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.

You Make Me Feel Like Dancing

There is nothing like being in love. The sheer joy of having each other often makes the lovers feel that they can fly or at least float on air. That is the very emotion that they display in their first dance.

Of course, they aren’t the only ones expected to have a great time dancing. The matchmakers that most lovers automatically become when they find their happiness demands that they give their family and friends every opportunity to find their other half, possibly during their wedding. What better way for their friends to meet and maybe impress each other than on the dance floor, right?

Ladies, if you are serious about having a great time dancing at your wedding, then here are some things you need to prepare:

• Dresses for dancing. Choose dresses for you and your bridesmaids that they can move in. If you will give them a form fitting gown, make sure it has an interesting slit so that they can move around in it without teetering around. Full skirts gives a Ginger Rogers effect and makes a beautiful flourish when the boys twirl the ladies down the dance floor.
• Dancing Shoes. Providing shoes for your entourage is an option, not a requirement. If you have decided to be generous and have everyone shod in the footwear of your choice, keep in mind that you want them to have happy feet at your party. While dancing shoes are not meant to be used anywhere but on the dance floor, there are pairs of shoes that can come pretty close. They look great, fit well and are absolutely comfortable to trip the light fantastic in. Maybe one of these dancing slippers will hold the key to one of your guest’s heart.
• Music to Groove To. Don’t get stuck on the idea that weddings have to be formal events. If you want dancing to happen at your party, find music that will get your guests up on their feet. Your nuptials may not be the time for break dancing but you can still have an assortment of music, from waltz, to tango, to swing, to hip hop. As long as you and your guests get caught up in the rhythm and have a great time, no one else will mind.
• Dance Floor. If you are going to dance, it is best that there is a dance floor to move gracefully on. Carpeting really won’t do as it puts your guests at risk for injury. Make sure that your caterer and the manager of your reception venue knows that dancing is part of your plans so that a proper dance floor is laid out for your party.
• Mention Dancing On Your Invitations. If you want everyone attending your wedding to participate in the dancing, make sure that they know that dancing is on the menu. It will help ensure that they come wearing the best possible outfits to groove in and that they come in the mood to get down and party.

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