The reception
Music at the reception helps to entertain the guests and should be appropriate for the type of wedding and the age grouping of the majority. It is advisable to have music playing while the guests arrive at the venue, especially if they are waiting in a holding area such as a foyer or enclosed veranda. There should be some rousing music to announce the arrival of the bride and groom to the reception. Soft background music is appropriate while food is being served, and sound effects - such as a drum roll - can even be added somewhere in the course of the speeches.
Live sounds are a winning choice, especially during a day wedding, where beautiful and soothing background music is required. A piano lends an excellent ambience to proceedings, is extremely versatile, and sounds wonderful on its own as well as in combination with other instruments or even a soloist. However, remember that a pianist or string ensemble will not be suitable for a really large wedding because of the noise factor. If opting for live 'unplugged' music, check that there is a facility for playing recorded music between sets.
Evening weddings probably require something more upbeat than a classical ensemble, and a jazz band or professional DJ is a popular choice. Although this will probably be a livelier, louder affair, ensure that the music is not so intrusive as to make socialising difficult in the early part of the event. If dancing is to take place at a later stage, make sure that the DJ or musicians know when it is appropriate for the volume to be increased. Nothing kills a party more quickly than a DJ that caters only for the people on the dance floor. If the function is being held at a venue that accommodates outside guests or in a quiet neighbourhood, it is considerate to lower the music volume at a stipulated time later in the evening.
As the DJ is part of the entertainment, it is helpful if he has an engaging presentation style and establishes a good rapport with the guests. An experienced DJ should be able to read the crowd and set the pace for the evening, keeping everything going by playing a variety of music. He may even act as a Master of Ceremonies, announcing items on the agenda.
Take note...
Choose your ensemble, band or DJ well in advance and listen to examples of their music before making your decision.
The people selected should be made aware of the required set?up time at the venue, the time of guests' arrival, the number of guests and age groups covered, the expected duration of play, and any specific requirements of the bridal party
The company chosen should be sensitive to the couple's needs - compile a list of special songs as requests to be played, and ensure that the DJ is aware of the specific song to be played for the first dance
Take care to position the band correctly at the venue, not too close to guests' tables where the volume level may be unacceptably high
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