Music comes in all styles. Casual or sophisticated; classical or rock; reggae or jazz; polka or pop. It is played loud or soft and fast or slow. It appeals to young and old. It can make you feel lively or lethargic.

Music subtly augments a cocktail party and enhances dinner guests conversations.Then it energizes the dance floor continuously for hours.

Music is a common element of everyday life, but for your wedding celebration, the music should be extraordinary.

This section covers several points you should review prior to consulting potential candidates for your entertainment. Some insight will help insure your music will be extraordinary.

Styles

Playing a variety of music styles is a big part of programming that will make the dancing segment of your wedding reception a huge success.

Ethnic tunes, oldies, and today's hits should be combined in a cohesive presentation to allow your guests the opportunity to participate in your celebration, and enjoy themselves on the dance floor.

DJs have an advantage over bands in this case because they have a broader selection of musical styles at their disposal.

Requests

You may have specific songs which you would like to have played during your reception, and you may prefer to eliminate certain songs or kinds of music.Your special selections and musical wishes should be conveyed to your entertainer well in advance of your wedding day.

When guests request music, remember, it is not possible for a DJ to have every song, or for a band to know every song that could be requested; however, DJs do have greater flexibility in handling requests because they don't have to learn the songs.

People often request songs that do not "fit-in" with the music programming. Some may request inappropriate songs.Professional entertainers know when it is acceptable to honor requests. If inappropriate requests are played, they will make you look bad. If you, the bride or groom insist on a song being played that is against the better judgment of the DJ or band, they have every right to let your audience know that the song choice is yours and not his. He has a reputation to protect and he should inform the audience why a poor song choice is being played.

Music Taboos

Some music types and songs are unsuitable to play at wedding receptions. Playing heavy metal or gangsta rap, for example, might upset or displease some of your guests. Also, songs containing objectionable language should not be played. Even though you may like a particular song, you will survive if you don't hear it, and you will not cause anyone at your event to be uncomfortable. Your wedding will not be hurt one bit by a song that isn't played, but it could be hurt by a song that is.

Whether you book a DJ or a band, you will have someone on hand to MC the festivities. Announcements shouldn't pose a problem for any performer.

Simply write your announcements on a card and give it to the person who is handling the MC duties.

Give the names of the wedding party and family members to be introduced to the "announcer" prior to the wedding day. This gives the MC a chance to learn difficult pronunciations. If there is an unusual sounding name on your list, spell it out phonetically or call to clarify its correct pronunciation.

Breaks

Bands may take 3 or 4 breaks during a reception. They could be 15 to 20 minutes in length. Bands might play recorded music during these times. DJs do not take breaks. Continuous music is played during the reception with only brief interruptions to conduct special festivities like a cake cutting ceremony or special introductions.

Sound Levels

Music volume should be kept at an appropriate level so it doesn't "interfere" with the event.Throughout all segments of the reception, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing, the music should add to, or help create the proper atmosphere. During dinner the music should be loud enough to fill in any "dead" air that may occur while people are enjoying their meal.The music level shouldn't be so loud that it is distracting when you are engaged in congratulatory conversation. As the event progresses towards the dancing portion of the event, the volume should increase. The increase should be mainly concentrated on the dance floor. This will add to the excitement of the party. The volume increase should not take away from the enjoyment of any guest as it moves to the foreground. Some people may prefer conversation over dancing. They should be able to find quieter areas away from the dance floor.

Sound System

A moderate size sound system can provide plenty of quality sound for your reception. Depending on the number of guests invited and function room size, sound systems can be customized. If you are planning an unusually large wedding, or perhaps a reception at a sizable outdoor facility, additional sound reinforcement for a band or DJ may be required. Obtaining extra equipment should not be a problem, though it may mean a slightly higher entertainment fee.

Lighting Systems

Unlike nightclubs, discotheques or live entertainment venues, it isn't necessary for the entertainment playing your wedding reception to be equipped with an elaborate light show. Excessive lighting can be distracting. Some effects are disturbing and annoying to older guests. For example, strobe lights can trigger epileptic seizures; therefore, all guests would have to be warned that this effect was going to be used prior to the event. Lighting effects can also add significantly to the entertainment cost. Some lighting might be nice, and add to the overall excitement of your event. Check with your enterainer to discuss your options.

Summary

The music you select for your wedding day will have an impact on each and every one of your guests. From the time before the ceremony begins until the last guest leaves your party, the music will be present. Selecting the right performers to represent you will make your special day one of the most memorable events in your guests lives. Select poorly and that image will be forever in their minds. Remember, if a guest gets a bad meal or a watered down drink, they will be the only one who knows. If a DJ or band plays the wrong tunes or if a singer during you ceremony performs badly, every one knows. You're planning to spend a lot on your cake, dress, venue, invitations all to look great. Don't skimp when it comes to the talent! The music is one of THE most important elements of your big day.

There are plenty of qualified entertainers from which to choose. Ask questions, and talk to your friends. You'll feel confident that your music is in good hands if you proceed equipped with as much information as you can get.