Picture this: You've just finished your wedding ceremony; you've kissed your new spouse; you’ve taken all the pictures; breathed a sigh of relief that no disasters happened during the ceremony; rushed off to the reception only to find that the band or DJ you’ve hired is boring your guests or isn’t even playing. When you enter, the song you chose for your entrance isn't the one being played or performed, and to think you thought you had avoided all catastrophes by the time you said “I Do”. This can be an all too familiar situation for some couples. In order to make sure it doesn’t happen to you, here are some key tips to help you in selecting your band or DJ. - Sample, sample, sample. It's best to only hire a band or DJ you have heard before. Choosing blindly will most likely produce poor results. As you narrow down your list of possible DJs or bands, ask if you can attend an event they will be working on. Audition them.
- Be sure to get it in writing. Most professional musicians and DJs will have a contract for you to sign. Be wary of those who don't. You want to be sure that they don't pull out on you at the last minute and that they agree to your terms.
- Get the best deal. Most bands and DJs charge a flat fee for a certain amount of hours. Most bands charge a flat rate and then additional rates for special services such as karaoke services, etc. Be sure that their price is within your budget. Also, inquire about overtime, because if the reception is going well and the party isn't showing signs of stopping, you may want to have the flexibility. Just know the expense of that flexibility up front.
- Create both a play list and a do-not play list, but don’t be anal about it. Be sure whoever you deal with will entertain discussing your music with you. You don't want a DJ or band who doesn’t seem to care to hear your concerns or musical tastes. After all, you should be dancing and having a good time, not worrying about the music.
- Find out what kinds of technology your band or DJ has. Some DJs utilize mp3 players and other web technology to operate their events. Be sure they have back-up equipment in case the computer crashes. Also, consider asking them to utilize both computer technology and CDs so that any computer crash doesn’t crash your reception.
- Ask about attire. You will not want the band or DJ showing up to the wedding in just anything. Be sure that they dress in a manner that conforms to the type of dress that your guests will be in. If your wedding will be more laid back, this might not be an issue. However, if it is a black tie affair, this could present problems.
- Measure their enthusiasm. Most receptions rely on music for its success. If the band or DJ is in good spirits, then it is highly likely that your reception will reflect their attitude. Again, when you audition them, by attending an event of theirs, consider their demeanor, interaction with the crowd, willingness to respond to the needs of the married couple and guests.
Remember, your reception is an opportunity to celebrate your union. So, do everything you can to find a band or DJ that suits your style and can make your day memorable for all the right reasons. |
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