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General
information
We recommend that if possible, both bride and groom will attend all
interviews.
Always carry a
note pad and pen to write down important information and questions that
may arise during your interview.
In order to
comparison shop and select wisely, interview at least 3 Music -
Entertainment service providers.
Music is a very
important aspect of your wedding. It walks with you down the aisle for
the marriage ceremony, accompanies you when you leave the ceremony as
husband and wife, entertains your guests while you are being
photographed and throughout the reception.
Start your search
for your wedding music providers as early as possible, but after having
secured both your ceremony and reception sites. You'll need to follow
the guidelines set by your wedding venue. Be aware of any requirements
and rules pertaining to DJs and music performers. If there is a limit to
the size of the band, the volume or any aspects of the performance, you
must take it into consideration when choosing you DJs or musicians.
Additionally, many religious institutions work only with an in-house
approved list of performers.
Make your music
and musician selection carefully. You want it to represent you, your
taste and the atmosphere you want your wedding to have. This makes
choosing the wedding music and the style of musicians or entertainers, a
lot of fun.
Before you start looking, you should brainstorm. As you do, take to
consideration
your budget Quality
should be your main concern. Budget enough so you do not risk the
success of your wedding by cutting corners.
your wedding theme
your preference of music for ceremony
your preference of music for reception
the mood and atmosphere you want at your
wedding - Read tips below
the location and size of your wedding Check
with your wedding reception venue if and what live music is permitted.
Make sure that the room is large enough to accommodate your musicians.
your interests
your guests. Will they want to dance or
will they prefer to listen to music and have conversations?
Since the music
sets the tone of your wedding, consider carefully what will make yours a
special, one-of-a-kind wedding event. You have several options in two
categories that are live music or recorded music. If you opt for the
recorded music, you'll need to hire a DJ. But if you choose live music,
you are presented with having to choose a band, a soloist,
instrumentalists or a combination.
Tips for
choosing the wedding musicians for your ceremony.
For a formal atmosphere you may consider: a singer, a string quartet, a
harp or an organ.
For a dramatic atmosphere you may consider: a string quartet, bag pipes,
a choir.
For a traditional atmosphere you may consider: a singer, a string
quartet, an organ or a classical guitar.
For an enchanting atmosphere you may consider: a singer, a harp or a
harp and a flute.
For a light and up lifting atmosphere you may consider: a string
quartet, guitar and flute, piano or piano and violin.
For background music you may consider: a string quartet, piano, piano
and violin, piano and saxophone or classical guitar.
Tips for
choosing the wedding musicians for your reception.
For a formal atmosphere you may consider: a singer, a singing group, a
string quartet, a jazz band, a classical ensemble, guitar(s) and - or a
harp.
For a fun and loud or just something different atmosphere you may
consider: DJ entertainment groups, Rock or swing live bands, popular
music bands, Latin, Klezmer, polka, Irish, or other ethnic bands or best
yet, a world music ensemble or a barber shop quartet. This atmosphere is
a natural for games, entertainment and contests.
For a sophisticated atmosphere you may consider: a jazz band, a
classical ensemble, a piano, a piano and a violin, a piano and a
saxophone and - or a harp.
Background music you may consider: a string quartet, a jazz band, a
piano, a piano and a violin, a piano and a saxophone, a classical
ensemble, a solo singer or a classical guitar.
How to Find
Wedding Music Providers
Once
you have chosen the type of wedding site you want for your wedding, do
the following:
Ask the director of your chosen wedding site for recommendations.
If you have a caterer, ask for recommendations.
Ask your family, friends and acquaintances for recommendations.
Attend bridal shows.
search the yellow pages under the appropriate category.
Call and request a brochure specific to weddings.
Place the brochures in a folder until you are ready to choose a few
favorites.
You want only the best! Be selective!
When calling, were you greeted cordially?
Were you able to obtain the information you requested in a timely
manner?
Were the people you spoke with helpful? Too helpful and eager?
Now, check the Internet for local wedding music providers and go to
their web sites.
Do you like the look and feel?
Does it provide you with the information you are looking for?
Does it show or tell about unique one-of-a-kind weddings they performed
at? Can you find Free articles or Free information on the web site? Are
they helpful? or are they over selling? Did you find a clearly posted
name, address, phone and email contact?
If not, skip it and go to another site.
that interest you and are agreeable.
There are a few
elements you need to pay attention to if you want your association with
the music - entertainment providers will be successful.
Did they merit good references?
Can they offer you what you want on your terms?
Will they guarantee that once you reserve their service, you will have
the specific performers you chose for your wedding?
Are you happy with the customer service you receive?
Are they courteous?
Are they accommodating?
are they helpful?
Visit THEIR facility and check it out. Are they a real company running a
real business full time?
Are their prices competitive?
Do you feel comfortable working with them?
Information on hand, check out their reputation by contacting others in
the wedding industry and asking about it.
If you are satisfied, keep the information until you are ready to choose
and commit.
Following
is a list of Questions and ideas to get you started.
What to
Expect of the Contact Person:
A business card of each person you will work with.
Contact information including cell phone, email and web site address.
A brochure that explains what is offered and any exclusions, rules,
regulations and options.
References
A sample of their work on video and - or CD.
Questions
for the Contact Person:
Please note that not all questions apply to all. Some questions are
specific to DJs some to musicians and some to both.
How many songs
and musical pieces are in your library? (Should be at least
5,000-10,000
Can you provide music for both ceremony and reception?
Will your repertoire be tailored to suit our wedding requirements?
Will you provide us with a list of songs and music selections to
choose from?
Will you accommodate special requests for songs or musical pieces we
would like played at our wedding?
If so, how long in advance do we need to provide them?
If we include children in the reception can you have music game or
activities geared for them? What is the latest time frame for making
changes?
What are your hours - minimum - maximum?
Will you be able to, and prepared with additional material, should we
want you to stay longer than planned?
What do you charge for overtime?
What kind of equipment do you use? (The most common sound system for
DJs is by-amping. In order to achieve clear and loud music, it
separates the bass from the music amplifies it separately and then
plays it through bass bins.)
How long before the wedding reception will you set up? (Be assured
that there will be ample time before the wedding reception to allow
for set up and testing of the equipment, lighting and special effects
if any.)
Do you bring backup equipment with you?
Is basic effects lighting included in the price?
Do you provide an entertainment planner?
Will you come to my home to go over the music and - or entertainment
plans?
How soon before the wedding will you go over the program with us?
What will happen to us if for some reason you have to back out?
How long have you been accommodating weddings?
How many wedding clients have you served?
Can you provide us with references?
Can you provide us with a profile of the DJ / musicians that will be
assigned to our wedding including: musical training and education,
experience in performing at weddings and how long what size weddings,
full or part time musicians (Professional or hobbyist)
Do you also provide a cordless microphone and an Emcee or someone who
will announce toasts, speeches, special dances, at the reception?
What is your attire? Does it vary according to the wedding theme?
(e.g. Western)
Do you offer a variety of wedding musicians - entertainers to choose
from?
How many people will perform at our wedding?
How often and for how long do they take a break?
Will they require a meal?
Do you offer a bridal package? More than one? What are your rates for
the different packages and what are the options available?
Package____________________ options_______________price__________________
Package____________________ options_______________price__________________
Package____________________ options_______________price__________________
Are gratuities included in the price?
Are taxes included in the price?
What additional expenses may be charged? (other than overtime)?
Do you require a deposit?
How much and by when will we need to put down the deposit?
Do you offer any discounts?
Do you accept checks and credit cards?
How many consultations do you provide in your package prices?
Do you offer any guarantees?
Will you provide us with a written contract?
Does the contract include a 3 day cancellation clause?
What are your
cancellation terms should we cancel after 3 days?
Do you carry liability insurance?
Are the musicians - DJ insured and bonded?
Are you members of any professional organizations?
Once you made
your choice, you need to receive a written contract signed by the
person in charge, and dated. The contract must include all of your
responsibilities and all of the responsibilities, warranties and
guarantees offered by the DJ - Music Service Provider. Caveat Emptor -
Buyer beware! Read each contract very carefully, on, under and above
the line. Be sure that you understand it fully and agree with all the
terms. If you have questions, concerns, or are uncertain, contact them
for clarification.
In most parts of the USA you have 3 days to examine the contract and
if you need to, cancel with no penalties.
Copyrights ©
2004 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser, A-wedding Day and Gan Publishing
Copyrights ©
2004 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser, Nily Glaser is the founder of A-wedding
Day a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a
discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal
accessories.
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