Wedding Page Wedding Tips Wedding FAQ's Bridal List Worksheet

Tip #1:  Use discretion in choosing or rejecting songs.

"Priority play" and "do not play" lists have become the norm in wedding planning.  I respect your right to make these lists and I don't object to them, however sometimes brides and grooms and bridal parties can plan themselves out of a good time.  A wedding reception lends itself to certain types of songs that can create the mood of the event and set the stage for other songs as well. 

Often times people think they know what songs their guest will want.  They are often surprised at what the audience actually responds to.  To not play (or refuse to play) certain traditional party songs, or to play songs that are either inappropriate or simply a poor choice, is the best and fastest way to "kill the party".

So you want to make "do not play" lists.  Well, that's fine.  And I certainly understand why there may be good reasons that certain songs would not be wanted.  However, most of the time, the reason is simply because "I don't like that song".  Typically, the songs that I am asked most often NOT to play by brides and grooms are the very songs that create a responsive party environment.  Songs such as:  The Electric Slide, The Hokey Pokey,  The Chicken Dance, YMCA, and others like them are all songs that people repeatedly respond to; they are songs that "work".  And though this is your wedding reception, I would respectfully ask you to reconsider making too extensive a "do not play" list. 

Certain songs are typically "party" songs and lend themselves to a party atmosphere, especially at wedding receptions.  Many times guests will ask for these songs and it can be both uncomfortable and unprofessional to have to say "no" or to have to "go ask the bride" if it is OK. 

Suggestion:  Let the band/entertainers do their job in choosing the correct songs to allow for continuity and flow of music; to create the right atmosphere and mood for a fun and successful party.  Your input is important and we will fit in the songs you request at the appropriate time in the course of events.  We will definitely honor any requests you feel strongly about, to play or not play certain songs.

Tip #2:  Set up the bandstand in an area with sufficient power source.

For a large room (a room that can seat 300 or more people we will need to have access to two 125 VAC/15Amp circuits that are in close proximity to the staging area (within 20 feet).  We cannot share the outlets with things like coffee pots or electric roasters, etc. as that may overload the circuit at the high volumes needed to fill a larger room.  For smaller rooms we need only one 125VAC/15 amp circuit.

Tip #3:  Set up the bandstand and/or stage next to(adjacent to) the dance floor

The dance floor must be next to the stage area.  This may seem like a "no brainer" but you would be surprised at some of the seating arrangements I've encountered.  Putting tables directly in front of the staging area or between the band/music separates the entertainer(s)from those who wish to enjoy the party.  It makes it very hard to interact with the dancers.

Tip #4:  Seat people who are sensitive to loud volumes furthest away from the band area.

Do not seat people that you know will be effected by "loud" music in front  of the bandstand.  Some people think the music is too loud before it even starts.  We do not typically play at uncomfortable volume levels but the closer you are to the band stand the louder the volume will be.  Please accommodate your seating for those who are sound sensitive.

Tip #5:  Allow sufficient time for pictures between the end of the wedding ceremony and the arrival at the reception hall.

Pictures can take longer than you think.  Remember, there is an event hall with potentially hundreds of guest waiting for you to arrive.  The caterers are waiting for your arrival so dinner can be served on time.  Your prompt arrival at the reception by or before the designated time determines the rest of the flow of the events of the reception.  If you're late, the whole time line has to change.

Tip #6:  Please spell all bridal party names the way you want them announced and include their phonetic spelling, also. 

No one likes to have their name mispronounced. I will go over these names with you or some one you designate before the reception to ensure that everyone's names are pronounced correctly.

Tip #7:  Upon your arrival to the reception facility, in order to avoid confusion, have the bridal party congregate in an orderly fashion in an area pre-designated so they can be announced into the the reception area.

Everyone does always arrive at the same time.  Make sure that those who may arrive earlier than others do not have to be located as this can be very time consuming.  Be sure that all bridal party member, parents, etc. come directly from the ceremony to the reception facility to be announced into the reception facility at the designated time.  

Tip #8:  Money Dance Tips: