your special day
music for your wedding
budget
trust
ceremony entertainment
reception entertainment
final considerations
your wedding day
It's your special day… the perfect blue sky, your elegant dress, the limousine carrying you and your bridesmaids to the church. Once there, the chauffeur opens your door. You take one last deep breath before entering the church, goosebumps tingling with excitement up and down your arms. The doors open, and you see your loved ones all looking at you with adoration. And at the end of the aisle is your beloved, handsome as ever, positively glowing with pride. You begin to gracefully make your way down the aisle. Just a minute, isn't it a little quiet? Hey…where's the music?!?
music for your wedding
Music at your wedding is about many things. For the ceremony it provides a true sense of occasion. And reception entertainment offers your guests a chance to party, or an elegant atmosphere, or both! You can enjoy the moment of having your special song played live by your band for your bridal dance, then let loose on the dance floor all night long. Selecting the right entertainment can sometimes be a little daunting considering the myriad of options available.
Keep these two points in mind as you search for the ideal wedding entertainment:
1. Ask to hear a sample of the group you are interested in before you book. The quality of sample you get is an indication of just how seriously your entertainer takes their profession. You want to be assured you're going to get exactly what you want.
2. Start your enquiries into entertainment early. About the same time you choose your reception venue is a good time to get serious about booking. The good bands are popular and always book out quickly, so the sooner you confirm the better.
wedding entertainment budget
Know your budget, and don't be afraid to discuss costs with your entertainment provider early in the process. To avoid any unforseen surprises, ask questions like “does the quote include production costs, equipment hire, travel charges and GST?”.
trust
Never underestimate the importance of selecting an entertainment provider you can trust. Sure it's easy to say, but how do you really know who to trust with your entertainment? As you look at the available options, be sure to ask yourself:
Do they have the industry experience necessary to implement and coordinate an entertainment plan to suit your needs?
Do they treat you as a person, or just another customer?
Do they return your calls or emails in a timely manner?
Are they understanding of your specific needs?
Do they ask the right questions in order for you to get exactly what you want?
Remember, it's your day so the more specific you can be about the music you want, the more likely you will be to get the perfect atmosphere.
wedding ceremony entertainment
If it's an elegant, timeless look you desire for your ceremony, a well-presented string quartet is by far the most popular choice, followed closely by a solo harpist. A classical flute and guitar duo will provide a sense of style, or if you prefer something a little more unique yet still traditional, a solo trumpet, (or maybe 3!) can herald in your special day.
For contemporary weddings, having a vocalist singing your favourite song makes a for a romantic and personal touch, plus you'll find singers are more than willing to learn a special song for your occasion provided they have enough notice. Generally, you want the musicians to play elegant background music as your guests arrive, a special piece for your entrance, signing of the register, departure music and more background as your guests depart.
wedding reception entertainment
The good news here is entertainment options at your reception are as vast as you can imagine. As there is an enormous variety of live music available, it can sometimes be a daunting thought to find entertainment that provides exactly what you're looking for. The important thing is to have a good idea of the entertainment style you want. And remember to consider whether it will suit your wedding.
Early on in your reception you can create a variety of moods. While Jazz & Lounge bands or pop duos give a contemporary and relaxed vibe, a classical string quartet, solo harp, piano or flamenco guitar will create an elegant and refined atmosphere. If you're having cocktail-style reception, any of the styles mentioned would suit.
For those wanting to party on into the night, there is a live band to suit everyone. The reception band, lounge & groove band or pop duo that's been providing your intimate dinner music can often bring up the volume and change their repertoire to give you and your guests some upbeat dance music. Party bands that cover a wide range of music for larger events will keep on going till the wee hours of the morning.
If you're on a budget and want live music, you could think about booking a soloist (say, guitar or piano) for just the first few hours, and let a professional DJ do the work for the rest of the evening. It helps to provide a romantic atmosphere and can also be a talking point for your guests!
final considerations
We'll finish up with a few points to consider when choosing your entertainment for your reception:
Number of guests. (A 10-piece party band may not suit an intimate reception for 50 pax!)
The type of atmosphere you want to evoke, be it traditional or contemporary.
How long you want the entertainers to perform.
A reputable entertainment consultancy takes out the stress of having to find, book and implement your own wedding entertainment solution. Enhance Entertainment offers clients professional guidance in relation to entertainer placement, dress code, repertoire selection and coordination, making the task much simpler!
Music can make your special day.
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