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Theatre Reviews
by Jeniva Berger

| ENTERTAINMENT AT WEDDINGS

Entertainment, Music & The Wedding Singer

Music can set the tone and assist in establishing a rhythm for your reception. It can be provided by a DJ; a one-man band with a synthesizer, drum machine or computer; a musical group with or without electronic equipment; or an orchestra with a singer.

Depending on the budget, professional performers such as a comedian, magician, dancers or an act that fits into the theme of your wedding can all add to your celebration. Regardless of what you choose, entertainment acts shouldn=t go over 30 to 45 minutes in order to allow time for your guests to enjoy seeing the both of you, eat, drink, dance, and mingle with friends and relatives.

Do not hire DJ, musicians or entertainment acts without hearing or seeing them perform. Don't go only by photos, videos, tapes or web sites. If you're going to book, take the time to see them live. Most entertainers will have a schedule of performances that you can be invited to drop in and view.

Remember to make use of references from other brides and grooms. Confirm the day before that your entertainment will show up.

MUSIC
When establishing the music provider for your reception, discuss the type of service you want. You might want a mix songs to please invited guests of all ages. Favorites can include contemporary, romantic ballads, jazz, ethnic, country - whatever sounds and tunes you want to listen or dance to.

THE WEDDING SINGER
The wedding singer is an icon of wedding reception history, sometimes acting as Master of Ceremonies for your reception. Professional singers pride themselves in knowing just about every song that guests might want to hear, as well as traditional songs associated with ethnic customs.

You can hire a wedding singer separately (he or she will either provide their own tapes to provide the music or rehearse with the group/band you have hired). Or the person may be the lead singer with the group/band you are hiring. When you are shopping for a wedding singer, obtain a list of references (and check them out) as well as any videos, cassette tapes or CDS. Several have web sites. If you are hiring an independent wedding singer check the Contract Guidelines which follow.

If you are hiring a band:
• establish if they have played at your reception venue before. If not, get a list of their requirements before booking them, such as electrical outlets, lighting, stage size, etc.;

• ensure that the DJ or group/band has a proper sound system that is included in their fee; or that their sound system will be able to patch into the sound system at your reception venue;

• know their backup plan if their equipment breaks down;

• determine whether they are a union or non-union band. You may have to pay more for a union band, but if something goes wrong your recourse is to report them to the musicians' union;

• ask if the group/band has a vocalist (wedding singer). If so, use the same guidelines as outlined above in The Wedding Singer section;

• find out how many breaks they take and of what length. If you want continuous music throughout the event, ask them to provide taped music and the tape-deck during their breaks.

Upon hiring a band:
• let them know the dress code they are to follow;
• provide the DJ or leader of the group/band with a list of songs you want to hear. Ask the band leader for his suggestions;
• provide the DJ or leader of the group/band, if he/she is your master of ceremonies, with a list of names to be acknowledged and which dance sets you want them made in;
• if you or a member of your family wants to entertain, organize this with the leader, who may coordinate it with the musicians' breaks;
• arrange for their meals. You are not expected to serve them alcoholic beverages, but musicians shouldn't starve.

www.WeddingsHoneymoons.com | April 2, 2008

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