MUSIC & BAND
No matter how small or simple the party, music in some form adds gaiety to the celebrations. Music for a reception may be provided by anything from a six-piece band to a D.J. playing recorded music. For a smaller reception one may choose a solo player, duo or trio who also play an excellent music and offer value for money. There are a number of local bands who specialize in music for wedding receptions. Your budget and choice of venue will help you decide which of these alternatives is the best.
LIVE MUSIC BAND: A BAND
In spite of the 10.45 p.m. deadline at outdoor venues and availability of a large number of indoor venues including hotels and banquet halls, the popularity of bands at wedding receptions is increasing. There are quite a few good wedding bands in town. Some popular, some not so well known. There are no standard fixed rates and there may be differences in rates among bands. Rates vary seasonally i.e. highest during Christmas and lowest during the monsoons. They may also vary depending upon the location of the reception. When choosing a band, ask for a demo tape/CD of the band. The demo could be a live demo or one that is recorded in a studio. Judge the lead singers comfort level with the guests along with his stage presence. It is advisable to choose a band that is well experienced. You can ask for references from previous parties. Choose a band that can sing a wide range of songs. Go through their song list. If your wedding is months’ away then you can ask the band to learn a few special songs of your choice that are not a part of their song list. Let the band know, if there is any song that you do not want to be played. Once you have decided on a particular band, you may have to pay an advance amount. The balance amount is usually paid on the wedding day. On receiving the advance most bands will give you a receipt which serves as a contract between you and the band. Brief the band on the timings of the reception, the cut-off time of the venue, any restrictions on the band crew imposed by the venue officials etc. Find out from the band leader there is any dress code for musicians. All professional musicians have formal outfits.
RECORDED MUSIC
A growing number of people are resorting to recorded music instead of bands. Even though recorded music can never replace a live band, it has its advantages. Quality music of your choice can be played. It is cheaper and ideal for venues where space is a constraint. Besides you can have continuity of music.
Tips on choosing a D.J./Sound
- Do not choose a D.J. on their prices alone.
- The cost of the D.J. incudes the cost of equipment, transportation and labor.
- Ask the D.J. if he can provide some references of his previous clients.
- Find a D.J. who will be able to cater to the different age groups that will be attending the wedding.
- Find out if the D.J. has a "request policy".
- Most D.J.’s take requests from the guests.
- However, the D.J. should know if the request of song is appropriate for the mood of the party and goes well with the sequence of the session.
- Give the D.J. a list of songs that you desire to be played. Go through the song list and eliminate the songs that you do not want to be played. Most D.J.’s claim to have a long list of songs.
- The D.J. may or may not play all your requests except for the Bridal special and a few others.
- Also check if the sound system used by the D.J. is of professional quality. Bad equipment may ruin the mood of the party.
- Insist on the D.J. being appropriately dressed at the wedding as most D.J.’s come casually dressed.
- All D.J.’s should have a T-series performance license and a public performance license.
- The sound system should arrive at the reception venue at least 2 hours before the scheduled time. This should give them enough time to set up the system.
- Insist that all loaders and additional hands are seated far away from the band stage and the D.J. console.
- It is advisable to hear the band/D.J. Perform before confirming your booking. Meet the D.J./bandleader at least a month before your reception.
- Together you can decide on the music to be played. Make your own choice but give due consideration to the preferences of your guests.
A good and competent person is required to coordinate the various activities at a wedding function, and here the compere comes into the picture. The compere is required to coordinate all arrangements and activities during the function and liaise with the band, caterer, and videographer. He or She has to maintain a lively atmosphere and ensure that the various events proceed smoothly. Approach the compere at least 1 or 2 months before the wedding. Once you have decided to hire the services of a particular compere, meet him or her at least a month before the wedding. Discuss your background and any special customs or plans you may have. Discuss the schedule and together prepare the reception plan. He or She will also advise you on how to make your reception or party unique and special. Here’s where the professional expertise and experience of a compere will prove invaluable. It is important that the compere arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time of the wedding. A good compare always checks if everything is in order. i.e., the caterers have arrived, the décor is in place, the sound system is set up, the change rooms are ready, etc.
It is important that the judge manages the entire event smoothly within the given time period. There are only a few comperes who are very good speakers as well as excellent coordinators and managers. Consult your relatives and friends before deciding on the composer of your choice. A wedding is an occasion to rejoice and remember. All the days and months of meticulous preparation down to the last details culminate in the nuptials and reception, which last for just a few hours but are remembered by the couple for years to come. A good and competent person is required to coordinate various activities at the reception, and a compere is the right person. Most professional comperes of repute charge a fixed sum for their service. Some charge more, and some charge less. If you pay less, you may not get a professional and experienced compere, and if you pay more, verify the additional services you are getting. However, a high-priced competitor does not ensure competence and experience. It is customary for every compere to acknowledge the various service providers during the reception in the Hall. This can be done at the end, when he thanks everyone who has made the event a success.