

The reception is one of the most important parts of your special wedding day. It’s where you are introduced for the first time as an official married couple and friends and relatives get to celebrate that time with you. The music is of course very important in setting the right mood for that celebration.
Following are some pointers from our experience and from Wedding Planning For Dummies
Here are some of the top things to consider:
1. Put thought into the style of music that you want and make sure that the band fits that. Don’t hire a jazz band when you really want ZZ Top and don’t expect a rock band to play a good version of “Fly Me To The Moon”.
Typically music is soothing during dinner and picks up after. Find out if the band can play the type of dance music that you’ll need later or if you’ll also need a DJ.
2. Great bands are in demand. Don’t wait to the last minute to contact and interview bands. Typically we book weddings three months in advance and in many cases longer.
3. Check with the venue to find out if there are any special requirements concerning the music. Some venues prohibit electronic instruments and others have limitations on the volume of the music. Speak with the venue representative and speak with your band leader to insure that all bases are covered. Also plan with the representative where would be best to have the band perform if this isn’t obvious, as in the case of a stage.
4. Get a song list from the band that you are hiring and select which you’d like for your reception. Check with the band leader to see how accommodating they are in regards to performing special songs that aren’t on their list and if there is any additional fee for doing so. You’ll need about 50 songs for a 4 hour reception.
5. Determine if you will need a MC for your reception and if the band leader can provide that service and if there is any additonal fee. You may be able to save money if a relative or friend performs this function.
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