Celebrate Intimate Weddings

with Relationship Speaker/Author/Coach...
Larry James

Music &
Entertainment Checklist 

Six to 12 months before the wedding, you and your fiancé should begin to discuss your plans for the type of music you both would like at the reception. The music can make or break the party. Choose wisely. There are many options, including DJ's, bands, soloists, a harpist, etc.

Check their references. You want experienced, professional people doing the honors. Some groups will have a video of past performances. They must also be able to provide back-up equipment, a copy of their insurance, a "written" contract specifying date, time of performance and rates.

If you hire a disc jockey, finding the right disc jockey to grease the banquet mood and rouse guests to twist, boogie, limbo or even do the hokey-pokey is vital. Personality and enthusiasm of the deejay is paramount. Talk directly to the deejay, not the manager or agent. Make reservations at least six months in advance.

Look for deejays who wear tuxedos, use wireless microphones, have two to four speakers and thousands of song on CDs and MP3s to choose from. Be sure to give them a list of songs to be avoided as well as a list of requested songs. Coordinate the events of the reception - father-daughter dance, cake cutting, toasts, etc. - with the disc jockey.

• Decide whether you will hire a band, a DJ, soloist, a harpist, etc.
• Check any restrictions at the reception site.
• Sign agreement and pay deposit.
• Inform the entertainment of date, time and location of reception. Make a map with directions.
• Inquire if the entertainment has any special needs, e.g., electrical, space, etc. Assign a responsible friend to coordinate this with the reception site.
• Make music selection.
• Determine sequence of events with the band leader or DJ. Will they act as an experienced MC?
• Make a list of all announcements to be made during the evening along with your time schedule of events (first dance, tossing the bouquet, throwing the garter, etc.) to the master of ceremonies.
• Coordinate your grand entrance and give the exact order of who will be walking in with whom, along with the correct pronounciation of difficult names.
• Pay the balance

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