Wedding Planning Advice

Once you have selected your ceremony and reception site, it is time to think about music! You will need music for the ceremony and the reception. You should begin looking once you have chosen the location for your reception.

First you need to determine where and when you need music and what type of music you want. Our Wedding Data Sheet can help you plan many of the traditional moments on your wedding day. But first here are some questions to consider:

• Where will the ceremony be?
  If your ceremony is at a church, the church will probably provide an organist. However, you could also include a trumpeter to provide a more majestic processional; or you could include strings or a vocalist. If your ceremony is at the reception location, or if no organ or piano is available, there are several options: string ensembles, brass quintets, flute and guitar, harpists, etc.
• What combination of instruments do you like?
  No one sound is better than another. Many combinations of instruments are lovely. What sound do you and your fiance prefer?
• At the reception, do you want to have background music and dancing or only background music?
  
• Do you want a band, a disc jockey or both? Do you want to hear a variety of music throughout the reception or only one style?

Some brides and grooms will know exactly what they want for their ceremony and reception. Others will need to look at all the possibilities. In either case, it is good to listen to tapes, either audio or video, of different groups. You may find you prefer something other than your original idea!

Once you have selected a band or disc jockey, a signed contract is a must. All permanent information related to the event should be listed including the performer, the location, the hours of the event, the number of breaks for the performer (If any), the dress, special requirements, and the payment required.

Once you have selected musicians for the ceremony or a disc jockey or band for your reception, details are extremely important. For the ceremony what processional and recessional would you like? For the reception, what song would you like for the first dance? Will there be a special father/bride dance? Using the band's or DJ's song list you should select some songs you definitely want your band or disc jockey to play. Also, if you feel strongly that you don't want to hear certain songs, write a short list of these tunes.

Do you want any emceeing at the reception? Do you need announcements made at certain moments? Will the wedding party be introduced into the ballroom? These are items that should be resolved at least one month prior to the wedding. In this manner, it can be guaranteed that your requests will be met. Our event coordinators can assist you in all of these details.

Music is an important part of your wedding day. By following the above suggestions, your wedding day will be even more perfect.

• Wedding Data Sheet -- This form has been designed as a guide to help you plan many of the traditional moments on your wedding day. Our event coordinators are available to help with any questions, i.e., What time do you recommend for the First Dance, Do you have any First Dance suggestions, etc.? Once this form has been completed as much as possible, we will have the orchestra, bandleader, or DJ call you to discuss everything. By giving specific instructions in advance, you will not only be able to totally enjoy yourself on this special day, but it will guarantee that our performers will make your day exactly the way you envision it.