yourself with an iPod and a pair of speakers is often the most economical, but there are issues to watch for with each option.
Finding a Band or Deejay
First, ask a friend or coworker whether she knows of a band or deejay or has seen either at a recent event. That's always a good way to find someone with ability and dependability. Deejays and bands advertise in the Yellow Pages, the newspaper, a local weekly shopper, on online bulletin boards, and on traditional posting boards at local businesses.
Essential
WeDJ.com is a useful resource for finding a deejay for your wedding. Simply click on your state and county, and you'll find lists of deejays in your area. The site lets you easily contact deejays and set up arrangements.
Deejays are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of musical tastes and requests. Live bands tend to be less flexible, but they can specialize in everything from oldies covers to swing tunes.
Plan on making a number of calls and talking to several bands or deejays to find one that can meet your musical needs and fit your budget. At each interview, first make sure the band or deejay is available on your date, then ask how soon you need to commit.
Ask whether you will be charged by the job or by the hour.If you are charged one flat fee, ask how many hours the band or deejay will be available for you. Find out whether the time frame you are quoted includes setup and cleanup.
Essential
Some couples choose to have the deejay act as master of ceremonies and announce them and their wedding party as they join the reception. If this is what you want, arrange it ahead of time. Give the deejay a list of the names and let him know how they're pronounced.
Finally, make sure the band or deejay's style fits your own. Request a musical collection list.
When you are ready to sign a contract, make sure there is a provision for what will happen if the band or deejay cannot make your event. Preferably, they will be able to guarantee that another band or deejay of similar ability will be at your event on time.
A Personal Touch
In Kylie and Sean's case, one deejay seemed particularly well suited to the job. The more they thought about the music, the more they knew they needed someone special. They wanted to honor their parents and grandparents, and they decided to do it with music.
This deejay said he would play Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, and the music that was popular when the couple's parents and grandparents were married. “Even though he was young, he knew all about the musical choices I wanted played for my parents and grandparents to dance to,” said Kylie. “He'd played them for other events with older people. Yet he had some suggestions for modern music for us and guests our age. It felt like a match.”
Alert
Give your band or deejay one list of must-play songs and a second list of songs they must not play under any circumstances. You'll hear your favorite tunes and the band or deejay will get a sense for the type of music you like and will be able to play similar music throughout the reception.
A Jazz Band
Lynn and John decided from the moment they started planning that they would be spending a big portion of their wedding budget on the reception. “We want a big dinner party for our friends,” said Lynn. “John and I love jazz and go to clubs often.”
One night they went to a club and listened to their favorite group. John approached the musicians on break and asked whether they performed at weddings. He was given the name of their agent and contacted him.
“We were rather shocked at the price, but I talked with John and we agreed they were the group we wanted. We'll have them for fewer hours than a deejay, but it's worth the expense. After all, it's for our wedding day!”
An iPod Wedding
One bride decided she'd use her iPod and speakers for music at her reception after talking with other recent brides about their experiences using deejays.
“I heard a few horror stories about deejays arriving late, demanding extra money, that sort of thing. But even the good ones wouldn't be careful about their selections. If a certain song is ‘our song’ and the correct version isn't brought to the reception, it's a disappointment. Besides, my fiancé really got into this aspect of the wedding. He worked on the music for months and made it so special for us. Our guests got a kick out of the high-tech aspect and we saved money, too!”
Alert
Make sure your iPod battery is fully charged before you get to the reception, and plug it in once you get there. Have a Plan B readily available in case your iPod fails you for any reason.
Hooking the iPod up to speakers at the reception is easy even for people not technically inclined, although there are a few caveats. Make sure your reception venue is set up to handle an iPod wedding. You may have to rent speakers that will work in the size of your venue.
You can program your iPod ahead of time, but put a trusted friend or relative in charge of it. He can switch the music if the dance floor is too empty and prevent over enthusiastic guests from making unauthorized musical changes.
