Reception Music Tips & Trends
<b>What It Costs</b> For a four-piece ensemble, you'll typically pay $1,000 to $4,000 for a four- or five-hour reception. Most DJs charge from $500 to $2,000 for that same amount of time. If you live in a large metropolitan area, expect a final price on the high side of the range-it could be much more.
<b>Ways to Save</b> Opt for a DJ-they almost always cost less than a band. Stay away from Saturday, since the best DJs and bands are in highest demand on Saturday nights-try Friday or Sunday for a slightly discounted rate. Keep it small-a four or five-piece group will cost less than a fourteen-member orchestra complete with
vocalist (and if the band's equipment is up-to-date, a smaller combo shouldn't sound like it's that much smaller).
<b>Think of Your Guests</b> Maybe you love hip-hop, but what about Grandma and Grandpa? Be sure the band or DJ can play some Sinatra and Cole Porter standards, too.
<b>Size It Up</b> Consider the size of your reception room and your crowd. An intimate space is not going to fit Jerry Jones & His Orchestra. A three-piece combo may not cut it for a guest list of four hundred. A good rule of thumb: six pieces per hundred people.
<b>MC for Me</b> If you want the bandleader or DJ to announce the wedding party and the events of the reception, be sure he or she has the necessary in formation. Write down all names (with pronunciations), roles, and relation to you (mother, best friend, and so on). More important, if you don't want the entertainment to announce things, make sure they know that, too. (Do remember that you will need someone to announce when you want your guests to head to the buffet, but that can be done table by table by your banquet manager.)
<b>Give 'em a Break</b> Expect the entertainment to write breaks into their contract; there may even be union rules requiring that they take them. Have the bandleader or DJ arrange for recorded background music during intermissions.
<b>Go for Five</b> If you think your reception is going to go long, consider hiring the band or DJ for five hours instead of the typical four. It'll probably be cheaper than the overtime fees you'd incur if you decide on the spot to have them stay longer.
<b>Beware the Pair</b> Some DJs work with a partner-one person spins the tunes and the other serves as MC and/or gets the crowd pumped. Make sure everyone you hire understands the style you're looking for, and make sure to meet the person who will MC.
<b>How Special</b> Find out if your band or DJ uses any special equipment (lasers or strobe lights, bubble machine, fog generator), and make it known if you don't want certain kinds of props used.
Courtesy of <a class='navitem2' href='http://theknot.com'>The Knot </a> via <a class='navitem2' href='http://scrippsmedia.com'>Scripps Media</a>
