Music Considerations
Music can make or break your event. So here are some considerations before you book.
Every location has advantages and disadvantages.
Acoustics are different at each venue, test the music out by playing different selections at yours [or at least make sure your band or dj will]
Many religious venues have strict rules about the type of music allowed; some won’t even allow recorded music. For outdoor locations or public areas, you may have city restrictions. Check early with your venue and find out if there are restrictions.
Make sure the band/DJ knows about your venue and if they haven’t played there yet, have them visit it to scope it out. Dead silence because the power went out kills the fun.
Musicians charge big fees for having to take their equipment up a flight of stairs or to remote, hard-to-get areas. Be aware of what’s involved in providing music at your wedding location. Find the cost of getting equipment you’ll need before you sign for that location.
You should always have a written script for your wedding music program and everyone should have it.
Don’t coordinate the music yourselves on your wedding day.
Do You Hire a Band or a DJ?
DJ: Digital sound, provides live entertainment and interacts with guests, all music available, sound levels easily adjusted, continuous, break-free music, minimal space needed, great sound system, trained MC
Cost: $300 +
Live Band: Brilliant live sound, elegant, can learn special material, limited variety of styles, takes rest breaks, requires more space
Cost: $1500+
Tips
Watch out for unknown or new companies promising the moon for very low fees; they are most likely low quality, illegally copied music tracks, or musicians who have never played at a wedding before
Also watch out for super pushy companies that pressure you into signing a contract.
If the band or DJ has never worked at your venue before, request they check the acoustics and find out in advance what equipment they will need; make sure they agree to this, in writing, before putting a deposit
Keep a note of song ideas you might want
Keep in touch with them from time to time
Confirm they visited the venue and cleared any acoustic and equipment issues
Confirm they have sheet music and learned any special songs
Confirm DJ has music of any specific songs you need
Write your final timeline with music
