So you finally set the date for the big event – your wedding. You remember that the last wedding you
attended had live music at the ceremony, for dinner & cocktails and for dance music at the reception.
Upon arrival, you knew right away that something special was happening. There was electricity in the air.
Live music has that effect on people. It’s the intangible that ties all the senses together. Now it’s your turn
to stage a wedding and, without question, you have decided to include live music. You want to show your
guests that you have stepped up to the plate and made a conscious decision to make your wedding day
unforgettable.
Ceremony and Dinner & Cocktail Music
Once your wedding date has been booked, it’s never too early to begin looking for performers that will
create the appropriate mood for your special day. Like other event vendors, the good ones get booked
early – some over a year in advance.
For the ceremony and dinner & cocktail music, you want musicians whose volume is just below the level
of conversation. You don’t want rock stars, you want ambiance! You must decide the following:
- Do you want strictly instrumental music, or music with some light vocals?
- Do you want popular, jazz or classical music played – or a combination?
Dance Music
Once your guests have been welcomed and have been fed, it’s time to party! This is “make or break” time
for your wedding reception. The right band will create memories. The wrong band will send everybody
home early. Assuming you did your homework as previously recommended, here are the factors to
consider when choosing a dance band:
- Music Type: Do you want rock, big band, Motown, country, ethnic, hip hop or a band that plays a variety?
- Size of Band: There’s no secret here that the larger the band, the greater the expense. However, due to
technological advances such as digital sequencing and sampling bands can now create a full sound –
such as horn, string and percussion parts — with only a minimal amount of performers. - Specifics: Do you want a female and/or male lead singer? Do you want lots of guitars, horns or strings?
Or do you want accordions and button boxes? Do you want the band to be entertaining, i.e. interacting
with your guests? Or do you want the atmosphere more restrained? - Logistics: Your options can be limited due to size and shape of the venue’s dance floor and stage area, volume limitations, storage space for the band’s equipment, electrical outlets and the venue’s closing time.
- Outdoor events pose even more variables, especially extreme weather conditions.
Wedding Festivities
Another important criteria in choosing the right band for your wedding reception is their ability to conduct
the wedding festivities, which includes – but is not limited to – announcing of the wedding party, toasts,
cutting of the cake, the first dance, the throwing of the bouquet & garter, father-daughter dance and other
master-of-ceremony duties. As previously recommended, before booking your band, ask if you can see a
video of them conducting the wedding festivities at a wedding; or ask if you can visit an upcoming
wedding reception in which they are playing. This requires permission from the bride and groom. This is a
very common request.
Conclusion
Percentagewise, live music makes up only a fraction of what a wedding costs. However, it’s the one
variable that ties everything together to make an event truly memorable. Five years after your wedding,
your guests won’t remember the ice sculptures, the video presentation or favors. What they will remember
is the ambiance, spontaneity and memories that live music creates. That they had a great time! That it
was fun and lively. Nothing has the impact of live music!
About The Author: Rick Iacoboni is an acoustic guitarist who has performed instrumental
background music at more than 2,000 events. Learn more: Domair.net.
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the express written permission of Rick Iacoboni is prohibited.