Music for the day will be messy. From organists, choirs, string trios, quartets, soloists, harpist to taped music. We are hoping to have a violinist(classical) or guitarist (rock and roll), a band for live music during the reception and a DJ for later in the evening to play dance tracks.
Music during the ceremony
We're having a garden ceremony so there will hopefully be music in the following parts:
* Music before the wedding
* Processional music (walking down the aisle): Mendelssohn's Wedding March or Pachelbel's Canon or Wagner's Bridal Chorus (We are loving Pachelbels Canon!!)
* Music during the service
* Music during the signing of the register
* Recessional music and incidental music after the wedding
Questions to ask when hiring:
* How long have you and the other performers been playing together and do you have samples that I can watch or is on youtube or your website? Or can I see examples of you work and speak with former clients?
* Ask to see a list of their repertoire, agreee on a list of music and songs they are to perform, check the list and confirm it in the contract
* Contract should cover the following: terms and conditions of the hiring, names of all musicians and performers should be listed along with the style of music they will be performing down to the specific songs, arrival and departure time clearly stated along with setup and break times, food and beverage allowances for the band, equipment provisions and liability-insurance coverage, will they play 'filler' music during their break? and what about the DJ?
* What will you be wearing when you perform?
* Do you charge by the hour or a flat rate?
* How much room do you need for your equipment and performance area?
* Will you beable to play in a garden or park using your own power supply?
* Will you be rehearsing before the wedding?
* It's suppose to be protocol to feed the band members during celebrations so check with venue or caterer about vendor or supplier meals and prices
* Ensure your reception venue can accomodate the band due to some venues having restrictions over the noise/space/acoustics and electrical requirements
Hiring a DJ
* DJs usually provide the music, sound and lighting equipment and can play continuously without interruptions
* Choose music that is meaningful to the both of you so that you can have great memories of the night
* Music can be dramatic, romantic, sexy or fun
* Agree with the DJ on the list of songs and music pieces to be played, 'must play' songs and fillers
* Easy listening tunes 'background music' during the meal and more dance tunes later in the evening
* Black tie formal- Jazz or contemporary band on arrival and disco DJ for the dance hours
Entertainment
* Surprises for guests can include such entertainments as: fireworks, laser light show, fire breathers, jugglers, stilt walkers to greet guests arriving, cabaret, flamenco dancers, mime artists and magicians, comedians, snake and sword acts, impression artists
SIX MONTHS
* Figure out the kind of music you and your fiance would like at your ceremony and reception and how much you are willing to spend
* Find examples of performers work on the internet, on their website, at live shows, friend's recommendations
* Do you need a band and a soloist?
* Reception entertainment are usually booked out early so book ASAP, always watch their performance before paying the deposit
* Ensure you have a written contract/agreement outlining the date, time, location, length of performance, break time and any extra charges for travel, meals and overtime
* Check with your ceremony and reception venues about assembling audio equipment, microphones and loudspeakers. Will be there sufficient room for a dance floor, lecturn and performance area?
THREE MONTHS
* Give the DJ/musicians your 'play list' and 'black list' along with special requests. Ensure that they know when to play the bridal waltz and the music to be played.
ONE WEEK
* Call and confirm all details with your musicians
* Written agreement should outline what the musicians will be providing at what costs, the breaks they are having and at which times, if hey require a meal, ourly rae for additional time, venue address, reception starting time and the time that he band is expected to start playing
* Organise time when the band can prepare their equipment and carry out a sound check
* Liaise with the reception venue and provide contact names and numbers for both parties to confirm the setup time
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