Your celebration and the memory of your magical moments rely on your wedding entertainment to create the experience. Seventy-five percent of your guests will walk away with the most vivid memories being about your entertainment. Whether you have a live band, DJ or a comedy act, it will be what they remember. It is important to consider your theme and the overall atmosphere to find the perfect fit. These tips should help you on your journey to finding your wedding entertainment.
Consider the Logistics
Before you running out to book the band, consider the logistics. Not every venue is able to accommodate a large band with equipment and multiple instruments. There could be sound restrictions and space limitations. Will you have space to accommodate a large band with all of their instruments? When you are interviewing talent, ask about their requirements and needs. Create a small checklist to make sure the wedding entertainment fits your needs and the venue fits theirs. Survey the area and think about your space and the requirements for having the entertainment you want. If you know that you want a full band and dueling pianos, address your wishes with the venue before booking your date.
Interview Your Wedding Entertainment
Always interview your band. Make sure you talk to the bandleader and have an opportunity to watch a live performance. You might not always be able to hold an audition, but it is important to watch a collection of videos from their past events. A band can be exceptionally talented musically, but lack stage presence. The best fit for your wedding will have experience performing at weddings. It is important that your band will be able to create an interactive experience where guests will dance and have fun. This requires interaction between the band and guests to motivate and entertain beyond an incredible musical talent. Listening to a recording will tell you very little about stage presence. Do not just interview one band. Explore the talent of several to find the right fit for your dream event.
Your Style
Make sure the band is able to play all your love songs, and fits with your style. Create a list of songs and discuss them with the band. A majority of bands will be willing to learn requested songs for your wedding. Keep in mind that bands might charge extra to learn additional music, since it involves a large portion of time to learn and rehearse new songs.
Backup Performers
Your wedding entertainment should be booked several months in advance of your wedding day. This leaves a lot of time for life to happen during the time between. You should confirm that the band has a substitute singer and substitute musicians, in the event that the singer loses their voice or a band member is unable to perform on your wedding day. Avoid booking a band that does not have backup performers available.
Contracts with Wedding Entertainment
Contracts take time to review and can be slightly frustrating. However, it is important to take the time to review your contracts and make sure that specific information is included. Your contract must include the time and location of the performance, the number of musicians, who is providing sound and lighting equipment, time of setup, dress code, audience size, the deposit and payment schedule, a list of the requested songs, timeline, the substitute performers information, and the right to communicate directly with the bandleader. If additional agreements are made on a handshake, make sure they are always written into the contract.
Choosing the Right MC
The Master of Ceremonies, commonly known as an MC, is essential to the wedding celebration. They will make introductions of the bridal party, family members and guests. They will make sure the celebration follows a timeline and everything occurs according to the schedule you create. This role is not to be confused with a day of event coordinator. This is your announcer that creates a transition between music and important events. They will grab the attention of guests and interact with the party over a microphone. If you hire a DJ for wedding entertainment, they will likely have an MC. If you are considering a live band, you will probably need to hire an MC. Just as with a band, make sure they have experience, stage presence and fit your style.
Live Wedding Entertainment vs DJ
More couples choose to hire a DJ over a live band. If you leave the decision to your budget, you will too. However, for many couples, this once in a lifetime event is about creating an experience that is deserving of live entertainment. Live wedding entertainment is significantly more expensive than a DJ. Bands typically charge between $2,000 and $8,000. If it is a popular band that is traveling to create the magic on your wedding day, the price can be higher. A wedding DJ costs between $600 and $2,500. The DJ experience can encompass advanced sound and light shows, co2 cannons, effects, monograms, and an immersive show with party motivators.
Crystal Ballroom Rock Hill
Bring imagination and your incredible wedding entertainment to the elegant space of Crystal Ballroom Rock Hill. The all-inclusive wedding venue is completely designed by professional wedding designers, from ceremony space to the reception ballroom. Meet with the professional designers and pick and choose from a treasure trove of décor. The venue, furnishings, décor, chinaware, bartender, and banquet staff services are all included in every wedding package. Bring your guests and wedding entertainment to a ballroom designed just for you.
