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Weddings
Your Special Day
Imagine your special day… the perfect blue sky, your elegant dress,
the limousine carrying you and your bridesmaids to the church. Once
there, the chauffeur opens your door. You take one last deep breath
before entering the church, goosebumps tingling with excitement up
and down your arms. The doors open, and you see your loved ones –
friends and family - all looking adoringly at you. And at the end
of the aisle is your beloved, handsome as ever, positively glowing
with pride. You begin to gracefully make your way down the aisle.
Just a minute, isn't it a little quiet? Hey…where's the music?!?
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Music for your Wedding
Music at your wedding is about many things. For the ceremony it
provides a true sense of occasion. And reception entertainment
offers your guests a chance to party, or an elegant atmosphere, or
both! You can enjoy the moment of having your special song played
live by your band for your bridal dance, then let loose on the
dance floor all night long. Selecting the right entertainment can
sometimes be a little daunting considering the myriad of options
available.
Keep these two points in mind as you search for the ideal wedding
entertainment:
1. Ask to hear a sample of the group you are interested in before
you book. The quality of sample you get is an indication of just
how seriously your entertainer takes their profession. You want to
be assured you're going to get exactly what you want.
2. Start your enquiries into entertainment early. About the same
time you choose your reception venue is a good time to get serious
about booking. The good bands are popular and always book out
quickly, so the sooner you confirm the better.
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Budget
Know your budget, and don't be afraid to discuss costs with your
entertainment provider early in the process. To avoid any unforseen
surprises, ask questions like “does the quote include production
costs, equipment hire, travel charges and GST?”.
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Trust
Never underestimate the importance of selecting an entertainment
provider you can trust. Sure it's easy to say, but how do you
really know who to trust with your entertainment? As you look at
the available options, be sure to ask yourself:
Do they have the industry experience necessary to implement and
coordinate an entertainment plan to suit your needs?
Do they treat you as a person, or just another customer?
Do they return your calls or emails in a timely manner?
Are they understanding of your specific needs?
Do they ask the right questions in order for you to get exactly
what you want?
Remember, it's your day so the more specific you can be about the
music you want, the more likely you will be to get the perfect
atmosphere.
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Ceremony Entertainment
If it's an elegant, timeless look you desire, a well-presented
string quartet is by far the most popular choice, followed closely
by a solo harpist. A classical flute and guitar duo will provide a
sense of style, or if you prefer something a little more unique yet
still traditional, a solo trumpet, (or maybe 3!) can herald in your
special day.
For contemporary weddings, having a vocalist singing your favourite
song makes a for a romantic and personal touch, plus you'll find
singers are more than willing to learn a special song for your
occasion provided they have enough notice. Generally, you want the
musicians to play elegant background music as your guests arrive, a
special piece for your entrance, signing of the register, departure
music and more background as your guests depart.
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Reception Entertainment
The good news here is entertainment options at your reception are
as vast as you can imagine. As there is an enormous variety of live
music available, it can sometimes be a daunting thought to find
entertainment that provides exactly what you're looking for. The
important thing is to have a good idea of the entertainment style
you want. And remember to consider whether it will suit your
wedding.
Early on in your reception you can create a variety of moods. While
Jazz & Lounge bands or pop duos give a contemporary and relaxed
vibe, a classical string quartet, solo harp, piano or flamenco
guitar will create an elegant and refined atmosphere. If you're
having cocktail-style reception, any of the styles mentioned would
suit.
For those wanting to party on into the night, there is a live band
to suit everyone. The reception band, lounge & groove band or pop
duo that's been providing your intimate dinner music can often
bring up the volume and change their repertoire to give you and
your guests some upbeat dance music. Party bands that cover a wide
range of music for larger events will keep on going till the wee
hours of the morning.
If you're on a budget and want live music, you could think about
booking a soloist (say, guitar or piano) for just the first few
hours, and let a professional DJ do the work for the rest of the
evening. It helps to provide a romantic atmosphere and can also be
a talking point for your guests!
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Final Considerations
We'll finish up with a few points to consider when choosing your
entertainment for your reception:
Number of guests. (A 10-piece party band may not suit an intimate
reception for 50 pax!)
The type of atmosphere you want to evoke, be it traditional or
contemporary.
How long you want the entertainers to perform.
A reputable entertainment consultancy takes out the stress of
having to find, book and implement your own wedding entertainment
solution. Enhance Entertainment offers clients professional
guidance in relation to entertainer placement, dress code,
repertoire selection and coordination, making the task much
simpler!
Music can make your special day.
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Reprinted with permission from Enhance Entertainment, leaders in
live entertainment solutions. To subscribe to their free
newsletter, visit
http://www.enhancentertainment.com.au.
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