Live bands

Hire a live band to perform at your wedding

A live band can provide you with multiple services in addition to musical accompaniment. Many modern wedding bands can provide a full DJ service and a variety of performance styles. You could arrange for a few of the musicians to perform an instrumental set during your cocktail hour, then arrange for the entire band to perform during your reception.

Live bands can feature both male and female vocalists, along with back-up singers, and they can include any combination of instruments and any number of musicians based on your budget and your musical taste. Wedding bands can also provide you with a Master of Ceremonies to greet your guests, introduce your wedding party, and announce various reception events, such as your first dance as a couple, the order of toasts, the garter toss, the bouquet toss, and any other activities you have planned.

When you decide on your wedding band, discuss your music preferences with the musicians. It may help to give your band a short play list to demonstrate your taste. To ensure that your band will be able to perform your favorite songs on the big day, be sure to give the musicians your play list well in advance, as they may need to learn unfamiliar songs.

When comparing bands, consider the following:

•  How extensive is their song list? How easily can they learn new songs?
• Is their sound system new? Is it insured?
•  Do they have an attractive stage set up?
• Will your venue need to supply additional equipment?
• Do they include stage lighting and other effects?
• What kind of attire do they wear?
• Are they experienced in performing at weddings?
• Will they cover the entire event from start to finish?
• Do they have positive reviews from other events?
• Are they professional and courteous when you contact them?
• Will they help you plan your reception itinerary?

CREATING THE PERFECT  CEREMONY AMBIANCE

BUDGET for the musical accompaniment during your ceremony. many couples remember to factor in the cost of their reception musicians, but they forget about the cost of ceremony accompaniment.

CHOOSE songs that reflect your relationship, your personal style, and your musical taste. you might also want to include instrumental (or even a cappella) renditions of your favorite songs in lieu of the original recordings. 

CONSULT with your officiant about the structure of your ceremony. you should know when certain songs need to be cued, when pauses or breaks in the music should happen, and how many songs you’ll need for each section of your ceremony.

HIRE  professionals. Professional musicians will not only give the best performances, but they can also help you narrow down your choices and perfect your music selection.make sure that your musicians’ instruments and equipment meet acceptable standards. make sure that your musicians have insurance.

READ your contract carefully before you sign it. make sure your agreement signifies that an alternate band can perform in case of last-minute complications.

CHECK the speakers and the amplifiers in your venue in case you need to make any last-minute adjustments. speak with your venue to set up a time for your musicians to perform a sound-check.

First dance steps

Romantic movements

“Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another.”~Anonymous

Your first dance as a married couple usually kicks off the reception. This very sentimental moment can become a choreographed event that includes the father-of-the-bride, family members, your wedding party and guests. Have fun spinning tradition. The first dance can be as simple or as orchestrated as you like.

Even though the dancing begins with the couple’s first dance, when you take the dance floor for the first time as husband and wife is truly up to you. A fun way to get the party going early is to start the formal reception after cocktail hour, with the presentation of the couple and their first dance. This allows for dancing throughout the dinner service with special dances between courses. Others choose for the dancing to begin after dessert is served during a seated dinner. During afternoon weddings, it can begin before the wedding party is seated. If a buffet is served, brides and grooms may start dancing as soon as they finish greeting their guests.

If the thought of that first dance induces stress, a few basic dance lessons can ease your mind and feet. Visit a professional studio and look for an introductory course that lets you sample the studio’s teaching style. They can even choreograph your first dance. Ask the instructor to select the appropriate dance style for “your song.”

A very basic first dance may be a simple two-step, while for others with more experience it can be a waltz. Couples who love to dance may choose something more complicated yet still romantic, like a rumba or tango. Whatever you choose, make sure the music and dance style suit both of you, and of course, have fun with it!

WEDDING DANCE SUPRISE

Your first dance can be a fun element for couples looking to break up traditional. Here are tips for adding some flare to your dance:

• Start early, practice makes perfect.
• Choose a song you both enjoy and is also appropriate for the occasion.
• Make your dance a “split” routine. the first part can be a traditional dance to a love song, while the second part is a fun routine.
• Ask a trusted friend or relative with dance experience to help guide you.
• Brides with uncooperative grooms might consider asking their fathers to do a surprise choreographed father-daughter dance.
• Be sure your wedding dress is appropriate for doing all of your dance moves
• Keep the dance a surprise by making it a “need to know” piece of information.

Couples who are reluctant to make up their own routine can always copy the moves from popular music videos (i.e. thriller) and movies (i.e. Footloose). the entire bridal party can even become a dance crew with a little practice.