Hiring A DJ For the Reception

Though live music is the choice of some couples for their wedding ceremony and wedding reception, there are those who prefer to have a DJ play music for the reception only. This could be a more cost effective alternative without compromising the quality of the music. What should your considerations be when looking for a DJ? Here are some things to think about.

Contract
You should always ask for a written contract. This will ensure you that you have a hold on the DJ should something arise and he does not show up. It is also a preemptive move, ensuring you that he will stick to the arrangements that you have agreed upon. Do not merely take his word – you need written proof.

More so, you need to stipulate everything in the contract. Detail the DJs tasks during the event. Is he going to act as the Master of Ceremonies as well or does he just deal with the music? How long should the DJ and his crew stay? Detail the number of hours. Also do not forget the preparation time. What time are they arriving at the venue? Is there anything they would need for setting up? Usually, it should be included in the contract that they will bring with them everything that they need. Think about all the little details that you want to consider and talk about them and place them in the contract.

Experience
As with live musicians, you should know how much and what kind of experience the DJ has. Take note that the experience should be with weddings particularly and not some other party. Of course, you need to know that he can handle everything during the reception perfectly. This can only be assured if he has a lot of experience under his belt.

Music
No doubt one of the most important considerations you must have is the extent and nature of their music collection. You would have an idea of what kind of music you want played during your reception. You may even have specific songs in mind – even a playlist. Present and go over this with your DJ and see if he can deliver what you want. The last thing you would want to happen is to have sucky music playing during your reception.

These are only some key points to consider. Why not make a list of your own questions and add your own ideas? Happy hunting!

How To Choose Your Musicians

Music is part and parcel of any wedding. For that matter, music is an inherent part of any important ceremony. Since the dawn of man, music has always been part of life. It adds a certain something to any occasion. Think about it, most any special occasion that you go to will have music to accompany it. This is all the more true for a wedding.

That is why couples who are planning their wedding put a lot of consideration into the choosing of the music for their wedding. Yet more than determining what songs will be played during the ceremony and reception, couples nowadays also focus a lot on the musicians. Live music is often more used than canned music for the main reason that it sounds better. Here are some things for you to consider when choosing musicians for your wedding.

Amateurs or professional musicians? This is one question that many couples ask. On the one hand, there are amateurs as talented as professionals who charge very affordable fees. On the other hand, professionals are very much used to this kind of work. One concern is that amateur musicians may not have the same work ethics and level of professionalism yet. They may not be as reliable as the professionals. I am not generalizing but merely giving you a heads up. I guess it all boils down to how well you know the people. If you feel that you can totally trust an amateur musician and that you love his or her work, then go ahead. Of course, if you feel more comfortable with the more seasoned musician, then that is the way you should go.

In the process of choosing a musician (or musicians) for your wedding, one of the first things you should ask for is a demo tape or CD. You should also inquire if it is possible to see them perform live. More than that, ask for references so that you can verify their talent and character.

If you are not dealing directly with the musicians – many of them have agents or representatives – try to arrange a face to face meeting with them as it may help you assess the compatibility of the person or group with you and your partner’s needs and preferences. Last, if you have some idea of what kind of music you want for your wedding already, make sure that the musicians will be able to play it in a way that meets your expectations.

Silly Love Songs

“Some people just can’t get enough of silly love songs” sings Paul McCartney and the Wings and it is definitely true at weddings. The whole event is usually taking place to the soft strains of various love songs specially chosen by the couple to enhance the romantic mood. Usually these love songs have special significance to the bridal couple or are among their favorites.

Admittedly, though, it can get a little sappy. It can be really trying when the song selection includes songs like Olivia Newton John’s “Hopelessly Devoted to You” or the classic “The Nearness of You”. Then again, what can you do? It is the way the bride and groom feel and it is their time so you’ll have to grin and bear it and enjoy dancing with your partner.

On the other hand, you might get lucky and the bride and groom might actually have a wider selection of music prepared, some of which might even have a faster beat and allow dancing. They might actually get you singing and swaying, hopping, jiving and boogieing the night away even if the words are actually expressions of love still - yes, not all love songs are ballads.

One way to avoid getting stuck in the silly love song mode is to help the bride and groom create their playlist. Help them find music that does express how they feel but won’t lull the guests to sleep or drown you all in sappy romantic syrup. There are millions of songs available there is sure to be some that meet your standards.

If you love music you know that the arrangements can be changed to spice up an old song. You still keep the tune and melody true but you make the song unique. This is something that the band that the bride and groom hired can do to make these love songs seem less sticky yet still be wonderful songs everyone will enjoy. This will require however that you give the band advance notice so that they can rehearse and prepare for the change in the music.

Generally, though, people don’t mind the silly love songs. It is nice to know that some of us do indeed find love and fall in love. It seems silly only because we know that sometimes it can be like waiting for the sky to fall and none of us like waiting for the nearly impossible. We all know though that when it happens, there is nothing like it and we too become sappy and happily drown ourselves, and everyone around us in the romantic mood created by these love songs.

Some songs that are great choices to have at a wedding:

• I Only Have Eyes For You
• The Gift by Jim Brickman
• That’s All I Ask of You from the Phantom of The Opera
• The Way You Look Tonight
• What A Wonderful World - Louie Armstrong

The rest of the songs will really vary depending on the particular taste of the bride and groom. We can all just hope that it won’t all be silly love songs.

The Perfect Wedding: Timing And Music

No matter what kind of event, program or party you plan to have, timing is everything. If you want a seemingly flawlessly executed wedding, then you need to get everything flowing. The best way to get a smooth flow is to set the rhythm.

Sounding a bit musical? That’s because music is often the guide used by many couples to achieve that perfect timing. It is really easy to do. First off, you know exactly how much time you want to allocate for your reception. Most songs last anywhere between 2 to 4 minutes. You can set a specific number to fill in each section of your event; then it’s a matter of sorting out your music.

Here are the categories that you will usually split your music into:

• Cocktails musicThis is the music that will play in the background while your guests are waiting for you to join them. This is the kind of music that is usually unobtrusive yet happy. It is light and not loud since most of your guests will be mingling at this point. This is usually about 30 minutes long so set up about 15 songs. You can always cut a playlist short if cocktails are over before the songs have all been played.
• Entrance MusicIf you are going to make a grand entrance, then you should have the music to go with it. Typically The Wedding March by Mendelssohn is used but any song that has a triumphant feel will do. If you are having your entourage parade in before you, set a different song for their entrance from yours.
• Dining MusicMusic can enhance any meal. It keeps your guests entertained even as they wait for the food to be served. They can hum along or even sing along to tunes that they like. Usually what plays are standards or other light love songs.Most meals last about 30 minutes to an hour - depending on how many courses you choose. Your waiters can be cued to serve certain dishes based on what song is playing or being sung. That will definitely keep things hopping along.
• Program musicWhen the meal is almost done, that’s the cue for you to stand up and cut the cake. You and your groom are expected to serve each other the first slice and for some, that includes smearing a bit of icing on each other. Choose a song that is light, sweet and maybe funny to match the mood.This is usually followed by the toasts, which cap off the meal. The music you choose for this portion are usually soft instrumentals since you want your speakers to be heard without them having to shout. There are many songs to choose from for this.This is usually followed by the first dance so naturally the song playing at this point is the one that you have decided is your song for each other. This is naturally followed by the father/daughter - mother/son dance then by any other special dances you have set so the playlist follows the order of dances.

  For couples who want a bouquet and garter toss during the program, this is usually where it is placed. Usually songs used here match the style that you choose for tossing the bouquet or garter. It can be a simple drum roll if you like or a favorite song if you prefer.

• Dance musicOnce all of that is done, it is time to get down and boogie! You can let your band or DJ take control at this point, just give them some pointers on what you want played.
• Exit MusicYou should know when it is time to go and so should your guests. Have your band or DJ standing by for your signal to play the song for when you run out to your getaway car or make your grand exit.

All About Love Songs

When choosing music for your wedding there are so many choices, it can be bewildering. Some want to go with classics. Others want to push the limits of the sound barrier. It can be a toss up between what you want and what your church or reception venue will allow (if there are any restrictions).

Most places of worship prefer music that is focused on God or on the sanctity of the sacrament of matrimony. Your minister or priest or rabbi may have some music that they will recommend. They may also suggest that you confer with the choir on your selections.

A song that appeals to most people is the song “That’s All I ask of You” that comes from the Phantom of the Opera. Usually it is used as the bride walks down the aisle. The words of this song is apt for many as they convey the sentiment of the wedding vows, especially the part where it goes:

Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime
Say the word and I will follow you
Share each day with me, each night, each morning
Say you love me
You know I do
That’s all I ask of you

Yet another favorite song for weddings that also begins with the word all comes from the movie the Three Musketeers. There is no greater gift of love than loyalty, unswerving and unshakeable. It makes for more solid relationships which is something that every couple prays for. It makes a particularly poignant touch when played as the groom offers what he has to his bride (depends on your religion).

A favorite first dance since it first came out in the movie Footloose is the song “Almost Paradise” sung by Anne Wilson and Mike Reno. It is a beautiful and romantic song that expresses how many lovers feel. The first two verses speaks for a lot of lonely people who are thankful to have found the gift of love:

I thought that dreams belonged to other men
Cause I each time I got close it falls apart again
I feared my heart would beat in secrecy
I faced the nights alone
Oh how could I have known
That all my life I only needed you

98 Degrees’ song “I Do (Cherish You)” is one of the most appropriate wedding songs created in the nineties. A bit sentimental, but then who isn’t at weddings. To have some man express such sweet sentiment is a joy to the heart of the woman he has chosen to share his life with. Who wouldn’t want to hear their groom say:

I do cherish you
For the rest of my life
You don’t have to think twice
I will love you still
From the depths of my soul
Its beyond my control
I’ve waited so long to say this to you
If you ask me do I love you this much
I do

Of course you won’t want all the music at your wedding to be slow songs. You will definitely need a few to get everyone in a party mood. Just don’t forget to listen to the words of the songs you choose not just the melodies. That will save you from unpleasant surprises at your party.

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