Entertainment / Music

Below are some of our favorite ideas for entertainment and music - we'll be
adding more ideas soon.

Reception Entertainment

No matter how elegant a reception might be, or how great the food is, what takes place there is what your guests will remember the most. Whether you choose the elegance of a string quartet or the majesty of a trumpet and organ as the music to accompany the wedding ceremony, chances are you'll want to pick up the pace at the reception.

Consider this: If the choice of site gives the wedding reception its face, the choice of music and entertainment gives the reception its pulse. Remember the receptions you have attended in the past. More than anything else positive energy makes a reception a "celebration" rather than an assembly.

When it comes to choosing the entertainment for your reception, you have many different choices. Among the choices: professional disc jockeys, a jazz trio playing the standards by George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Cole Porter; a seven-piece band performing a cross-generation list of hits; or - for a price - a twenty-five-piece orchestra.

Whatever the choice, music will be the rhythm of the wedding celebration. You can make it rockin' or refined, novel or nostalgic, but you should make it your own. You'll want to book your entertainment as soon as possible - preferably nine to twelve months before the wedding - to ensure your first choice for entertainment will be available.

When it comes to entertainment for your reception, you really only have two choices: A Professional DJ/MC or a live band. Both have their own unique qualities.

While much ado has been made about the level of elegance and energy a live band can bring to an event; today's professional DJs/MCs can and do provide the same level of elegance and energy; and a lot more!

Professional DJs are a popular alternative to live bands. DJs usually require less space than live musicians, are generally easier on the budget, (expect to pay between $500 - $800 for a professional DJ in Kentuckiana) DJs don't take breaks, and songs sound exactly the way you expect them to. Also, most professional DJs will handle the complete coordination of your reception.

When choosing the musical format for your reception, give some thought to what your guests would like to hear. Asking your DJ or band to play a wide variety of music styles and eras is a great way to make sure everyone has a great time - not just the younger guests.

If you are considering hiring a band or DJ that you haven't seen perform before, you should consider meeting with them to see if they are really what you are looking for. After all, you will be putting this person(s) in charge of the entertainment for the biggest party you have ever thrown; on what may possibly be the biggest day of your life. You should make sure you are comfortable with them and their style. The DJ or band leader may also give you a list of references. CALL THEM! Ask if there were any issues or problem areas when the person dealt with them.

A word about your entertainment and price: Entertainment for your reception is not an area you want to try to cut cost in. Entertainment is the lifeline of your reception. Without great entertainment your guests will become bored and leave early, which translates into a bad party, instead of a great celebration. You should consider your entertainment an insurance policy that ensures all of the other money you spent doesn't result in bad memories or a less than enjoyable occasion. You do get what you pay for. Good entertainment is NOT cheap, and cheap entertainment is NOT good!

But, many people will pay far more for a cake, flowers, or food than they will for the most crucial ingredient at a party - the entertainment & music. These are the same people that will tell you how horrible their band or DJ was, all because they tried to save a couple hundred dollars. When was the last time you saw a cake motivating a dance floor crowd, or making announcements in a dignified, elegant way? Furthermore, when was the last time you heard a guest tell you "Wow, that baked chicken was great, I can't wait until I go to another party to have that again"? No, that DOES NOT HAPPEN. Instead, they mainly talk about the music that was played or performed; and whether they had a good time or not.

It is truly amazing how many low-cost entertainment options are available in the Kentuckiana area. These low-cost options are where most of the horror stories come from also. If the entertainment is important to you, budget properly for it and make sure you hire a true professional.

Whatever your choice, professional disc jockey or band, make sure you sign a contract with your entertainment provider and make sure they have liability insurance! Don't take the entertainers word that they have liability insurance, ask them to prove it with a copy of their current statement! The contract should specify the number of entertainers, number of breaks, what they will wear, how long they will perform, total fee, retainer fee, and when the balance is due.

PROCESSIONAL & RECESSIONAL MUSIC SUGGESTIONS

PROCESSIONAL

RECESSIONAL

UNITY CANDLE MUSIC SUGGESTIONS

FIRST DANCE SUGGESTIONS

FATHER - DAUGHTER DANCE SUGGESTIONS

MOTHER - SON DANCE SUGGESTIONS

BRIDAL PARTY - FAMILY DANCE SUGGESTIONS

BOUQUET & GARTER TOSS SONG SUGGESTIONS

BOUQUET TOSS

GARTER TOSS