How to Hire the Right Live Wedding Entertainment for Your Wedding Reception

You've taken months to pick out the right outfits, food, wedding cake, favors, and wedding reception site. The same care you've put into carefully selecting all the components for your wedding should carry over into your live wedding entertainment selection as well. The live music you choose for your reception will determine the tone of the entire affair. If you've decided on live music, the following checklist will help you find a perfect match.

·         Ask friends and family for references. A glowing recommendation from someone you trust is a still the best way to find a great wedding band.

·         Consider the atmosphere you want to create at your reception. For a low-key or smaller event, a jazz ensemble might be the perfect accompaniment to your wedding reception, while an outdoor bash with lots of energetic guests might demand a country or classic rock band.

·         Consider the size of the venue. You may have your heart set on a twelve-piece orchestra, but only space enough for a string quartet.

·         Consider your wedding budget. There are several factors that determine how much live music will cost. Live wedding entertainment may cost more than a DJ because there are more people that need to be paid. Expect to spend at least 8 percent of your budget on entertainment.

·         Consider your guests. If your guests come from all walks of life and generations, you'll want a versatile band with wide appeal.

·         Ask to listen to a CD, or attend a live performance or practice session.

·         Ask for references. The best advertisement is a happy client.

·         Get playlist. If you don't connect with any of the song choices, chances are you won't be happy having the band play at your wedding reception.

·         Meet with the band leader or manager. You should feel like your ideas are respected and your needs will be met.

·         Ask if the band can play your "must have" song or songs. If there's music you simply must have played at your wedding, bring this up in the first meeting. If the musicians are willing and eager to learn, take that into consideration.

·         Determine if the band will be able to provide their own equipment. If they expect to use equipment provided by the venue, you'll need to establish this early on.

·         Establish whether or not the wedding reception venue will allow live music. Your wedding venue may have rules regarding live music. There may limitations on the size of the band and restrictions on the hours live music can be played.

A representative of the band should be willing to meet with you and answer your questions. Good communication with all of your wedding vendors, including the entertainment, will set the stage for a picture-perfect day.