Will you have a DJ or a band for dancing? Do you envision a major blowout party lasting until  well into the night or a quiet, more staid affair?

Will you simply opt for some background music, maybe a three-piece string quartet or jazz group, while your guests balance martini glasses and hors d’oeuvres plates and take part in educated and upscale conversation? Music during the reception sets the tone for the type of party you want your wedding celebration to be. Most wedding receptions include a dance floor, but yours doesn’t have to be the main focus of the event if you don’t want to go that route. Still, some music is nice.

A DJ, of course, is generally less expensive than paying several musicians to perform. The DJ is also more flexible. He can play any type of music from hip hop to ‘40s big band swing to reggae and everything in between, just by opening a different crate of CDs. And DJs can be very personable, very “let’s get this party started.” If you want live music, however, you or your friends may have a favorite band whose music you often dance to for hours. Just don’t hire any band you’ve never seen and heard perform yourself, and remember that bands aren’t always as flexible as DJs can be. Often, if your older guests hear the right type of music (‘40s swing Louis Armstrong type music, ‘50s rockabilly, or ‘70s disco), you might find yourself amazed at terpsichorean  talents you’ve never seen them display before. 

That won’t happen if you lock yourself in to the style of one band that you and your friends love. Again, what is the mood you want to set at your reception? Do you want to emphasize and honor family, or do you want the “family” type guests to leave after dinner and let you get down to partying the night away with your college pals? Neither is wrong, but you may have to make a choice, and the type of music you choose is one of the biggest factors in the tone and temperament of the evening.

Again, as with everyone you hire, choose the band or DJ you want, sign a contract, and then keep tha contract in your three-ring binder. Some things that contract should spell out:

The time they will arrive and set up
How long they will perform
What time they will stop playing
Financial terms of the contract (rate per hour)
Overtime rates
How many breaks the band will take and how
long they will last and whether there will be
recorded music during the break?

Whether the band leader or DJ will act as maste of ceremonies throughout the reception The contract should also cover liability insurance
terms of payment, and bonding information You should also be absolutely certain that the band members know where your reception is to take place and have a map to the facility. Have them communicate directly with the sales manager to make sure the people who’ll be providing them with electricity and risers understand their needs.

Keep in your three-ring binder contact information for the band, and make sure they have a number to reach the person you’ve delegated to handle logistics on your wedding day—your assistant, maid of honor, best man, or one of your parents. And don’t forget: It is considered good manners to provide a meal for your performers, one or two alcoholic beverages, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages throughout the night. Music is thirsty work! Don’t forget them when the cake is served either.

The better you treat your musicians, the more fun they’ll have, and therefore, the more fun everyone else will have. (Do not, however, make the mistake of serving them unlimited alcohol throughout the evening. One drink is hospitable; more than two is doing yourself a disservice.)