When it comes to music and entertainment at weddings, more and more couples are using DJs for both their ceremony and reception. This option allows for great flexibility with regards to your music choices for all those special moments. Like many good service providers, good DJs are booked early, so waste no time in finding one. After the formalities of the ceremony, and after the meal, people want to relax and have fun, so your music is essential in creating this atmosphere!
It is difficult to find out how good a DJ is without first hearing them, so speak to people. Photographers especially end up working with the same DJs over and over again, so ask who they would recommend. Also speak to your co-ordinator, they will always be able to recommend someone they have a good working relationship with.
Many couples choose to have live music for their ceremony, then switch to the services of a DJ for the reception to create a less formal atmosphere. If you are not one of these couples, find out how much extra your DJ charges for a chapel setup - this is something most people forget about. Also enquire whether your DJs setup includes lighting and a sound system, and a mic for speeches, or you might have to end up hiring one separately.
Another great option for your reception is a jukebox. Modern jukeboxes are quite sleek, complete with touch screens and loaded with thousands of songs for you and your guests to choose from, and they cost about half of what you would pay for a DJ. The upside of this, aside from the lower price, is that your guests will hear exactly the music they want. The downside is that there will be no inter-song banter from the DJ to get the crowd warmed up. Think about it.
If you are considering a live band for your reception, and the same goes for live musicians for your ceremony, bear in mind that they can be quite pricey and are often not very flexible with regards to genre. While I personally love the idea of the bride walking down the aisle to a string quartet, I'm not sure I would go for a live band for my reception. If you do choose a live band to get your guests up and jiving, always make sure you hear them play before you hire them, or you could end up regretting your decision!
A small word of advice, if you do hire a DJ, don't forget to cater for them. Photographers and videographers usually stipulate that they be fed at your reception, but DJs are often forgotten! It is also a nice idea to shell out for an extra favour for your DJ - we placed one on our DJs table, and he was so thrilled to be treated as a guest and not just a supplier that I would definitely recommend it to future brides!
Don't miss tomorrow's post - Part 9: Stationery and Favours.
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