How your wedding day is remembered is all up to you and the experiences you create. Your wedding entertainment will be one of the most memorable elements of your entire celebration. Finding the right talent requires that you consider your theme, venue and budget. These tips will help you create unforgettable experiences with your wedding entertainment.
Live Wedding Entertainment
How do you envision your wedding day? This is the big question. Your answers will make all the decisions about whether you hire live wedding entertainment or a wedding DJ. This vision encompasses everything from ceremony to reception. Consider your overall theme and tone of your special day. An elegant ballroom affair could have a harpist at the entrance and a stringed quartet in the ceremony space. If you imagine a classy ballroom dining experience, you might consider a pianist in reception area. You could also choose the sophisticated ballroom, but rock the classy space with a full band in cowboy boots. Not every couple chooses to hire talent for live performances on their wedding day, but those that do have an appreciation for art and the experience live entertainment creates.
Things to Consider
You should consider a couple of things before running out to book the band. Not every venue can accommodate the ensemble you envision. You should consider the size of the venue and any sound restrictions that might apply. There is more to consider about wedding entertainment than fitting into the space and not violating any noise ordinances. Live talent is more expensive than hiring a DJ. A live band can cost about $2,500 to $4,000. Having a DJ play recorded music can cost between $800 and $1,200 on average. The cost is very different, and so is the experience. Hosting your wedding at an all-inclusive wedding venue can save you thousands on planning your wedding day and provide a little extra in the budget for live wedding entertainment you want.
Get to Know Your Wedding Entertainment
Whether you are considering a live band or a DJ, get to know your wedding entertainment. Interviews are such an important part of the process. Booking wedding entertainment without interviewing them is like buying a car without a test drive. Your wedding entertainment should definitely be talented, but they should also have stage presence to deliver the interactive experience you want to create. You should interview more than one DJ and band. Make sure they know your songs or they are at least willing to learn them. Your wedding venue can usually help you find professional wedding entertainment.
Put it in Writing
No one wants a contract until they need one. Take the time to include the specifics in a written document and read it over. Include all the details, such as time, location, number of musicians or information related to the DJ and MC, who will provide sound and lighting equipment, time of setup, dress code, deposit information, refund policy, payment schedule, a list of the requested songs, timeline, substitute performer information, and any additional services requested. Most DJs have a photo booth experience. If you request it, make sure it is in writing. If you add anything during the process of planning, make sure the details are added to an amendment or a new contract is created.
The Master of Ceremonies
The Master of Ceremonies, commonly known as an MC, is essential to the wedding celebration. They are the announcer that creates that interactive experience with your guests. They will make introductions and follow a timeline. The MC creates a transition between music and important events. Whether you hire live wedding entertainment or a DJ, you will need an MC. The lead singer will make announcements about their next song, but will probably not make all your important announcements related to your wedding reception. Sometimes the DJ is also an MC or works with an MC. Just as with any wedding entertainment, interview your MC to make sure they have the skills to deliver the experience you want to create.
Crystal Ballroom Ocala
Bring imagination and your incredible wedding entertainment to the elegant space of Crystal Ballroom Ocala. The all-inclusive wedding venue is completely designed by professional wedding designers for you and your magical day. The venue, furnishings, décor, chinaware, bartender services, and banquet staff are all included in every wedding package. Walk the red carpet to a fairy tale at Crystal Ballroom Ocala.
