ENTERTAINMENT TIPS

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Why is the music I choose so important to my wedding?

Before you choose the music for your wedding, it’s important to think about the sort of event you want your friends and family to enjoy. As well as what reflects your style and personality? After the wedding day is over, what will you, your friends and family remember? If they had a great time! This can be greatly influenced by the type of entertainment and music you choose.

So, what sort of music should I choose? A DJ or live music?

Why not choose both! Some great musicians also provide DJ services as part of their wedding package.  What would be better than live acoustic music throughout your ceremony, drinks and dinner, followed by your choice of dance music to get people on the dance floor?!

Do I need music for my wedding ceremony?

This is a personal choice, however having a live musician can certainly add to the ambiance of the ceremony. Most good musicians will learn your special song to sing down the aisle.  You will also need to select a few other songs for the more formal parts of the ceremony, such as the signing of the register or walking back up the aisle as a newly married couple.

How do I choose my wedding songs and what do I need specific songs for?

You will probably already have some songs that are “your” songs as a couple. Listen to the lyrics and choose a style that suits you as a couple! (You may have very different musical tastes; it’s often fun to choose some less expected wedding songs!) If you don’t have any songs in mind, talk to your musician, they are professionals at this, and can help advise you on songs and genres that suit your style and wedding.

If you are having a more formal wedding, you will need songs for the ceremony (walking down the aisle, signing of the register, etc.), the bridal party entrance to the reception, your first dance, the cutting of the cake, the garter and bouquets toss, your farewell… and many more…. It’s really up to you and your musician to discuss and choose exactly what best suits your wedding style.

What type of wedding am I having?

It’s important to consider what type of wedding you are hoping for… do you want the music to be in the background or do you want a party atmosphere? Or both?!

HOT TIP!

Don’t forget to consider you seating arrangements!! Keep the oldies at a table well away from speaker’s; leave plenty of room for dancing; and where the speeches will take place.

How can I add to the atmosphere during my wedding reception or party?

That’s easy! Don’t forget the importance of great lighting.  Lighting will help to create the right atmosphere and ambiance! It will also have a significant impact on the mood of your guests. Lighting can always be coordinated to suit the theme of your wedding…… and it’s a great way to get people up on the dance floor!

What questions should I ask my DJ or musician… to avoid mishaps?!

Communication is the key – if they want to be part of your day – you should become friends… they need to know your music tastes (AND more importantly you musical dislikes – don’t forget to give them a list of your banned list of songs!); your musician should meet your MC, celebrant, venue manager, caterers and anyone else critical to the day.  This way they can all work together to ensure your wedding is a seamless event…… So all you have to do on the day is enjoy yourself!

Also consider, will your musician be providing all lighting and sound equipment? Don’t forget to consider the benefits of great sound equipment – no feedback, the right volume, and plenty of bass for dancing! Do you need to hire a dance floor?

Your musician should be a professional!

Your musician or DJ should be the first to arrive (everything set up before your event begins) and the last to leave – once the last guest departs the dance floor.  Leading up to your wedding day, they should be available to discuss any details or uncertainties you might have.  They do this for a living, so don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions, after all they are there to help in any way!

Chicago Charles has been a professional live music and wedding DJ for over 10 years.  Charles and his team have a wide range of knowledge regarding every aspect of your wedding music, lighting and AV requirements.