Music and Memories “I’ll always remember the song they were playing the first time we danced and I knew…as we swayed to the music and held to each other, I fell in love with you.” Anne Murray – Could I Have This Dance So, you’ve got the date set and the reception venue booked…now what? Let’s talk about the music! Music is a HUGE part of any memorable event and your wedding (ceremony and reception) will likely be one of the most- important events in your life, so don’t leave finding “the right musicians and/or band” to chance, or until the last-minute. Where do you start? Penny Moon Entertainment Group (hireabandstlouis) suggests that you start your search locally. Many cities have bridal magazines and websites that advertise local bands and musicians. So, a “good start” would be to perform a search on “bands in St Louis”, or “St Louis wedding bands” on the internet, or check your local newsstand! This basic search will give you a host of options from which to choose. If you don’t have the time, or are just not comfortable contacting bands and musicians on your own, you can opt to work with a wedding planner, or a booking agency, that can recommend groups, or do the actual booking on your behalf, for a fee, plus write a contract to ensure the booking. Make sure the company you work with is reputable. Your venue may also be able to recommend musicians, or agencies that can help. What can you expect from the musicians you hire? Local musicians and bands (relative to where you are getting married) are generally less expensive and readily available to meet with you to discuss your wants, and needs, for your ceremony and reception. A good wedding reception band will know how to play a variety of music suitable for all ages and will be willing to learn a few songs that are special to you as well. For example, it is customary for the bride and groom to have their first dance set to a song of their choosing; for the bride to dance with her father; for the groom to dance with his mother; and also for a group bridal party to dance altogether. Many bands will offer the use of a wireless microphone at the reception for use by the head table. Everyone wants to hear those special toasts made by the best man and the maid of honor! Ask if they can provide music for your ceremony and reception, including cocktail and dinner music. This is often a good option because you may be able to negotiate a discount on the price, if you book it all with one group. This works best when the ceremony and reception are being held at the same venue. If you don’t have a wedding planner, ask your band to emcee your reception with a provided itinerary. They already have the microphones and are entertaining your guests. It’s a simple request to ask them to make announcements such as ‘the throwing of the garter and the bouquet’. If you don’t want a d.j., or can’t afford the added expense, ask the band to provide mp3 music while on their breaks, so your guests can continue to dance and have fun, until they return to the stage. As for the ceremony itself, the latest trends have included harpists, bagpipers, acoustic guitarists, flutists and other non-traditional wedding musicians. The common theme seems to be to “Make Your Ceremony Unique” and express who you are as a couple through your music selection. Great! But how much does al ll of this cost? Prices will vary because musicians are independent contractors and each one sets his/her own price. Typical wedding ceremony music can range from free (if you are using a close friend, or relative) to a thousand dollars, or more. Reception bands are no different. Depending on the experience level, the size of the band, how long your reception lasts and the location, a reception band can cost nothing, or as much as several thousand dollars. Costs you may also have to consider are travel expenses and hotel rooms, if your band is from out of local area and meals at your reception. It is customary to feed the band. So, don’t wait to book your music! Set your budget and start your search today! You’re sure to find exactly what you want, if you take the time to look.
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 18:56:13 +0000
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