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Are you selecting wedding music or party music right now?
Recently we created a soft, upbeat background for a business reception in the lobby of San Francisco’s Grand Hyatt Hotel. Our job was making their good conversations easy and enjoyable.
Here we are at a quiet moment. Thanks for the photo, Melanie and Pamela.
Three years ago we entertained at Pamela’s wedding. It was a very different atmosphere, but she easily chose the right music each time. You can, too.
I write and talk about selecting wedding music and party music all the time. It SHOULD be easy and fun. Sure, you’ll need to make many decisions, but be systematic. Take the time to be sure the music fits in perfectly.
The following suggestions come from our experience. Playing nearly every day since January 1975, we’ve helped make thousands of special events memorable.
This is certainly not a complete list. Just some of the tips I hear myself offering most often.
Selecting wedding music and party music is simple — just ask yourself the right questions. They’ll help you quickly find exactly what you want. Be systematic. For example,
1. No matter what styles of music you’re considering, ask yourself first about the atmosphere you want to create.
• Picture the overall mood you want for your guests. Formal, elegant, and sophisticated? Casual and mellow? Upbeat and rousing? Soft background for conversations?
• Want a unifying theme for your event? Keep this image in mind as you select your music. Be sure you share your vision with everyone helping you plan. Be specific.
• And don’t plan just visually. What do you want your party to sound like?
• Now, whether your heart’s set on one favorite musical style, or if you’re open to a few different styles — for example, jazz, classical, top 40s, R&B, disco, mariachi, or country — examine what’s available.
2. Ask for recommendations:
• Friends and Colleagues
• Wedding Professionals (musicians, wedding coordinators, facilities, photographers, caterers, florists, decorators)
• Wedding Magazines and Entertainment Agencies
• Local Entertainment Listings (internet, newspapers, radio)
3. Contact possible bands. It’s way more than just asking “What’s your fee?”. Focus on how they’ll make your celebration exactly what you want.
4. Here are a few more points to check:
• Speak with the musician who’ll actually lead your band.
• Develop a comfortable rapport — be sure the “chemistry” is right.
• Check their experience. Get references.
• Request a tune list, check their website for music samples, and perhaps their CD.
• Arrange to hear a live performance whenever possible.
• Other practical issues: ? Can they act as MC? ? Provide a PA system? ? Provide music during their breaks? ? Additional fees for travel or overtime?
Finally, thank goodness you can choose from dozens of popular musical styles, from either a recording or a living, breathing musician.
The Magnolia Jazz Band specializes in entertaining people with the popular standards, jazz classics, and Latin favorites. Ranging from a strolling trio to a swinging sextet, we’ve got what it takes to jazz up hundreds of parties every year.
So here’s a suggestion to help you select wedding music or party music. Ask lots of questions and search systematically. You’ll get the right music to make your festivities perfect!
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Thanks for reading this article. I appreciate your interest and hope you get a few good ideas here. Got one or two? I'd love to hear what you liked. Please write me a little COMMENT below. Start a conversation -- I'll reply. Promise.
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Meanwhile, the Magnolia Jazz Band entertains at weddings and parties throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are ever nearby, you’ll love catching us in action, seeing and hearing us create a great mood.
How can I help you? Call 408-245-9120 or use [email protected]. Planning a celebration? Ask about our availability.
Hi Robbie, great post. I will tuck this wealth of information away until both of my daughters get married. Music is such a critical component to important ceremonies. Music is a universal language. It’s a way of connecting us. Choosing music should be strategic and your tips help gain clarity for people needing to make a lasting impression.
Tandy Elisala recently posted..7 part series: How to Deal with Difficult People: 3/7
Young age people like fast track music like disco, hip hop, punjabi rocks etc. In weddings, special attention is given to music and DJ. Every person want to dance in weddings of their brother, sisters or their relatives. So always try to select music which can make a man start dance without any force from others to dance on DJ. Thanks for sharing this post.
Great tips thanks for sharing this great article.. Booking entertainment for wedding day is a huge decision. It’s going to be one of the most memorable things about our big day! This is really helpful.
Thanks for the great tips on planning wedding music. I had never really though about asking wedding professionals for recommendations, but that is a good idea! You could even ask potential bands and DJs what has worked for them in the past.
Awesome post! It’s definitely important to consider the atmosphere you are wanting to create. Thanks for sharing!
This is an interesting post, for sure. I always think of weddings and event by chunk and by mood. So I like your recommendations. They fit in with mine.
Fiery recently posted..Hello world!
Thanks for sharing this article really all the information was very helpful for me.I am now
waiting for your new one.