With June being a popular month for weddings I thought some of my readers might appreciate these tips on finding the best kind of music for your wedding.
These tips could be applied to any event where you might need music, such as an anniversary party, graduation party or even a Sweet 16 birthday party.
This article is compliments of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. I was not compensated for this post. I am sharing it with my readers because it has some great tips.
You’ve booked your venue, purchased your dress, signed contracts with the catering company and taken engagement photos. The hard part is officially over and now, you can start planning your wedding music.
Before you start picking songs however, there are a few things to keep in mind such as ambiance, budget and your venue acoustics. After food, music will be one of the details that your guests will remember.
No one knows the importance of music more than Brian Austin Green. In his latest show “The Wedding Band,” Green plays the lead singer of a fun-loving Seattle rock band called Mother of the Bride. Alongside his band mates, he experiences outrageously funny ups and downs! They haven’t figured out their personal lives, but they do know one thing for sure — weddings are the best place to meet women, drink up and rock out. Featuring A-list guest stars like Megan Fox and Molly Sims, this Wedding Crashers-meets- The Wedding Singer comedy mash-up marries the two key elements to any great party – terrific music and lots of laughter. “The Wedding Band: Season One” (Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment) will be available June 11.
The guests at Mother of the Bride’s wedding gigs never knew what to expect but they always had a great time once the band took the stage. That’s how you want your guests to feel at your wedding – surprised but also, excited to dance and celebrate your Big Day! To help you prepare for your perfect wedding music, take note a few things:
Ambiance
Before you decide whether you want a wedding band, a DJ or an iPod, you have to ask yourself a few questions: How do you picture your wedding music? Do you want a party or do you want an elegant event with minimal dancing? Are your musical choices reflective of you and your fiancé? Or do you want the music to appeal to your parents?
Once you figure out what you want, the next step is to figure out if you can afford it. Once you’ve determined the DJ, band or laptop of your dreams is within your purview, you have to figure out if your wedding venue has the electronic capabilities to host your music.
Budget
How much money are you willing to spend on music? Some people are fine with a DIY wedding DJ’d by a friend or an iPod. Some folks hire a band or a professional DJ. Whatever you decide, be sure to check if:
- Bands are allowed to play at your venue
- How long will they need for load-in and sound check?
- Do they charge a flat rate?
- How many sets can they play?
- Does the DJ understand your vision?
- Does he have the songs you like?
- Will he charge you if he/she needs to download songs?
- Is the DJ on the venue’s preferred vendors list?
- If not, would they open to having a new vendor on the premises?
Acoustics
Will your ceremony and reception be indoors, outdoors or both? If your ceremony will be outside, you’ll have to make sure that there are electrical plugs near your set-up. This will ensure that you’ll be able to plug in your speakers and microphones without worry. Also, if you’re having a wedding march and post-ceremony music, you’ll need to be able to triangulate a musical “sweet spot” so that your songs can be heard clearly outside. If your ceremony is indoors, then you needn’t worry about this bit.
The Reception
Some venues have a strict music policy with loud music being allowed up to a certain time. If you’d like to party later than the standard 10 p.m. be prepared to pay extra by the hour. Some venues will be open to extending their music policy, others will not. Be sure to discuss these issues before signing any contract.
For more information on Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment titles like this one and others, follow @FoxHomeEnt on Twitter!
Do you have and tips or experience when it comes to finding the perfect music for an event? Feel free to comment.
Here is a little more about the series Wedding Band Season 1 which will be released next month (June 11, 2013).
You’re cordially invited to party it up with the Wedding Band, the hilarious and light-hearted new comedy starring Brian Austin Green and Harold Perrineau. Follow the outrageously funny ups and downs of four friends who are members of a fun-loving Seattle rock band called Mother of the Bride. They haven’t figured out their personal lives, but they do know one thing for sure — weddings are the best place to meet women, drink up and rock out. Featuring A-list guest stars like Megan Fox and Molly Sims, this Wedding Crashers-meets- The Wedding Singer comedy mash-up marries the two key elements to any great party…terrific music and lots of laughter.
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I am sharing it for the enjoyment of my site readers.
Wow…looking back, I wish I could have had a wedding. Although I was married twice (and neither of them went well), I never had a wedding. My first marriage was attended by 11 people, in the officiant’s office, and then we went out to eat. I got married the second time in Vegas, in a chapel, with 2 witnesses. Neither time did I wear a wedding dress, something I had always dreamed about when I was younger. Now I feed my fantasies by studying wedding sites, and being addicted to “Say Yes to the Dress”!!
I think some of your best tips were in regard to hiring DJs. I have heard numerous (who hasn’t) horror stories about DJs on the day of the wedding. I think the worst thing is the “no show”. I would make sure that it is in writing that the DJ has a contingency plan!
Wow these are some great tips. It is a huge decision as to which way you want to go for your event. I would never have thought to ask if they charge you if he/she needs to download songs. Great tips!