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It's no news to anyone, especially the happy
couple, that planning a wedding is an incredibly stressful time. Although some
of your most tense decisions center around choosing between Pinot Grigio and
Merlot, or breaking the news to the bridesmaids that fuchsia ruffles are all the
rage in wedding attire this season, this article can help take some of the worry
out of one of the most important aspects of your day:
The Reception Entertainment.
Before hiring a band or disc jockey, keep these
qualifications in mind:
Professionalism: Be sure you
choose a service that is registered, incorporated and/or insured. There are many
entertainers out there who serve other "markets" and only dabble in
weddings when one comes along. The best entertainment for your wedding is one
who has weddings as the bulk of their business.
Accessibility: Your DJ or
band should be willing to meet with you beforehand so that you can see the
operation, view the equipment and music library, and hear a demo. Credentials
and testimonials that include current names and addresses should be available.
The real key to a DJ service or band is repeat business and word of mouth
advertising. Ask the Wedding Coordinator at your reception location. Ask some of
the other wedding professionals you have hired.
Equipment: Your band or DJ
should use professional audio equipment, rather than a home sound system. The
equipment should be cased to give the best presentation and protection. Back Up
Plan: Ask about plans for back up personnel or equipment in case of illness,
accident, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Music Format: Choose a band
or DJ who is willing to meet with you ahead of time to discuss your ideas for
music selections. Ask if she or he will honor music requests. You want music
that will entertain everyone at the reception and you want to hire people who
know how to gear the music to your guests. Their music library should contain
everything from big band, oldies and disco to the last dance, country and rock,
and should be on digital compact disc. Ask for a sample music listing.
Party Procedure and Etiquette: Choose a DJ
or band who is knowledgeable about and willing to work with you in planning the
announcements, schedule of events, and other aspects of your wedding and
reception. Are they experienced enough to be able to handle gracefully any
unforeseen circumstances, and help to emcee the whole night, not just the dance.
They should offer to have dinner and cocktail music playing during the meal and
work with the other wedding professionals such as the photographer and caterer.
Preparing for the Event:
Discuss punctuality and your expectations for when the DJ or band should arrive
in order to set up for the event. Disc Jockey Attire: A professional entertainer
will dress appropriately according to your wishes. There should be no extra cost
for formal attire.
Cost: Shop around but don't go for the
bottom line. There are bargain basement entertainment services out there and
there are DJ’s and bands where you really get more than your money's worth!
Remember that this is your one and only wedding, and you want it done the way
you always imagined. The more in-demand entertainers will cost more, but their
experience is worth the cost. They will also book up much faster than other
bands and DJ’s, so you will have to act quickly to get these people.
The Contract: When you have
found the right entertainment for your event, be sure to obtain a written
contract confirming the booking and all agreements. Your contract should have a
cancellation clause and a logical procedure for both the client and entertainer
to follow.
This article was created by
combining information from these sources:
American
DJ Association "How To Hire A DJ"
Pro
DJ.com Internet Services "How To Hire A DJ"
South Shore Wedding.com DJ's and
Music
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