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the gathering of family and friends, your reception
calls for distinctive details that will be lovingly
etched into your memory—fragrant flowers, fabulous
food, and, of course, excellent entertainment.
Finding that entertainment requires early and careful
planning. Start by determining how much you can
spend. Because entertainment is vital to your event’s
success, professionals agree this is one area where you
should not scrimp. After establishing your budget,
consider your options, ranging from a string quartet,
large orchestra or disc jockey to a comic or custom
production.
As guidelines to help you decide, Phoenix musicians
say couples will pay from $225 for a single musician
to $4,000 and more for a full band. DJs charge between
$350 and $3,500 for a four-hour reception (the
American Disc Jockey Association reports a national
average of $1,500), depending on their experience and
the services they provide.
While musicians and DJs are longstanding favorites,
a growing number of couples are choosing to kick
off their party with a “sparkler,” a 15- or 20-minute
performance headlining a stand-up comic, a specially
created number that has personal significance, or
a song with lyrics written especially for the bride
and groom. Anything is possible, as long as it’s well
planned and in good taste.
No matter what you choose, remember to balance
the size of the musical group with the size of your
reception facility. For example, a live band is ideal for a
grand ballroom, while your backyard calls for a smaller ensemble,
such as a jazz quartet, a flute and keyboard duo, or the angelic
sounds of a harpist. A couple can honor their cultural heritage by
including options such as a bagpipe player or a mariachi band.
It is also helpful to consider the demographics of your guests.
Rock ‘n’ roll is appropriate for younger groups; good background
music fits more mature crowds. Mixed audiences may enjoy the
interactive entertainment of a DJ, who can fill requests based on
the mood and varied tastes of the crowd.
Choose a professional who has extensive wedding reception
experience, can handle various situations and will work well with
caterers, photographers and other wedding professionals.
The pros recommend meeting with the person or group you
select at the reception facility itself, to discuss specifics and avoid
potential disasters. For example, if your reception is at an historic
location, there may be restrictions on dancing, electrical usage or sound level. You should ensure that the loud music of any style
doesn’t prompt neighbors to call police because their fine china is
dancing on the shelves.
If your wedding is outside, a tent or other attractive shelter
will be needed to protect musicians and their instruments. Be
sure there is ample cold water on hand to keep the musicians
from becoming parched.
As part of your planning, book your entertainment as soon
as possible. For Phoenix weddings “in season”(October through
May), allow one year in advance for the most popular entertainers.
For other dates, a six-month lead is highly recommended.
Remember, musicians are part of your professional wedding
team. Be sure they communicate with your caterer and wedding
coordinator so the party comes off without a hitch. You, your
groom and your guests will remember your reception happily for
the rest of your lives.
photography courtesy of:
bq photography |
