Over the years, I've heard music blend with the ceremony and reception, and I've heard such outrageous songs that the hair on the back of my neck stood straight up. In this section, several professional musicians offer some things to consider when you are deciding on music for your ceremony and reception.    
       
    Bill Cain, Keyboard Musician    
       
    Bill Cain, of Terre Haute, Indiana, is a talented professional musician. When I know that Bill is our organist or pianist for the ceremony, I know we are in good hands. Bill offers the following practical advice for couples:    

    When determining your vocal selections, ask yourself if the song that sounded so perfect at the local hotel lounge on Saturday night is really the song you want your grandmother to hear at your church wedding.    

    Also, when you are using a musical selection that is available only on tape or CD, ask yourself if it's really fair to the musician to ask him to transcribe that music onto sheet music so that it can be played at your wedding.    
       
    Kenny i Orchestras    
       
    Kenny is president of Kenny i Orchestras in Somers Point, New Jersey. His bands perform all over the East Coast and get rave reviews wherever they go. They are truly magical music makers. Kenny offers the following advice for selecting musicians for your reception:    

    Volume is a key item when selecting the "make or break" factor of the receptionthe music. Not only does the band have to be conscious of volume, but it also has to be sensitive to all those involved in the wedding: the consultant, the photographer, the caterer, the videographer, and, of course, the guests.    

    Auditioning the band is crucial. Recommendations are extremely important and can come from people who have enjoyed the entertainers at previous events. A referral from a reception site or caterer also can be respected.

    Note the band's poise, professionalism, volume, selections, overall appearance, and timing. Remember that the band's personality is a mirror image of the elegance and excitement level of the party.    

    Ask the band leader several key questions: Is the band's contract clear regarding getting exactly who you've hired, especially guaranteeing that the leader or MC will be present? How early does the band report to the site? Does it have liability insurance? Can it provide music for the cocktail hour if it's in a room separate from the dinner dance? The music helps make the dream wedding a reality. Select it with care!

 Patrick and Jodi Harris, Sight and Sound Video Productions and DJ Entertainment    
       
    As I mentioned in the video section of this chapter, Patrick and Jodi Harris, of Sight and Sound Video Productions and DJ Entertainment, in Las Vegas, Nevada, not only offer video work, but they also offer DJ services and host a weekly radio show for brides and grooms. They have been in business for 15 years. I've been interviewed several times on their show, "Weddings Done Right," where couples get good information and can call in and ask questions. Here's their advice for hiring a DJ:    

    Know who your DJ/MC will be. Meet your DJ before your event to go over all your information. Some large companies send out whoever is available without telling the bride and groom the name of the DJ; you meet the DJ for the first time at your wedding reception. You have specific requests, needs, and ideas. By meeting your DJ before your wedding, however, you can assure that your entertainment is customized to meet your needs. Your DJ will be with you many hours, and you want to make sure you all get along.    

    Professional DJs do more than just spin discs. You need to find one who will help coordinate events and make announcements of all reception formalities, such as the first dance, father/daughter dance, bouquet toss, garter toss, cake cutting, and so on, tastefully. A good DJ will also work with all your other services, such as your photographer, videographer, bridal consultant, and catering manager, letting them know when things are going to happen to give them enough time to prepare.    

    Find out what time your DJ/MC will arrive. Are you being charged for setup time? Most DJs arrive at least one hour prior to the start of the wedding and don't charge to set up.    

    Look at a video demo of the DJ's work. This doesn't necessarily mean that your party will be like the one on the video, because not every party is the same. However, this will give you an idea of how the DJ is dressed and how he or she makes announcements and sets up activities.    
       
    Sharon Thompson, Sunny Moon DJ Entertainment    
       
    Sharon Thompson is the owner of Sunny Moon DJ Entertainment and has been in the business for 19 years. She is the best DJ I've seen in action. Her company is located in Noblesville, Indiana, and has a great reputation. When you're looking for either DJs or bands, Sharon offers this advice:    

    Music formatting and dance floor psychology are very important. The atmosphere you wish to create is enhanced by the music selection. If you have an afternoon, garden-type reception, you might want to choose classical and New Age selections for the cocktail and dinner hours. Afternoon receptions usually have less dance floor activity due to

 Is there some simple way to audition a band before we actually hire them to play at our reception?    
       
    There are several things you can do:    
       
    Ask if you can eavesdrop on their next wedding gig. (You won't need long to decide whether they will work for you or not.)    
       
    Ask to hear one of their audition tapes, either audio or video.    
       
    Ask for references.    
       
    Talk to staff people at other reception sites who have heard the band play; also, talk to your caterer or bridal consultant.    
       
    What is the average cost of a DJ?    
       
    Depending on your part of the country, DJs run from $250 to $750.    
       
    How about the average cost of a live band?    
       
    The cost of a live band not only depends on your part of the country, but on the size, quality and reputation of the band itself; you'll find bands ranging all the way from $500 to $10,000.    

   Is there a rule of thumb on how big the band should be?    
       
    Many experts say one musician for every 25 guests, with a minimum of four. It has been my personal observation that it depends a great deal on the quality of the sound system: I've heard three and four piece bands that had a "big band" sound. By the way, in case you want a big band sound, but your reception hall is small, you might have them play "unplugged."