Picking Perfect Wedding Entertainment
Your wedding… You’ve been waiting for this day your entire life! Of course you want everything to be perfect. From your groom to your guests, you want everyone to be happy. Your venue and menu have been chosen, so now you just need to choose your entertainment. Where do you begin? We’ve compiled some great ideas for you below:
What’s your vision: Band or DJ? This choice can result in even more compromise practice with your future partner! You’ll want to choose the right entertainment for your venue. If your venue is small and intimate, a huge band might not even fit. Pay attention to the acoustics, too. Whichever option you choose, band or DJ, just make sure that they are open to playing both slow and fast tempo songs. You want all of your guests to be happy with your variety of music selections.
Budget: Bands and DJs are an investment, so budget what you would like to spend and plan accordingly. It has been estimated that entertainment should cost 8-10% of your total wedding budget. Remember: Certain days of the week often cost more than other days, so definitely do your research. The same is often true for seasons. Also, bands with more members than one usually cost more than one-man or one-woman entertainers or DJs.
Timing: Many bands and DJs are booked 6 months to over a year in advance, so keep this in mind during your entertainment search.
The ability to take requests: This one may seem odd, but many guests love to request songs from the bandleader or the DJ, and although the DJ now has the digital music world at his or her fingertips, the bandleader may not always be able to give you the music that you want.
Energetics at the ‘audition’: Are you looking for a hip, upbeat DJ/band or one who is more reserved? Just make sure that you match your entertainment to your entire wedding vibe as you audition acts. Make sure that your potential entertainers are open to you watching them perform in action, giving you a performance DVD, or leading you to their YouTube site. You want to see what you will ultimately be paying for!
References: Remember, you and your betrothed are the interviewers and the potential entertainers are vying for your wedding day entertainment position. Ask for and expect high quality professional references!
Ask targeted questions: For example, “Why should we choose you?” “What all do you provide as our entertainers (e.g., sound and lighting equipment)?” “May we see the potential entertainment agreement in writing?” “How much time is needed before and after the reception for your equipment set-up and break-down?”
If you’re not feeling a band or a DJ, you can always choose a single performer like an opera singer, a dancer, a caricaturist, or a comedian. Make your reception exactly as you want it. Lucky for you, Green Light Booking can provide you with all of these things and more no matter where you are located! So there you have it. With these guidelines, you are well on your way to having the perfect entertainment at your wedding. Your guests will be talking about your awesome reception for months afterwards!
