If Music be the Food of Love, Play On…
-By LatterDayBride
November 2nd 2009
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Music and dancing are so central to our sense of festivity that it is difficult to really consider an event or celebration without their presence. And this is ever so true for a wedding reception. There are many choices facing today’s bride when it comes to choosing music — and performers of almost any genre imaginable are available in most areas. The first and largest step, however, comes down to a single decision: live band or DJ?
Live Music
Budget considerations aside, live acts are generally the preferred way to entertain guests because of the special status that a band imbues to an event. “Live music just adds beauty, elegance and, frankly, class,” says the renowned classical guitarist Michael Lucarelli. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve played for weddings where the setting or food was ok, but the client and guests have told me that my playing made it a special occasion.”
Bands make an event, because they provide something in addition to great music — they provide spectacle. “A live band (a good one, anyway) is fun to watch as well as fun to dance to,” says Dave Wilbur of the top classic rock/funk/dance group Party Train. “A band can make a connection with the guests…through smiles, eye contact and general performance that just can’t be duplicated by a DJ. We’re having a great time playing, and that’s fun to watch.”
Joe Muscolino, frontman for the nine-piece jazz/standards orchestra The Joe Muscolino Band agrees: “There is energy created when a group of musicians play together and that energy is infectious. It’s a conversation between the players and the audience. It brings people to their feet and makes the music something to do. Without that connection, music is just something to listen to, or worse, just something in the background to hear. Also, bear in mind that not everybody wants to, or even can dance. A live band still gives them something to watch.”
With all of the cultural diversity present in the US, it is possible to find performers for just about any genre of music in most areas — from classical string quartets to Irish Reel Bands to hard-rockin’ tribute bands, and everything in between. But there’s no reason to pick just one. “Remember that musicians are usually paid by the hour, so it’s no problem to have different groups play during different times of the day,” suggests Lucarelli. “For example, I know that I am often hired to play a reception dinner or ring ceremony, and then I go home while a jazz or dance band takes over for the reception.”
Tips for finding a live act:
- Look for a band that has a wide repertoire and can play a broad range of styles in addition to their specialty.
- Similarly, remember that your guest list will come from many different generations. Make sure your band can play from different periods.
- Look for a band that LOVES what they do and shows it. Bored musicians usually translate into a boring event.
- They may make it look easy, but playing music is hard work and musicians need regularly scheduled breaks. Make sure to coordinate with the band leader ahead of time so that both your needs are met.
- Avoid cutting costs on entertainment if you have a choice. Not every expensive band is excellent, but every cheap band is cheap for a reason.
DJ
A band or large ensemble can get costly, so for many the choice of going with a Disc Jockey is made for them by their budget. But cost considerations aside, the chief advantages that a DJ has over a live act are those of selection and adaptability according to Craig Chambers of Disc Connection. “I know of a few bands that have a repertoire of 700 or 800 songs, and that’s really impressive! But I have ten times that number at my fingertips, and I can switch between them at the drop of a hat,” says Chambers. “Plus, they’re the original versions that people are used to. Some people love to hear a song reinterpreted, but some folks prefer what they know. Other times, couples want music that is brand new at the top of the charts, and a band may not have had time to learn that song yet.”
Eli Fillmore of Allurish Audio, suggests other benefits to having a DJ: “Unlike musicians, I don’t need to take regular breaks, and even if I do, I can queue up music to play even while I’m away. We also have a great deal more control over volume than a band does, so we can adjust our output to be appropriate for the space.”
When asked what to consider when looking for a DJ, Fillmore says it’s very important you each have the same expectations as to what the DJ’s role is. “I think it’s important for a DJ to understand the difference between providing the entertainment and being the entertainment. There are some services out there who very much take the attention away from the couple. I prefer to think of myself as a Master of Ceremonies — I orchestrate the event along, but I don’t pull focus from the real stars — the bride and groom.”
There’s another phenomenon that’s become more common in recent years that both Chambers and Fillmore say merits caution — that of “DJ iPod.” “A lot of brides are thinking they can save some money by having their friend with an iPod provide the music,” says Fillmore. “But doing this right takes pro-level equipment, expertise and practice. The guests should hear beautiful, powerful music, but not aware of how it’s getting to them. Sadly most DIY setups call attention to themselves with poor sound quality.” Chambers concurs with Fillmore. “I’ve heard boomy bass, heavily distorted sound and a lot of feedback from these setups. It distracts, or worse, annoys the guests, and frankly it wrecks the mood.”
Tips for selecting a DJ:
- Make sure your DJ understands and is listening to your ideas.
- “Must Play” and “Do Not Play” lists are useful, but don’t tie your DJs hands by being too specific or restrictive. Part of the art of being a good DJ is knowing how to get people dancing, so don’t limit their ability to work the room as needed by providing their whole play list for them.
- Look to your DJ to provide other A/V services such as sound reinforcement, microphones and sound recording.
Photography by ZumaPhoto
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