How to: Music Appreciation

Tips for booking the right act for your wedding

3. Spend wisely, but don’t settle.

When it comes to your budget, music is not the place to cut corners. “It can make or break the event. If it’s successful, people will stay and enjoy themselves until the last note is played,” says Ostroff. Don’t let your budget narrow your options — though DJs are usually cheaper than a band ($700 to $2,000 for a DJ versus $4,000 and up for an entire ensemble), you don’t necessarily have to count out live music entirely. Conversely, if you’ve decided on live music but are worried no one can do Beyoncé justice, consider music companies that can do a little of both, or hire a band and a DJ and split up the time. Says Sole: “Many couples start with live musicians to greet guests and play nice music through dinner, and then they switch to a DJ afterwards for more of a dance party.” Psst: If you’re worried your wedding song won’t sound exactly the way you heard it on the radio that night you fell in love, remember that most bands are willing to play the CD. And they won’t be offended — promise.

4. Hire professionals. Then let go.

Lots of couples try to micromanage the entertainment at their weddings. “Some want to plan things down to the minute,” says Tomassetti. “It’s better to just have a great time and let the professionals take over.” Musical entertainment pros know how to seamlessly adjust to (inevitable) changes in timing — say, if the chef needs another 10 minutes before dinner can be served — and they can feel out and respond to the crowd. Says Ostroff: “Couples should communicate their wants, but ultimately if they don’t listen to the professionals who do this every week, they’re not getting their money’s worth.” On that note, make sure you really do get a “professional”; nothing can ruin your Big Day like a DJ or band leader that introduces you and your significant other by the wrong name, hams it up on the mic or takes liberties with the open bar. Advance meetings can help you feel out the right personality for the job.


5. Think about what works when.

In the midst of booking an act for the reception, don’t forget other times or places where music can add to the ambience. There is, of course, the cocktail hour: “Cocktail music should be light and airy,” says Ostroff. “Loud enough so people can hear it, but light enough so they can talk.” Jazz trios and string quartets are elegant standbys, but a cocktail hour is also a good time to go for something a little different, especially if you’d rather stick to the basics during the reception. “We once had a steel drum band play the cocktail hour for a wedding at the Crystal Tea Room. It was a blast,” says Sole.

Similarly, the ceremony can be a great time to add musical accompaniment with a personal touch, so don’t be afraid to think outside the “Here Comes the Bride” box. For instance, an acoustic guitar can be a fun, but still refined, update to the standard aisle-walk instruments. Another easy way to modernize ceremony music is to play instrumental versions of your favorite songs; even tunes with appropriate lyrics can work — think Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s Hawaiian version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for pretty entrance music, or U2’s “Beautiful Day” for a euphoric exit. Cultural touches are perfect for the recession, too — many couples with Irish backgrounds opt for traditional bagpipe players to play as they exit. “We once had a gospel choir singing as the bride and groom left the church,” says Tomassetti. And don’t forget the rehearsal dinner — karaoke, anyone?