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