I can’t tell a lie, picking out our wedding entertainment has been BY FAR the most stressful part of planning our wedding thus far.  Picking out wedding entertainment is incredibly personal and is a big part of your overall scene.  Band or DJ, Country or top 40, five-piece or 13-piece group?  Really, there are SO many options.

 

While Ray and I still aren’t certain exactly what or whom we’ll select, here are a few tips I’ve pulled together based on our experience thus far.

 

Be incredibly specific about what you do and do NOT want out of your wedding entertainment

Do you like country?  Do you hate the YMCA?  What are your feelings on the BeeGees?  Let the groups you’re speaking to know what kind of music you’re hoping for on your big day and they might be able to provide a song list.  Understanding whether or not your preferences jive with the type of music the band or DJ plays (pardon the pun) will be your immediate yes or no.

 

Ask the musician whether they also provide ceremony music and a sound system

Whether or not the musician provides these offerings, you’ll likely be paying a bit more for these services.  Plan ahead and ask what services these groups provide and their overall costs.  While whether or not you love the entertainment is incredibly important, it’s also worthwhile to remember that you’re likely working with a budget.  It’s important to know what these costs might be to understand the full picture.

 

Request information on how they handle requests

Each band or DJ handles requests incredibly differently.  I’ve attended weddings where requests occur across the entire evening and I’ve attended weddings where they won’t consider moving off their set list.  Personally, I prefer some flexibility on this one, but it’s definitely a personal preference.  Understanding how the entertainers handle these requests will potentially give you a yes or no.

 

GO SEE THEM LIVE

If at all possible, my biggest suggestion is to DEFINITELY see them live.  We thought that one group sounded perfect for us.  The promoter understood what we were looking for, the MC was awesome, and they played exactly our type of music.  But we saw them live and they were so not our jive.  Understanding  this piece has made me ask to see every following group live.  This has made a world of difference, and I highly recommend that you do the same.

 

Ask if they have Public Liability Insurance

We haven’t gotten to this stage with anyone yet, but it will be an important question.  Many venues ask for a certificate of this insurance and won’t allow your entertainer to perform without it.  It’s worthwhile to ask this question prior to being in a potential situation where your entertainer can’t perform.

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

What makes the best entertainment for some of the weddings you’ve attended?  Since we’re still in the middle of a search, do you have any suggestions for finding the best entertainment for the evening?

Create a great life!