Articles
Advice, tips and tricks
How To Hire Musical Entertainment For Your Wedding
First, Establish what it is you're looking for... a DJ, a live band (what genre?), a violinist, or a string quartet perhaps... each one will create a different feel for your wedding. After you've decided what kind of music you would....
First, Establish what it is you're looking for... a DJ, a live band (what genre), a violinist, or a string quartet perhaps perhaps is what you're looking for. Each one will set a different tone for your wedding. After you've decided what kind of music you would like it's time to contact them. You can find hundreds of musicians in your local area, but finding a good/reliable one can be a daunting task.
Once you've made contact, relay the message to the musician(s) what it is you're looking for or the "feel" you want to capture in your ceremony. Most musicians are compliant, for the most part. If it's a DJ you're booking, ask them if they also an MC. The difference is one will be able to communicate with your guests, like a host, while the other one will just play music and barely say a word. If it's a live band ask them if they play other popular hits (cover songs) or if they play their own material. That way you get a better sense of what kind of music you expect to be played at your event, and so do they. Communication is the key during the planning process.
Next find out if they provide their own sound system. Many musicians travel without so much as even a microphone. Believe it or not, many of them expect things to already be set for them by the time they arrive. They just want to plug in and play their instruments. But incase they don't provide their own sound equipment, then you will need to hire someone to put a sound (PA) system in place. Most DJs are self sufficient and will arrive with their own audio equipment ready to load in. But it is also a good idea to find out the musician's needs as far as power to plug in their equipment. You might need to purchase power from the venue for them.
Most musicians will need to get paid in advance before performing at your ceremony. So establish a price that is fair. Tell them what your budget is. If pricing is a concern you should look at what is the most cost effective option for you. For a reception party, a DJ is usually more affordable than a live band for example. For the ceremony you can hire a solo musician such as a violinist or your can have a music playlist with some of your favorite wedding songs ready to play during the ceremony. These are ways to save money and be able to still have some form of musical entertainment during your wedding.
Finally, meet them (or their manager) in person. Find out if they are willing to check out the venue or have a vendors' meeting to make sure everything is on point before the big day. Most musicians are happy to do this. If they are not or "too busy" maybe you should look for someone else to perform at your wedding. There should not be any hiccups before or during the wedding. Set up a sit down meeting to go over things, see if there is anything you want to add or remove. Are you satisfied with the songs they will be performing? Also it's important to let the artist have their freedom to play some of what they believe will bring your party to life. There is a certain level of trust that they have the knowledge and experience and know what to do.
On a final note, Sound For Ceremony can help you find the right live musical entertainment you're looking for along with providing a great quality sound system for your wedding that will have all your guests dancing. It's one less thing for you to worry about between all the immense planning that you're already doing. Just tell us what you're searching for and your budget and we will get the job done.
Wedding Venues and DJs
I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine who recently got married. When congratulating him and his wife, I asked, "so how was the wedding?" At first it sounds as if everything went smooth...
I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine who recently got married. When congratulating him and his wife, I asked, "so how was the wedding?" At first it sounds as if everything went smooth. The wedding venue they had chosen was nice and cozy and provided them a special package that includes everything they need for the ceremony and reception, including the DJ for the reception party. When they asked if they were able to choose their own musicians for the reception, the venue quickly persuaded them to stick with the "in-house" DJ as if it was the better option. So the story goes after the ceremony when it came time to introduce the new bride and groom, the entrance seemed a bit off. The music wasn't right and it was interrupting the rehearsal routine they had practiced before. Not only that but the DJ completely butchered their first dance. "It was the worst part of the entire night" my friend blatantly said. Sounding a bit regretful of going with the DJ the venue had provided them.
The truth is you have the freedom to choose whoever you want for your wedding. You can provide any DJ/Musician(s) you would like on your wedding day. The venue will always tell you that their packages are the best options. However, it's the small details that make the biggest difference. Music is one important factor in any special event that you will notice and remember for a lifetime. Every event is different, and it requires the right musician to accommodate your entertainment. If I'm attending a Persian wedding, I'm hoping to hear a good mix of Persian music that will get people dancing. If it's an Indian wedding, I expect that the DJ should know what he is playing for this type of audience. People want to enjoy themselves and have fun. With that being said, don't always go with what seems to be the most convenient or cheaper option. This is your special day and your family and friends will be attending. Make it as much of a memorable experience for them as you want it to be for you.
We understand time is a factor and there is no room for error. You want your wedding day to be special, memorable and most importantly to have a little peace of mind knowing you have reliable people to make it happen. If you're in the market looking for a specific style of music for your wedding, engagement party or any special celebration, we're here to help. From DJ's that play top 40 hits to rock & roll bands, solo musicians, wedding singers and more options to choose from, we'll make sure the music captures the magic for you on your special day.
"I Do"
When most couples visualize the moment they both say "I do", the two most important words in the entire wedding ceremony...
When most couples visualize the moment they both say "I do", the two most important words in the entire wedding ceremony, they don't often think about how everyone else is going to hear those words. I can't say that I blame them. Couples have their heads so busy wrapped around other things that audio is one of the most important aspects that's often overlooked.
Imagine the ceremony outside, on a beautiful day, the weather is perfect, you can picture it now. Your family and friends watching you with a smile on their faces. Suddenly, the officiant points the microphone close to your mouth without you even realizing it.
All you're thinking about is saying those 2 simple words, "I do."
Lucky for you, somebody remembered that part of the ceremony and hired the right guys to make sure everyone attending heard it too. But you would be surprised how often sound production is over-looked when it comes to special events even when that includes your ceremony and your reception. We're here to help you make everything sound nice and Smooth!
Organization is the key. When you need things organized in a matter of time, you need reliable people so you don't have to micro-manage everything. My recommendation - leave the audio in the hands of professionals to make sure your event delivers all the expectations of how it should sound. So you can focus on the other important things you need for your big day.
Choosing The Right Music
Music is a big part of any special event. It sets the tone throughout your ceremony. That's why choosing the right musician for your ceremony and reception is very important. Picture this...
Music is a big part of any special event. It sets the tone throughout your ceremony. That's why choosing the right musician for your ceremony and reception is very important. Picture your wedding ceremony without any music.... A little dull, right? Now imagine walking down the aisle to the song you always dreamed one day you would. Is it being played on the keys of a piano, chords on a violin, strings on a harp, maybe a guitar or even a small ensemble. That one factor alone is enough to truly capture that moment forever.
For any reception party it's important to remember picking any DJ who can play top 40 is not always the best option. First off, we should note than not every DJ is a live MC. There's a difference between one and someone who can do both. And do it well. That's where we come in to help you find the right style of music that best suits your event. Finding the right musicians can be a hefty task. We will track down the right DJ, band or singer that fits your event. We know time is valuable and the amount it consumes to get things organized. Attention to detail is necessary. Let us take care of the leg work. It's also important to note than some events do not require a live musician. In which case if you simply would like to enjoy some music through an iPod or laptop on a great sound system. Let us know how we can help you bring your special event to life through the sound of music. If you would also like to request a specific genre, please let us know.