5 Quick Tips for Selecting Wedding Music

1. Consider your wedding's ATMOSPHERE

When choosing music for your wedding ceremony cocktail hour and reception, you should base your
choice on you and your fiancé music likes, as well as the music interests of your guests.

* What is the average age of your guests? Do you and your guests like rock music, R&B, Motown? Do you have a traditional or contemporary style?  Most likely, you want a nice variety of music styles.
* Do you expect that most of your guests will want to dance? Do you like to dance? If so, you probably want a high energy dance band that will play a good selection of up-tempo music and will interact with the crowd.
* If you expect your wedding to be a chatting crowd, you might want some lighter, easy listening music that will not interfere with conversation. In many cases, you might want a small ensemble for your cocktail hour or dinner hour before the dance music begins during the reception.

2. Discuss venue restrictions with your event planner, the venue's event manager or banquet manager. Before shopping for live music, speak to a representative at your venue. In all likelihood, they have seen many musicians perform during events at their venue (they know what works best). Your venue will be able to tell you where the band, ensemble or soloist can set up, how much space is available and the number of musicians that can fit comfortably in the venue. You may even learn information about sound, lighting or availability of electricity.

3. Research multiple bands

Before booking musicians, make sure that you have shopped around. If you think that you want a cappella music, make sure to research multiple a cappella groups. In addition, look into a jazz trio or a contemporary duo while you are at it. This way, when it is decision time, you have explored all of your options and you can make an informed decision.

Your research should include checking online resources (websites, social networking sites, etc.). While browsing the internet, make sure to listen to audio clips, watch video clips and read testimonials. Once you have done your initial research, contact the musicians or band that interest you.

4. Interview and/or meet with bands

Remember, the band, DJ or musicians you select are in charge of the flow of your entire event. This includes all announcements and introductions of the bridal party. The band hugely impacts the atmosphere of the event. The right choice can make your event stress free!!

That being said, make sure you speak with a representative (band leader or musician manager) throughout the planning stages of your wedding. Schedule phone meetings or plan a time(s) to sit down together. Additionally, the band leader will make sure to get all the important information from you in writing (in advance). This includes song requests.

5. Start your search early

It is often wise to book way in advance (as early as one year in advance). This guarantees availability on your date.

Begin by talking to friends and family who might be able to recommend a great music options. When you have exhausted your network, do some research on your own. Then, continue to follow the other quick tips listed in this article.

For more quick tips or information, contact Christine Petrini, Owner of Wasabi Talent

Live Music vs. DJ....What should You Choose for Your Wedding Day?

Planning your wedding?  Helping to plan a wedding or special occasion for a friend or family member?  If so, you have probably had a discussion about live music versus a DJ.

Let us break it down for you....

What do people most often remember about a wedding or special event --- Music and Food.  These two things set the tone for an event.  They create an atmosphere, vibe and flavor!

We, of course, at Wasabi, believe weddings disserve at least some live music.

Live music guarantees a great atmosphere.  It will inevitably give energy to the room and engage your guests.

Remember, live music creates ambiance.  That being said, you can hire strings for your ceremony, a small ensemble playing light standards and jazz for your cocktail hour, and a dance band for your reception!  (The options are endless).

DJ's can be appealing when there are limited space issues; however, bands come in all shapes and sizes.  Make sure you check with bands and chat with your venue before ruling out a band due to space limitations.

Yes, there's no denying that a DJ is often cheaper than a band (all the musicians need a pay day).  However, shop around! There are good bands, like Wasabi, at good prices. 

Let's face it; your wedding day is a significant and important occasion.  It should be special and unique. How many times in your life will you splurge on a band?  My guess...not many.  Let this be your opportunity.

At the end of the day, you really don't have to pick between a band and a DJ.  Wasabi partners with a DJ to offer band/DJ combination packages.  There are many options available to combine live music with a DJ (and many other bands offer these options as well).

Bands take breaks.  However, there will never be silence.  Pre-recorded music will be played during all breaks.  If you prefer certain songs as they were originally recorded by certain artists, a band can play these songs during their breaks. 

There is nothing quite as memorable as dancing your first dance with a live band playing right behind you. 

Bands look great.  They create a very visually appealing setting for you special occasion. 

Guests are likely to interact with band members.  A band has the ability to work the crowd and to wow the crowd with their performances.  This keeps the energy high and encourages people to enjoy hanging out on the dance floor.

Questions?  I've got answers.  Give us a call.  The options and possibilities for live music are endless. 

We cater to you, so let me know what you have in mind!

Wasabi Talent