10 Tips for Planning Your Wedding Entertainment
Music can make or break your Wedding day. It’s often one of the things guests talk about afterwards, whether good or bad! Much thought should go into the planning of the Wedding entertainment for your special day. Here are our top 10 tips we have picked up along the way to help you out.
1) Don’t snub the idea of a band or DJ before doing some research
This is usually the first place to start and generally it’s whether you want live music with a band or with a DJ or…is it something you are going to try and do yourself. Your Wedding entertainment budget can be a deciding factor but do some research and be sure to ask around for recommendations from friends or your venue. Remember, the cheapest is not always the best option.
2) Have some Pre-Ceremony music as guests arrive
It’s a good idea to have some background music playing as people arrive and start to mingle. Aim for around 20-30 minutes otherwise, without music it can seem like quite a long wait. If you’re doing it yourself think of easy listening music with a little bit of tempo. Not sure what to put on your playlist? A DJ can often provide this music for you (as well as the Ceremony and the Reception music), which could save you organising playlists and a sound system. This should be something you need to consider as you start to decide what your Wedding entertainment will consist of.
3) Consider a sound check
It’s good to check with the venue if they have any limitations with Wedding entertainment and entertainers…whether that is noise, power, space etc. Ask the venue manager what they feel usually works well at their venue or within the space you’re occupying. Also ask if there are any requirements for the entertainer you may have booked. If your entertainer hasn’t been to the venue before it’s a good idea to suggest they do a walk-through before the day.
4) Meet your musician/entertainer in person before the date
It’s not always easy to watch a Wedding entertainer before your big day as they’re usually performing at a Wedding! It’s highly unlikely the couple will want random people turning up at their big day to scope out the entertainment. Enquire if they are playing anywhere public which might be an easier option. Otherwise, arrange a pre-Wedding catch up to discuss the day in person (or via Skype if in person isn’t possible). That way you get to see them, discuss elements of the day like music, timing, special requests etc.
5) Make a note of the must-play songs
Give your DJ or band a list of your favourite songs when discussing your Wedding entertainment. This includes a list of ‘must-plays’, which may include your favourites as well as songs you know your guests will love, or your parents would really appreciate hearing. If it’s a band, talk to them first before you book as you’ll want to know if they can play the songs or if it’s the style of music they play. If it’s a DJ, be sure they are open to your suggestions. A good DJ should be open to your requests; it’s not a chance for them to play what they want. Some may specialise in a certain style of music so it’s a good thing to ask when doing part of your research. If there’s something they don’t have and struggle to get, they may ask you to supply it and if you have a version of it that’s great!
6) Keep an eye on the volume
You don’t want to make it hard for your guests to talk to each other. It’s a good idea to specify times you want softer music and times when you want it to be louder for the dancing and partying. Some entertainers can get carried away with the moment so if it gets too loud don’t be afraid to go over and mention it to them…for the greater enjoyment of the rest of the evening.
7) Don’t choose a really long first-dance song
A song that goes on can be a bit of a drain for both the guests and yourself. Do you really want to be swaying in front of everyone for longer than you have to?
Do a few run-throughs if planning to do some choreography to the track you’ve chosen and think of things like when you want the bridal party to join you and when you want to invite up the rest of the guests too. If it’s a really long track, work with your DJ who may be able to edit it to make it shorter.
8) Thinking about a ‘do-not-play’ list is a really good idea
You and your soon-to-be-spouse should sit down together to decide the list of songs you want your entertainer to perform or play on the day. It’s important you both have a say. Just like picking your ‘must-play’ songs, a ‘do-not-play’ list is also a good idea. Avoid having songs you really dislike for whatever reason played and ruining your day.
9) Get guests to RSVP any requests they may have
To really get an idea of what your guests may like when it comes to the music for your Wedding day then consider asking them to suggest one song when they RSVP. It gives them the chance to hear one of their favourites and, if they have some input then they’ll be more keen to get on the dance floor when their song comes up.
10) Think of your guests, not just yourselves
You may have some quite eccentric or particular music tastes but remember you’ve invited a number of people to enjoy the day with you so accommodating their music tastes is vitally important to them sharing the day with you and enjoying it. You may love 90’s grunge but your guests may like a range of other genres to get them up dancing and celebrating your big day while your older guests may like to hear some 80’s and 90’s. Perhaps leave some of your more obscure favourites towards the end of the night or just select a couple of ‘must-plays’ that will keep you happy and give you a chance to rock out.
Find out more about what Ridler DJ Hire can do for your Wedding entertainment HERE
